A quality education at private schools can place students on the fast track to a successful life after graduation. Whether secular or faith-based, these schools offer advanced curriculum, many extracurriculars and enrichment classes that provide valuable knowledge and meaningful experiences. They provide a direct path toward the best colleges and careers, preparing students to triumph through obstacles in life. Parents can be more involved in their children’s education and form relationships with teachers at private schools.
Families have several quality private schools to choose from in Greater Gainesville. Whatever path students and their families may choose, local institutions offer innovative learning methods to suit every unique mind, learning style, ability and aspiration.
Many local private schools are highly ranked by review sites. Among GG’s highest ranked private institutions are the Oak Hall School and Saint Francis Catholic Academy, both in Gainesville.
Factoring together the next-level education that private schools provide, with the abundance of quality institutions in the area, and it becomes clear that local students will have every opportunity for success.
Best Private Schools in Greater Gainesville
Oak Hall School (A+)
Saint Francis Catholic Academy (A)
Cornerstone Academy (A-)
Countryside Christian School (A-)
The Rock School (B+)
— Niche, 2022
Private Schools of Greater Gainesville
- B’Nai Israel Community Day School
- Brentwood School
- Christian Life Academy
- Cornerstone Academy
- Countryside Christian School
- Florida Autism Center Private School
- Flowers Montessori School
- Gainesville Christian Community School
- Gainesville Country Day School
- Laniakea Montessori School
- Millhopper Montessori School
- Morning Meadow Preschool and Kindergarten
- Newberry Christian Community School
- Oak Hall School
- PASSAGE Christian Academy
- Queen of Peace Academy
- Patrick Interparish School
- Saint Francis Catholic High School
- The Rock School
- Trilogy School
- Westwood Hills Christian Preschool
- Windsor Christian Academy
- Z L Sung Sda School
Best in Class Spotlight
Oak Hall School
In the Rankings
Florida
- 25 Best College Prep Private High School
- 29 Best Private K-12 School
- 37 Best Private High School
Alachua County
- 1
- Best High School for Athletes
- Best High School for STEM
- Best College Prep Private High School
- Best Private High School
- Best Private K-12 School
— Niche, 2022
By the Numbers
- Prekindergarten through 12th grade
- 745 students
- 10:1 student-teacher ratio
- Graduation rate 100%
- 98% college enrollment rate
- Average SAT score 1280
- Average ACT score 30
- 25 AP courses
- 14 sports
- 33 extracurriculars
- Four performing arts shows annually
Just the Facts
- AP Capstone Program school
- Member of:
- National Association of Independent Schools
- Florida Council of Independent Schools
- Southern Association of Independent Schools
- Some signature programs include:
- Speech and Debate
- Youth in Government
- Junior Classical League
- The chess program has won national awards
Oak Hall School’s focus is on the ideals of “Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.” The school serves students from diverse backgrounds who rise to the challenge of a dynamic college preparatory program. Oak Hall’s reach beyond the classroom is enhanced by a plethora of clubs and meaningful extracurriculars. Recognized at the local, state and national level in many cases, their signature programs are led by inspirational faculty and sponsors.
Lower school, or elementary age, students participate in special area classes including music, art, library, Spanish, PE and technology. Beginning in junior kindergarten, students learn how to play chess, which contributes to critical thinking and logical sequencing.
Beginning in sixth grade, students participate in an advisory program with dedicated faculty and counselors focused on providing social, emotional, and academic support. All middle school students participate in the STEM program and can apply to the advanced math and science track.
While college counseling officially begins in eighth grade, Oak Hall is a college preparatory school so the path to a bright future begins on day one.
Each upper school student has their own faculty advisor and a full-time college counselor. Oak Hall offers SAT and ACT preparation, as well as assistance with preparing college essays. The college counselors help students each step of the way of the college admissions process.
By Jewell Tomazin