Choosing the right school for your child is a monumental decision. For families in Orlando, Florida, the options can seem overwhelming. To help you navigate this important choice, we've compiled a list of the top 10 private schools in Orlando, highlighting their unique strengths and offerings. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision that best suits your child's needs and aspirations. Let's dive in and explore the educational landscape of Orlando!

1. Lake Highland Preparatory School

Lake Highland Preparatory School, often simply referred to as Lake Highland, consistently ranks among the top private schools in Orlando. Its reputation is built on a foundation of academic excellence, extensive extracurricular activities, and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. The school's mission centers around fostering intellectual curiosity, encouraging creativity, and instilling a sense of social responsibility in its students. Lake Highland provides a challenging yet supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions and reach their full potential.

Academically, Lake Highland offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school boasts a high graduation rate and an impressive record of college acceptances, with students attending some of the most prestigious universities in the nation. Beyond the classroom, Lake Highland offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, clubs, and organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and build lasting friendships. The school's commitment to character development is evident in its emphasis on ethical behavior, integrity, and service to others. Lake Highland strives to create a community where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to make a positive impact on the world.

Lake Highland's faculty comprises experienced and dedicated educators passionate about teaching and mentoring students. They are committed to providing personalized attention and support to help each student succeed. The school also invests heavily in its facilities, providing students with access to state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, athletic fields, and performance spaces. All these elements contribute to Lake Highland's standing as one of the premier private schools in Orlando.

2. The First Academy

The First Academy (TFA) is a Christ-centered college preparatory school known for its strong academic program and emphasis on character development. Integrating faith and learning, TFA provides a unique educational experience that prepares students for success in college and life. The school's mission is to glorify God by providing an excellent education founded upon biblical truth, equipping students to impact the world for Christ.

TFA's academic program is designed to challenge students and prepare them for the rigors of college. The school offers a wide range of courses, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. TFA also has a strong fine arts program, with opportunities for students to participate in music, drama, and visual arts. In addition to academics, TFA places a strong emphasis on character development. The school's code of conduct is based on biblical principles, and students are expected to demonstrate integrity, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their lives. TFA also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and service organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and serve their community.

The First Academy is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. The school's faculty and staff are dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. TFA's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world. For families seeking a private school that integrates faith and learning, The First Academy is an excellent choice.

3. Trinity Preparatory School

Trinity Preparatory School is a highly regarded independent school in Orlando, known for its challenging academic environment and focus on preparing students for college success. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, fostering a community where students are encouraged to explore their intellectual curiosity and develop their unique talents. Trinity Prep aims to cultivate lifelong learners who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Trinity Prep's academic program is designed to be rigorous and engaging, with a wide range of courses offered at various levels of difficulty, including honors and AP classes. The school also has a strong emphasis on the arts, with opportunities for students to participate in music, theater, and visual arts. Trinity Prep's faculty comprises experienced and dedicated educators who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. They are committed to providing personalized attention and support to help each student succeed. The school also invests heavily in its facilities, providing students with access to state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, athletic fields, and performance spaces.

Beyond academics, Trinity Prep offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and service organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and contribute to their community. Trinity Prep is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

4. Windermere Preparatory School

Windermere Preparatory School is a private, co-educational college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Part of the Nord Anglia Education network, Windermere Prep offers a global perspective and a rigorous academic program designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. The school's mission is to provide a challenging and supportive learning environment where students can develop their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership skills.

Windermere Prep's academic program is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is known for its emphasis on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. The school offers a wide range of courses, including honors and AP classes. Windermere Prep also has a strong fine arts program, with opportunities for students to participate in music, drama, and visual arts. The school's faculty comprises experienced and dedicated educators from around the world. They are committed to providing personalized attention and support to help each student succeed. Windermere Prep also invests heavily in its facilities, providing students with access to state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, athletic fields, and performance spaces.

Windermere Prep's global connections provide students with unique opportunities to learn about different cultures and perspectives. The school offers a variety of international programs, including study abroad opportunities and exchange programs. Windermere Prep is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

5. Bishop Moore Catholic High School

Bishop Moore Catholic High School is a co-educational college preparatory school rooted in the Catholic tradition. It aims to provide students with a strong academic foundation, spiritual growth, and opportunities for personal development. The school's mission is to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – in a Christ-centered environment.

Bishop Moore offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes honors and AP courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for college. The school also has a strong focus on the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, providing students with a wide range of opportunities to explore their interests and talents. Bishop Moore's faculty is composed of dedicated and experienced educators committed to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment. The school also emphasizes service to others, encouraging students to become active and engaged members of their community. With its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service, Bishop Moore Catholic High School provides a well-rounded education for its students.

6. Olympia High School

Olympia High School, while a public school, often competes with private schools in terms of academic performance and extracurricular opportunities within the Orlando area. Known for its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, Olympia High School provides students with a comprehensive high school experience.

Olympia High School offers a challenging curriculum that includes honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, ensuring that students are well-prepared for college. The school's faculty is comprised of experienced and dedicated educators committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment. In addition to academics, Olympia High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and connect with their peers. Olympia High School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world. Due to its high standards and comprehensive offerings, Olympia High School is often considered a top choice for families in the Orlando area.

7. Dr. Phillips High School

Dr. Phillips High School, another prominent public school in Orlando, stands out due to its magnet programs and renowned performing arts programs. While a public institution, it offers specialized tracks that rival the focused curricula found in many private schools. Dr. Phillips is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in college and beyond.

The school's magnet programs, such as the Visual and Performing Arts program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, attract talented students from across the region. Dr. Phillips High School offers a wide range of courses, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The school's faculty is comprised of experienced and dedicated educators who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. In addition to academics, Dr. Phillips High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and connect with their peers. The school's performing arts programs are particularly noteworthy, with award-winning theater, music, and dance departments. Dr. Phillips High School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

8. Lake Nona High School

Lake Nona High School is recognized for its innovative programs and focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This public school distinguishes itself through specialized academies and a forward-thinking approach to education, making it a strong contender in the Orlando educational landscape. Lake Nona High School is dedicated to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.

The school's STEM-focused academies offer students the opportunity to delve deeply into these fields, preparing them for careers in high-demand industries. Lake Nona High School offers a wide range of courses, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The school's faculty is comprised of experienced and dedicated educators who are committed to providing a supportive and challenging learning environment. In addition to academics, Lake Nona High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and connect with their peers. Lake Nona High School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

9. Orlando Christian Preparatory School

Orlando Christian Preparatory School (OCP) is a private school that emphasizes a Christ-centered education and academic excellence. OCP is dedicated to providing students with a challenging and supportive learning environment where they can grow spiritually, academically, and socially.

OCP offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for college. The school also has a strong focus on the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, providing students with a wide range of opportunities to explore their interests and talents. OCP's faculty is composed of dedicated and experienced educators committed to providing a nurturing and challenging learning environment. The school also emphasizes service to others, encouraging students to become active and engaged members of their community. With its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service, Orlando Christian Preparatory School provides a well-rounded education for its students.

10. Geneva School

Geneva School offers a classical Christian education that emphasizes logic, rhetoric, and a biblical worldview. This private school provides a unique approach to learning that focuses on developing critical thinking skills and a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Geneva School is committed to providing students with an education that is both academically rigorous and spiritually enriching.

The school's curriculum is based on the trivium, which includes grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Geneva School offers a wide range of courses, including Latin and Greek. The school's faculty is comprised of experienced and dedicated educators who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. In addition to academics, Geneva School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and service organizations. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, explore their interests, and serve their community. Geneva School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. The school's graduates are well-prepared for college and are equipped to make a positive impact on the world.

Choosing the right private school for your child in Orlando requires careful consideration of various factors, including academic strengths, extracurricular offerings, and the overall learning environment. This guide provides a starting point for your research, highlighting some of the top private schools in the area. Remember to visit the schools, speak with current students and parents, and carefully evaluate which school best aligns with your child's individual needs and aspirations. Good luck with your search!