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Academic Achievement: The 2018 Private High School Report Card

For this year’s annual private high school report card we worked directly with several of the area’s top institutions to get a better understanding of how their academic approach is providing students with the tools to succeed. We obtained data and information in several key areas from average SAT scores, average class size, the percentage of students attending four-year colleges and much more. (If a school does not appear in a particular chart, it is because they decided to withhold the information.)

Additionally, we asked leadership from the schools to tell us what things parents should consider when researching schools, how learning extends beyond the classroom and how prospective students can rise above during the admissions process.

School | Tuition Per Year
Trinity Prep | $22,090
Windermere Prep | $21,975
Lake Highland Prep | $21,450
The First Academy | $18,740*
Montverde Academy | $16,380
Lake Mary Prep | $15,500
The Geneva School | $14,850
The Crenshaw School | $13,000*
Foundation Academy | $12,875
The Master’s Academy | $12,755*
BishopMoore | $11,112+
Faith Christian Academy | $7,790
* Increase for grade 12
+ Increase for non-Catholic students

School | SAT: Total Score
Trinity Prep | 1370
Windermere Prep | 1260
The Geneva School | 1235
Lake Mary Prep | 1188
The First Academy | 1180
Foundation Academy | 1101
Faith Christian Academy | 1090

School | SAT Breakdown: Math | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Faith Christian Academy | 540 | 550
The First Academy | 580 | 600
Foundation Academy | 541 | 560
The Geneva School | 615 | 620
Lake Mary Prep | 610 | 578
Trinity Prep | 690 | 680
Windermere Prep | 640 | 620

School | Average Class Size
The Crenshaw School | 10
The Geneva School | 14
Lake Highland Prep | 15
Lake Mary Prep | 15
Foundation Academy | 16
The Master’s Academy | 16
Trinity Prep | 17
The First Academy | 18
Windermere Prep | 18
Bishop Moore | 25
Faith Christian Academy | 25

School | Student-to-Teacher Ratio
The Geneva School | 8:1
The Master’s Academy | 11:1
The Crenshaw School | 12:1
Trinity Prep | 12:1
Foundation Academy | 13:1
Lake Highland Prep | 13:1
Bishop Moore | 15:1
Lake Mary Prep | 15:1
The First Academy | 18:1
Windermere Prep | 18:1
Faith Christian Academy | 25:1

School | Percentage of Students Attending 4-Year Colleges
The Crenshaw School | 100%
The Geneva School | 100%
Lake Highland Prep | 100%
Lake Mary Prep | 100%
Montverde Academy | 100%
Trinity Prep | 100%
Windermere Prep | 100%
The Master’s Academy | 98%
The First Academy | 90%
Foundation Academy | 85%

School | Number of AP Classes Offered
Montverde Academy | 33
Trinity Prep | 33
Bishop Moore | 27
Lake Highland Prep | 27
Lake Mary Prep | 21
The First Academy | 20
The Master’s Academy | 16
Foundation Academy | 14
The Geneva School | 12
Faith Christian Academy | 9
Windermere Prep | 3

School | Number of Honors Classes Offered
Lake Highland Prep | 70
Trinity Prep | 53
The Geneva School | 30
The First Academy | 28
Lake Mary Prep | 25
The Crenshaw School | 20
Windermere Prep | 20
Faith Christian Academy | 19
The Master’s Academy | 19
Foundation Academy | 16
Montverde Academy | 13

PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS
We asked some of the leaders from our area’s private high schools what parents should consider when determining which institution is right for their family.

What kind of things should every parent consider when researching which private school may be the right fit for their child?

“Every child and family is different and has differing needs. It is important to know that the mission, vision and approach to learning of the school comply with the needs and values of your family. Additionally, parents should consider the learning style of their child, the location of the school, afterschool programs offered, safety, facilities and services, and any other special offerings the school may have.” — Christina Richart, assistant director, The First Academy

“When considering a private school for their child, parents should inquire about the profile of a graduate. Parents are investing in their whole child and outcomes are an important indicator of the journey their child is likely to have. They should consider the growth their child will experience at an institution. Parents should also consider requesting a shadow day for their child as this is often the best way for an applicant to understand what life at a particular school may be like.” — Byron M. Lawson Jr., head of school, Trinity Prep

“Parents should research schools based on the interest and strengths that their child possesses. For instance, knowing that a student has a love of theater but also may need help in academics, would mean finding a private school with both of those aspects to ensure the student has the sup- port necessary to excel at both. Finding the balance of how important academics are with what other opportunities exist for student growth is a great way to discover the right fit for the entire family.” — Andrea Colby, director of communications, Montverde Academy

Besides learning in the classrooms, in what ways do private schools allow for students to get other valuable lessons and experiences?

“An important focus of the Highlander experience is learning to lead by learning to serve. On the first student holiday of each school year, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students from Lake Highland Prep volunteer at 30-plus charities across Central Florida. During this voluntary day of service, more than 1,000 Highlanders use their skills, talents and passions to improve our community. Annually, Highlanders give more than 45,000 hours of sweat-equity to local charitable organizations.” — Alfred G. Harms Jr., president, Lake Highland Prep

“Ranging from sports teams to clubs and societies, there is an abundance of ways for a student to find their fit, expand their horizons and experience a variety of activities. At a school the size of Foundation Academy, students find themselves able to participate in many of those; maybe being a part of the varsity football team, serving in National Honor Society and enjoying robotics. They aren’t limited to just one option. Community service is also a requirement which ensures students are get- ting out in the community and learning through serving and experiencing the rewards it brings.” — Michelle Campbell, director of admissions and marketing, Foundation Academy

“Experiential learning is critical at Lake Mary Preparatory School. Students are challenged with hands-on learning and critical thinking development. From international travel opportunities to internships to global problem-solving courses and cross-curricular study, students are challenged to think outside the box. A diverse student body allows students to become culturally aware and prepared for success beyond [high school].” — Angel Nguyen, director of admissions and marketing, Lake Mary Prep

Because admissions can be selective, how can students make sure they stand out from the crowd and present themselves as a good fit for the school?

“Character is huge. It is always impressive to talk with students who are able to look adults in the eye, carry on lengthy dialogues, shake hands and present themselves as genuinely humble. Strong character can overcome deficits in other areas as anyone who is honest and willing to work hard will naturally be inclined toward academic success. Also, a genuine interest in learning is a beautiful thing. Schools love to invite students to join them who have a natural desire to wonder and seek truths.” — Keira Raesly, director of grammar school, The Geneva School

“It’s always great for a potential student to put his/her best foot forward during the selection process by being respectful and communicating clearly. But above all, be yourself and represent yourself honestly. If one is looking for a good fit, he/she must be sincere so the school makes its selection based on honesty. Students should be upfront about their interests, strengths, weaknesses, and yes, even past mistakes. If the school is willing to work with the student considering all those areas, then it may be the right fit.” — Brenda Crenshaw, head of school, The Crenshaw School

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s October 2018 issue.