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In Hillsborough, the options include 137 private schools

 
Students at Tampa Preparatory School work on programing robots in a STEM class. Tampa Prep is one of 137 private schools in Hillsborough County, giving families a large selection. [Times (2013)]
Students at Tampa Preparatory School work on programing robots in a STEM class. Tampa Prep is one of 137 private schools in Hillsborough County, giving families a large selection. [Times (2013)]
Published Nov. 14, 2018

In Hillsborough County and across the nation, the vast majority of families continue to choose traditional public schools. But private school enrollment in Florida has generally been on the rise in Florida for the last 10 years — from 321,298 students in 2008 to more than 370,000 students last school year.

In 2017-18, private school students comprised nearly 12 percent of kindergarten through 12th-grade enrollment across the state.

The choices include religious schools, independent and secular schools, and schools for students with disabilities or special needs in every grade level. Some are a combination of all of the above.

In the coming weeks and months, many private schools in Hillsborough County will hold open houses to welcome potential students for the 2019-20 academic year, just as public schools will be doing. For a full list, visit the Florida Department of Education website, fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/private-schools.

Many of the county's 137 private schools are listed here:

Academy Prep Center Of Tampa Inc.

"Our mission is to inspire and empower students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support."

1407 E Columbus Drive, Tampa; 5-8; academyprep.org/tampa; (813) 248-5600

American Youth Academy Inc.

"AYA's mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating Islamic environment to produce future leaders, who will have achieved academic excellence, are morally and socially responsible citizens, and are well-equipped to interact with the community around them and the world at large."

5905 E 130th Ave., Tampa; PreK-12; ayatampa.org; (813) 987-9282

Bayshore Christian School

"An educational climate that is academically excellent and unashamedly Christian. Our faculty and staff guide students through a methodical process of learning that focuses on core knowledge enriched with the arts, technology, foreign language, and athletics."

3909 S Macdill Ave., Tampa; PreK-12; bayshorechristianschool.org; (813) 839-4297

Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

"We provide quality Christian education, small classes and caring faculty, and have expanded to two campuses to serve Hillsborough County."

2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon; PreK-8; bsbacademy.com; (813) 689-9183

Berkeley Preparatory School

"Berkeley educates the whole child by nurturing students' intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical development so they may attain their highest potential. Our philosophy encompasses a balanced curriculum of academics and arts, clubs and activities, competitive sports and community service."

4811 Kelly Road, Tampa; PreK-12; berkeleyprep.org; (813) 885-1673

Brandon Academy

"An IB program is offered for Grades 11 and 12. The school has a faculty-student ratio of 11:1. This makes it possible to best address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs of students."

801 Limona Road, Brandon; PreK-12; brandon-academy.com; (813) 689-1952

Cambridge Christian School

"While many schools claim to offer a college preparatory education, we feel it is important to provide students with a 'life preparatory' experience. Life preparation speaks of a strong foundation for students to flourish, where a biblical world view cannot be undervalued."

6101 N Habana Ave., Tampa; PreK-12; ccslancers.com; (813) 872-6744

Carrollwood Day School

"The mission of Carrollwood Day School is to create entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society. We provide strong character-based education emphasizing problem-solving skills and philanthropic understanding."

1515 W Bearss Ave., Tampa; PreK-12; carrollwooddayschool.org; (813) 920-2288

Center Academy-Riverview

"A fully accredited, independent private school, family-operated since 1968, providing a college prep curriculum for students with learning disabilities in grades 4-12. Our staff and teachers are experienced with a range of learning disabilities and challenges."

10518 Riverview Drive, Riverview; 4-12; centeracademy.com; (813) 677-7777

Central Baptist Christian School

"The goal of this school is to not only help the students make a living one day, but also make a life; to be able to make informed decisions based not only on academic knowledge but also a biblical world view."

402 E Windhorst Road, Brandon; PreK-12; cbcslions.com; (813) 689-6133

Citrus Park Christian School

"Our entire academic program is college prep, offering honors and AP classes. We strive every day to love each student as Jesus does and to help prepare them for the road to success."

7705 Gunn Highway, Tampa; PreK-12; citrusparkchristianschool.com; (813) 920-3960

Community Montessori School

"A prepared environment that responds to the developmental needs of the age group and cultivates each child's unique human potential by adhering to Montessori's principles."

Webb Road campus: 4930 Webb Road, Tampa; 3-6; (813) 886-2050

Civic campus: 8411 Civic Road, Tampa; 6-15; (813) 886-3969

communitymontessori.org

Corbett Preparatory School Of IDS

"Corbett Prep weaves together multiple best practices in education: research-based knowledge about multiple intelligences and how the brain learns; intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development; the power of active learning; and a gifted framework that appreciates the uniqueness of each student."

12015 Orange Grove Dr., Tampa; PreK3-8; corbettprep.com; (813) 961-3087

Faith Christian Academy

"Faith Christian Academy will deliver education with high moral standards, passion in education and through a demonstration of understanding biblical principles."

905 W Terrace Drive, Plant City; PreK-12; fcapc.com; (813) 473-2090

Grace Christian School

"The mission of Grace Christian School is to provide the highest quality of education based upon biblical principles."

1425 N Valrico Road, Valrico; PreK-12; gracechristianschool.com; (813) 689-8815

Hebrew Academy Of Tampa Bay

"We see each child as a unique and precious gift entrusted into our care. ... Emphasis is placed on the individual child and encouraging each child's innate thirst for knowledge."

14908 Pennington Road, Tampa; PreK-8; hebrewacademyoftampa.com; (813) 963-0706

Hillel Academy Tampa Bay

"The mission of Hillel Academy is to provide a superior education that encourages a love of learning and a strong Jewish identity. To achieve that mission, we aim to instill the following values in all of our students: The drive and effort needed to attain the highest possible level of personal achievement; respect for self, school, and community; pride in heritage and identity; and strong academic abilities."

2020 W Fletcher Ave., Tampa; K-8; hillelacademytampa.com; (813) 963-2242

Hillsdale Christian Academy

"HCA seeks out rigorous, dynamic curriculum in all subject areas, giving each student a solid foundation to build on. Certified teachers challenge, inspire, and mentor each student."

6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa; PreK-12; hcatampa.org; (813) 884-8250

Immanuel Lutheran School

"Highlights include: Dual accreditation by the Florida Department of Education and by the National Lutheran School Accreditation, preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds ... full curriculum including computer instruction, P.E., Spanish, music and middle school electives."

2913 John Moore Road, Brandon; PreK-8; lsbrandon.com; (813) 685-1978

Keystone Prep High School
"A college preparatory high school serving students who think and learn differently. Personalized learning plans and an 8:1 student-teacher ratio help students who have been struggling in traditional school environments thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, and find success in college and in life."
18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa; grades 9-12; keystoneprep.org; (813) 264-4500

Ruskin Christian School

"The close personal instruction with a family atmosphere attracts parents who are seeking an accepting and friendly environment for their children."

820 College Ave. W, Ruskin; PreK-12; ruskinchristianschool.net; (813) 645-6441

Saint Johns Episcopal Parish Day School

"The oldest Episcopal school in West Central Florida, with a history of excellence in education that results in stellar students. ... Our students grow into caring and successful adults who are equipped for our ever-changing world."

240 S Plant Ave., Tampa; PreK-8; stjohnseagles.org; (813) 849-4200

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School

"Having an enrollment of fewer than 500 students is the ideal size where every child is known and followed. Our academic program challenges students while preparing them for success in the most rigorous secondary programs. At the same time, our full enrichment offering allows students to explore their potential in athletics, arts, technology, global studies, and more."

2101 S Hubert Ave., Tampa; PreK-8; smeds.org; (813) 258-5508

Tampa Preparatory School

"Internationally recognized by Apple Inc. as one of the most innovative schools in the world ... An environment of innovation and creativity that in the end places the school on the cutting edge of the use of technology as a tool for learning."

727 W Cass St., Tampa; 6-12; tampaprep.org; (813) 251-8481