8 Top-Rated Private Schools in Southwest Orlando

Families searching for private schools in Southwest Orlando will find a wide range of options for all grade levels. This area features well-established academies, accredited faith-based institutions, and Montessori programs that consistently yield strong academic results.

Parents in Southwest Orlando choose private schools to access smaller classes, focused instruction, and advanced college preparation.

Neighborhoods such as Dr. Phillips, Windermere, and MetroWest provide proximity to top-rated campuses. Several schools in this region hold national recognition for academics and community involvement.

School rankings, tuition levels, and test scores vary, but many institutions maintain high reputations across Florida. Parents also value after-school enrichment, academic coaching, and extracurricular engagement opportunities.

Why Families Choose Private Schools in Southwest Orlando

Most families in Southwest Orlando want consistency, safety, and strong academic performance. Parents often compare school values, educational approach, and class size before applying.

Families near Dr. Phillips and Windermere seek programs that match their specific goals, including Advanced Placement, STEM, or bilingual tracks.

Private school environments support emotional well-being and build stronger student-teacher relationships. Many schools offer personalized learning paths and mentorship programs.

Schools also involve parents more closely through events, family nights, and transparent updates on grading. Others prioritize arts, athletics, or college readiness. This region features a diverse range of private elementary schools, K-12 academies, and faith-based institutions with national recognition.

1. Windermere Preparatory School

Windermere Preparatory School ranks among the best private schools Orlando families can access. The campus sits near Lake Butler and offers an International Baccalaureate diploma program. The school provides rigorous coursework in mathematics, literature, and science, beginning at the elementary level.

Its leadership training and emphasis on public speaking set students apart. Cultural exchange programs and Model United Nations conferences build global awareness. Students participate in innovation labs and design thinking sessions.

It hosts international students and emphasizes the importance of global citizenship. Graduates attend top universities in Florida, New York, and California.

2025 Snapshot: Windermere Preparatory School

2. The First Academy

The First Academy in Orlando offers Christian-centered academics with a rigorous college preparatory program. The school integrates biblical teachings with core subjects and extracurricular activities. It has a strong athletic program and a performing arts department.

Advanced leadership courses and mission-based trips support character development. STEM labs and speech competitions enrich academic variety. The curriculum also emphasizes critical thinking and spiritual growth.

Families who prefer faith-based schools in Southwest Orlando value its chapel sessions and leadership training. The campus maintains strict discipline and parent involvement.

Academic Results and Community Stats

3. Lake Highland Preparatory School

Lake Highland Preparatory School attracts families who prioritize science and technology. It holds one of the highest rankings among private schools in Orlando, due to its consistent AP results and the number of National Merit Scholars it produces.

Lake Highland also invests in environmental science programs and artificial intelligence projects. Makerspaces and digital research hubs are available on campus. Internship partnerships with Orlando-area businesses provide real-world exposure.

Teachers utilize project-based methods to prepare students for careers in engineering and healthcare. The school also supports strong visual and performing arts programs.

4. Trinity Preparatory School

Trinity Prep, located near Winter Park, offers both academic and creative opportunities. It ranks high among private high schools near Dr. Phillips for its strong arts track. The music program includes orchestra, jazz, and classical vocal training.

Dance studios, writing festivals, and art exhibitions fill the school calendar. Students often participate in state and national competitions in theater and design. Portfolio reviews, artist mentorships, and student-led performances are routine.

Visual arts students can join studios specializing in design, sculpture, or digital arts. The school sends graduates to NYU, UCLA, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.

5. Montverde Academy

Montverde Academy offers a comprehensive K-12 private education on a spacious, wooded campus northwest of Orlando. It serves both day and boarding students. The school emphasizes long-term academic consistency, mentorship, and leadership development.

Students benefit from international exposure, with peers from over 60 countries. Advanced language programs and elite athletic leagues enhance diversity. Annual academic symposiums, research fairs, and business incubators add to college prep.

Many students begin in lower school and graduate with dual enrollment college credits. Athletic facilities support programs in basketball, soccer, and tennis with national attention.

Montverde Academy Rankings (2025)

6. Montessori World School

Montessori World School provides a distinctive academic environment founded on independence and sensory exploration. Located in Southwest Orlando, the school teaches children in multi-age classrooms with individual guidance. Students move through hands-on lessons in language, math, and science.

Foreign language exposure and outdoor ecological studies form part of the curriculum. Students learn responsibility through classroom roles and community care.

Each child creates a personal academic portfolio with the support of their teacher. There is no letter grading system. Progress is tracked through journals, projects, and peer presentations.

Families who prefer private Montessori education in Orlando appreciate this approach for its emphasis on student freedom and real-world learning focus. The school accepts preschool through middle school levels. Teachers hold certified Montessori training and participate in continued development workshops.

7. Bishop Moore Catholic High School

Bishop Moore Catholic High School serves high school students with an intense focus on college preparation and religious values. Located near downtown, many Southwest Orlando families choose it for its academic excellence and moral guidance. The school offers over twenty AP and honors courses.

College counselors help students plan pathways to Ivy League and state universities. SAT prep programs and alums mentorships strengthen application strategies. Community service hours and ethics units are part of the graduation requirements.

Students participate in community service, athletics, and mission trips. Its alums attend universities such as Notre Dame, UF, and Georgetown.

8. The Crenshaw School

Families searching for affordable private elementary schools in Orlando often explore the Crenshaw School. Located near MetroWest, it offers small classes, reading-focused curriculum, and early STEM education. The school follows a mastery approach with no standard testing pressure.

Students build learning portfolios and receive weekly feedback. Teachers encourage inquiry and curiosity through child-led projects. Parents value transparent communication and regular progress meetings.

It serves grades K through 6 with an option to continue into middle and high school. Tuition costs are lower than most accredited private schools in Orlando.

Admission Facts and Tuition Breakdown

Families relocating to Orlando frequently inquire about tuition ranges and the application process. Private school tuition in Orlando can start at $ 7,000 USD and reach over $ 35,000 USD, based on grade level and type of school. Montessori and religious schools often fall in the mid-range.

Some campuses provide tuition assistance based on parent income and academic merit. Online portals often manage deadlines, test requirements, and application tracking.

Application deadlines usually fall between November and February. Some schools offer scholarships, sibling discounts, and need-based aid.

Parents must apply early, often a year before the term starts. Schools request report cards, test scores, interviews, and sometimes student essays. Appointments are typically required for tours at most institutions.

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child

Choosing among the top-rated schools in Southwest Orlando depends on your goals. Academic style, religious values, and extracurricular focus all play a role. Some parents value a small class size.

Others want test score outcomes or character education. Financial planning and commuting distance also play a role. Visiting campuses and speaking with admissions staff helps families match needs with the school’s mission. Observing daily routines and inquiring about support services provides valuable insights.

Some parents seek schools with strong support for student mental health and counseling. Others prefer institutions that emphasize leadership or entrepreneurship in middle school.

Consider how schools handle transitions between grade levels or provide peer mentoring. Evaluating campus safety measures and communication practices is also critical. Trial days and classroom observations help families see how students interact with staff and peers.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Private schools in Southwest Orlando offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities that reflect each school’s mission and the interests of its students. These programs go beyond recreation. They reinforce leadership, academic depth, and personal growth.

Most schools support athletic teams that compete at the district or national levels. Others focus on music ensembles, art studios, journalism, or mock trials.

Debate teams, coding clubs, chess tournaments, and science Olympiads round out academic options. Some schools integrate service-based projects with leadership training, where students lead drives, fundraisers, or outreach work.

Families often use extracurricular options as a key factor when comparing private schools in Orlando. Participation in clubs and teams can also enhance college applications. The chart below compares standard offerings across leading campuses:

Extracurricular Programs by School (2025)

Students interested in the arts often find strong support at Trinity Prep and Bishop Moore, both of which host full theater seasons and music recitals. Lake Highland and Windermere Preparatory lead in STEM, with regular robotics tournaments and science labs beyond the classroom.

Montverde Academy and The First Academy offer structured service trips that tie into global learning.

Language clubs and Model UN are most active at Trinity Prep, Windermere, and Montverde, where students can pursue enrichment in Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Montessori programs offer fewer extracurricular activities but focus on developing life skills, promoting independence, and showcasing projects.

Testimonials and Parent Opinions

Many parents who enrolled their children in private schools in Southwest Orlando shared consistent themes. They praised structure, safety, and growth. A mother from Windermere said her daughter became more confident through her school’s leadership program.

A father near Dr. Phillips mentioned that small classes helped his son catch up in reading. A recent graduate noted that her arts program significantly influenced her college decision and creative focus.

A teacher praised faculty collaboration and student engagement as key strengths. Others pointed to art programs and strong college support as key factors in their decision.

“We wanted more than academics. Our son’s school gave him a voice, not just a grade,” said a parent from MetroWest. Another family shared, “The teachers know our daughter—her strengths, her fears, and her goals.”

One parent commented that their child with learning differences finally felt seen after transferring to a new school. “For the first time, my child is excited to go to class,” they said. Others appreciated how schools helped students manage stress and develop time management skills.

Graduates also reflect on how the schools shaped their paths. One alumnus said, “My college professors noticed how prepared I was from day one. I owe that to my high school guidance team.” Parents and students emphasized trust, support, and communication as lasting benefits.

Alum Reflections and Their Success

Graduates of private schools in Southwest Orlando often credit their schools with more than academic readiness. Many people speak about how specific teachers, programs, or peer experiences shaped their life direction.

A former student from Lake Highland Preparatory shared, “My time in robotics club taught me discipline, teamwork, and time management. I now study engineering and still use what I learned every day.”

A Montverde Academy graduate reflected, “Living with students from other countries gave me a global mindset. I entered college already used to diversity and discussion.”

Alums from Trinity Prep often highlight the arts. One former student said, “I got into NYU because my school let me build a strong portfolio and perform on stage every semester.”

Another alumnus from The First Academy mentioned the impact of values-based education: “The school taught me how to lead with principle. I took those lessons into my business career.”

Many also praise the support systems. A graduate from Windermere Preparatory recalled, “My counselor knew me better than anyone. She helped me choose a path that made sense, not just one that looked impressive.”

These reflections demonstrate how Southwest Orlando’s top-rated private schools leave lasting impressions not only in grades but also in confidence, direction, and identity.

Final Thoughts

Private schools in Southwest Orlando cater to a diverse range of students with various educational goals. Whether your family seeks academic challenge, spiritual instruction, or flexible learning methods, there are strong options available.

Campus visits, student shadow days, and parent references make a difference. Researching academic outcomes and social support structures builds confidence.

Visiting schools, comparing tuition, and speaking with parents gives a fuller picture. Each campus has strengths.

What matters most is finding a place that matches your child’s needs, supporting both personal and academic growth.

FAQ