Montverde Academy

As a new school year begins, families across Central Florida are once again thinking about the educational opportunities that will help their children thrive. In this year’s Orlando Family Magazine Private High School Report Card, we shine a spotlight on some of the area’s leading schools and the unique ways they prepare students for what comes next. From academic achievement and college preparation to personalized attention and campus life, we’ve gathered key information directly from local schools—including tuition, average SAT scores, student-to-teacher ratios and more. We also spoke with school leaders about what makes a private education distinctive and the important questions families should consider when choosing the right school for their child.

Finding the right private school takes more than comparing tuition rates and academic offerings. Every child—and every family—is different, which makes asking the right questions an important part of the process. We reached out to local private school leaders to get their insights on the key considerations families should keep in mind, from academics and student life to teaching styles, support and the overall school experience.

Beyond test scores, how can parents know whether a school is the right fit? How can they learn more about the culture outside the classroom?

“This is perhaps the most revealing question a parent can ask, because it gets beyond marketing materials to the heart of a school’s culture. A school that can clearly describe its ideal student—and honestly acknowledge who might not be the best fit—is one that is genuinely invested in each child’s success rather than just enrollment numbers. Parents should also ask what the school is actively working to improve and why families most often choose to leave; the answers reveal a school’s self-awareness and commitment to growth. … Parents should listen for specific, concrete examples—not vague assurances—about how the school differentiates instruction, intervenes when students struggle, and extends learning when students excel.”

— David Bernatavitz, assistant head of school, upper school and student affairs, Montverde Academy

“Test scores only tell part of a school’s story. Parents should visit campus, attend events, talk with families and observe the relationships between students, teachers, coaches and leaders—the right school should not only challenge a student academically, but also reinforce the family’s values and help shape who that student is becoming.”

–Joseph Cioffi, director of marketing and communications, Foundation Academy

What’s one question that you wish more parents would ask?

“I wish more parents would ask, ‘Who will really know my child here?’

“Families understandably ask about class size, programs, athletics and college placement, but the quality of a student’s experience often comes down to relationships. Who notices when they are thriving? Who recognizes when something is off? Who challenges them when they are capable of more?

“The best schools are not simply places where students attend classes. They are communities where young people are known well enough for adults to recognize both their potential and what they need in order to reach it.”

— Denise Turner, director of admissions and financial aid, Trinity Preparatory School

“I wish more parents would ask, ‘How will this school continue to meet my child’s needs as they grow and change?’ The right school shouldn’t just be a good fit for who your child is today; it should offer the flexibility, resources and pathways to support who they may become five or even 10 years from now. Especially when choosing a school that spans multiple grade levels, it’s important to understand what that educational journey can look like.”

–Angel Nguyen, director of marketing, admissions and communication, Windermere Preparatory School

“Your child is more than a nameless face in a crowd. Each student is a unique individual with interests, gifts, strengths, flaws and challenges, who arrives at school hoping for connection and belonging amid the array of activities, assignments and commitments they face daily. At Geneva, we understand that our calling is to educate the whole child for life and faith. We would encourage parents to ask how Geneva prepares students for life’s challenges.”

— Katie Deatherage, director of advancement, The Geneva School

How important are extracurricular opportunities for helping students discover more about themselves?

“Extracurricular opportunities are an essential part of helping students discover who they are, what they love and how they can contribute to the world around them. At Bishop Moore, we provide students with countless avenues to explore their interests and develop their God-given talents, from the arts, athletics, robotics, service and leadership to faith and countless clubs representing a wide range of interests.

“These experiences often help students uncover passions they may not have known they had and discover interests they may choose to pursue in college and beyond.”

—Sarah Luter, director of communications, office of advancement, Bishop Moore Catholic High School

How do you define success in college placement?

“Success is when we’ve helped a student find the right next step and, importantly, helped them become ready to take that step. At Lake Highland, we’re fortunate to have students with a wide range of interests, strengths, goals and aspirations. Therefore, a successful outcome is one in which the student has found a place that is a genuine fit for who they are. If a student leaves Lake Highland knowing themselves, understanding what they value and feeling confident about where they’re headed, I would consider that a very successful college counseling outcome.”

–Camille Kuperman, dean of college counseling, Lake Highland Preparatory School

“Success in college placement means helping students find schools that are a good fit for their goals, interests and personality. I want students to feel confident in their choices and know they have a balanced list with options where they can succeed. Most importantly, I want each student to feel that their college choice is the right next step for them, both academically and personally.”

–Cameron Smith, college counselor, Lake Mary Preparatory School

What role should parents play in the school community, and what level of involvement is expected? 

“Monitoring students’ academic progress and keeping them accountable. Encouraging and teaching students to self-advocate and showing up at events so parents can stay connected and informed. Our students are faced with many challenges in their early stages of life, and it’s important that our parents are involved and present as support. Support can take on various forms, but setting healthy—and sometimes hard—boundaries will help our students grow stronger and well-rounded as adults.”

–Joyce Kwak, upper school principal, The First Academy