Metro Orlando Private School Overview

If you are a parent thinking about private education options, consider the following questions when inquiring.

First of all, the term "private" shall refer to all non-public schools in Metro Orlando. However, there are different kinds of private schools. There are parochial, denominational and non-denominational, among others.

Parochial refers to schools which are part of a system organized by a particular denomination or religion. The Catholic Church is the largest of these groups with about 2.5 of the approximately 5 million private school students nationwide. Denominational schools also operate under the auspices of a particular religious denomination, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran, Hebrew etc.

Proprietary schools are private schools owned and operated by individuals, are run as businesses and for-profit. Parents need to find out if educators as well as businesspeople are involved in the establishment and operation of these schools.

How can I tell if a particular private school has a quality program?

Private schools employ standard tests to measure student progress, and a parent can ask about these. Find out what colleges and universities are attended by graduates of each school. Ask questions about programs, instruction, curriculum and texts. The most useful information may be to do with the school's educational philosophy and how well it meshes with your, the parent's, outlook. Spiritual and ethical values are another important factor for many parents today. Visit each school of interest by appointment, or during an open house. Consider each of these things:

• Is the school only for students of high academic ability and achievement, or are average students encouraged to attend?



• What do they consider learning difficulties?



• Are there special programs, or do they mainstream students with moderate learning difficulties?



• What kind of testing do they do? Standardized or individual?



• Other things to ask about are: student-teacher ratios, total enrollment, costs, before and after school care, school accreditation and teacher certification. Florida schools are accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.