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In Pasco, nearly 50 private schools offer families another option

 
Sister Alice Ottapurackal, principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, watches as Tyler Curtis, then a third-grade student,  works on a SmartBoard doing math problems. The school is one of 47 private schools in Pasco County. [Times (2013)]
Sister Alice Ottapurackal, principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, watches as Tyler Curtis, then a third-grade student, works on a SmartBoard doing math problems. The school is one of 47 private schools in Pasco County. [Times (2013)]
Published Nov. 5, 2018

In Pasco 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 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.

As the current school year progresses, many private schools in Pasco 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 of private schools, visit the Florida Department of Education website, fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/private-schools.

Many of the county's 47 private schools are listed here:

Academy at the Lakes

"Founded in 1992 as an independent, co-educational, non-denominational college preparatory school. ... A learning community of shared values dedicated to the success of each individual at school, in the community, and in the world. We celebrate the love of learning and the joy in the journey."

Academyatthelakes.org

Wendlek Campus: 2220 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes; PreK3-grade 4; (813)948-7600

McCormick Campus: 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes; grades 5-12; (813) 948-7600

Bishop Larkin Catholic School

"The education our students receive here is not an end in itself, it is a means to a greater end - knowing, loving and serving God. ... Bishop Larkin Catholic School dedicates itself to the mission of educating student within a Christian framework following the guidelines of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg."

8408 Monarch Drive, Port Richey; PreK-8; bishoplarkin.org; (727) 862-6981

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High

"A Christ-centered education that nurtures the development of the whole person and prepares young men and women to meet successfully the challenges of our global society."

13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill; 9-12; bmchs.com; (727) 857-2600

Center Academy-Lutz

"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, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum/Asperger's."

1520 Land O'lakes Blvd. Suite. D, Lutz; 4-12; centeracademy.com; (813) 909-9442

East Pasco Adventist Academy

"Our academic program is enhanced by including worship, Bible study, physical education, music education with performing groups and private lessons, a computer lab, and computers and additional technology in all classrooms."

38434 Centennial Road, Dade City; PreK-8; epaacademy.org; (352) 567-3646

Elfers Christian School

"Our academic programs have been developed to provide high-quality academic instruction in an environment where prayer, Bible study and Christian textbooks are the norm."

5630 Olympia St., New Port Richey; PreK-12; elferschristianschool.org; (727) 845-0235

Faith Baptist Academy

"We provide an orderly, organized classroom where working hard and doing right are the accepted standard, and the teacher is the authority in the classroom. ... Your child will find it easier to concentrate on his or her work, and develop positive character traits naturally."

6300 Oakley Blvd., Wesley Chapel; 20 months - grade 6; fbawesleychapel.org; (813) 907-9462

Florida Freedom Academy

"Whether you choose to do all of the teaching yourself or have some of your teaching done through tutors and co-ops, you can successfully homeschool your child. ... We can help you with the details."

2215 Madaca Lane, Suite 107, Land O Lakes; K-12; floridafreedomacademy.com; (813) 416-0745

Genesis School

"A coeducational day school for students two years old through grade 5. We provide a challenging academic curriculum which allows each student to progress academically, physically and socially. Students In addition to academic areas, students also receive instruction in Spanish, art, music, computers, library, and physical education each week from specialty teachers.

New Port Richey Campus: 6609 River Road, New Port Richey; (727) 845-1111

Trinity Campus: 8100 Mitchell Ranch Road, Trinity; (727) 372-9333

Longleaf Campus: 3035 Alachua Place, Trinity; (727) 375-2664

genesiselementary.com

Genesis Preparatory School

"An excellent college preparatory education for students from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Honors, Advanced Placement, and dual-enrollment classes in area colleges are part of the GPS program. GPS also offers a comprehensive fine arts program of music, art, and drama, and students in our athletic program compete successfully against area schools.

7710 Osteen Road, New Port Richey; 6-12; genesisprep.com; (727) 846-8407

Grace Christian Schools of Pasco

"Grace Christian School started in 1979, making it the oldest Christian school with traditional classes in our area. ... We have a wonderful long-standing Christ-centered academic program that keeps current with state requirements. ... A ministry of Grace Bible Church."

9403 Scot St., Hudson; K5-12; gracechristianschoolfl.com; (727) 863-1825

Heritage Academy

"A Christian school that has been in operation since 1998, and is a ministry of Oasis World Outreach. ... Your child will receive a strong foundational education, be instilled with a love of learning, and develop Christian character traits that will prepare them for a successful future."

35636 Highway 54 W, Zephyrhills; PreK-8; heritageacademyschool.org; (813) 782-7848

Land O' Lakes Christian School

"A ministry of First Baptist Church of Land O' Lakes, founded in 1978 to provide a high-quality education for Christian families. Our faculty and staff are all Christians and the Bible is integrated in the entire program."

5105 School Road, Land O' Lakes; PreK-12; fbclol.org/lolcs; (813) 996-2651

Saddlebrook Preparatory School

"Our academic program ... offers small classes and innovative instruction in a college preparatory curriculum. Our school works in unison with rigorous tennis and golf programs to develop responsible citizens and promote a commitment to lifelong learning."

5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel; 3-12; saddlebrookprep.com; (813) 907-4300

St. Anthony Catholic School

"Our school mission is to build solid faith foundations and academic excellence while developing the whole child for an eternal future in God's kingdom. We believe in prayer and spirituality, community, relationships and academic achievement."

12155 Joe Herrmann Drive, San Antonio; K-8; stanthonyschoolfl.org; (352) 588-3041

World Of Knowledge - A Montessori School

"All children are treated equally, with respect and gentility. All successes, great and small, are given equal recognition. The children are encouraged to appreciate their own accomplishments, opinions, insights and feelings, rather than rely upon praise from an adult. Emphasis is placed on the process and effort."

1935 Abacus Road, Holiday; PreK-8; worldofknowledge-fl.com; (727) 934-3028

Zephyrhills Christian Academy

"Utilizes the Accelerated Christian Education Program as core curriculum (which) allows students to progress based upon their placement and their abilities. Students are able to receive one-on-one assistance when needed and are able to excel in areas of interest."

34927 Eiland Blvd, Zephyrhills; K-12; zcawarriors.us; (813) 779-1648