Private & Specialty Schools in Ocala
Find the best private schools, academies, and specialty education options in Marion County. Compare programs, tuition, and find the right fit for your child.
Ocala offers diverse private and specialty school options for families seeking alternatives to public education. Top choices include:
- St. John Lutheran School – K3-12, Christ-centered education, 95% college acceptance
- Trinity Catholic High School – 9-12, college-prep, founded 2000, 98% college attendance
- Ocala Preparatory Academy – K-12, holistic education, 8:1 student-teacher ratio
- Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks – Grades 6-8, academy programs, character development
Tuition ranges from $5,000-$14,000 annually depending on grade level and school. Many schools offer financial aid and payment plans.
Private Elementary Schools in Ocala
St. John Lutheran School
Ocala • Grades K3-12
Serving Ocala families since 1964, St. John Lutheran School combines academic excellence with Christ-centered values. Students maintain an impressive 4.25 average GPA with 95% college acceptance rate and 100% college freshman retention.
Tuition Range
$6,000-$14,000/year
Trinity Catholic Elementary
Ocala • Grades Pre-K-8
Part of Trinity Catholic system, offering rigorous college-prep curriculum with Christ-centered education. Features small class sizes and individualized attention to student learning needs.
Tuition Range
$5,500-$9,500/year
Ocala Preparatory Academy
Ocala • Grades K-12
Faith-based Christian private school founded in 2016. Features holistic K-12 education focusing on mind, body, and spirit with an exceptional 8:1 student-teacher ratio and hands-on, project-based learning.
Tuition Range
$4,500-$8,000/year
The Cornerstone School
Ocala • Grades Pre-K-8
Independent, non-profit school founded in 1982, known for innovative instruction inspiring creative thinkers. Ranks in the top 20% of Florida private schools with individualized learning approaches.
Tuition Range
$6,500-$9,500/year
Private & Independent Middle Schools
St. John Lutheran School (Middle Grades)
Ocala • Grades 6-8
Middle grades at St. John Lutheran feature honors and advanced courses alongside strong arts and athletics programs. Prepares students for advanced academics at the high school level.
Tuition Range
$8,000-$10,000/year
Trinity Catholic Middle School
Ocala • Grades 6-8
Middle school division of Trinity Catholic offering college-prep curriculum with advanced courses. Emphasizes both academic rigor and character development through faith-based education.
Tuition Range
$7,500-$9,000/year
The Cornerstone School (Middle Grades)
Ocala • Grades 6-8
Cornerstone's middle grades continue the innovative, project-based approach with emphasis on creative problem-solving and leadership development in preparation for high school.
Tuition Range
$7,500-$9,500/year
Academy & Specialty Schools
Academy-style schools emphasize structured learning, leadership development, and personalized instruction. Both public and private options serve Ocala families.
Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks
Marion Oaks, Ocala • Grades 6-8
An innovative public academy serving the Marion Oaks community with rigorous academics and character development. Features academy-style instruction focused on preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
Tuition
Free (Public Academy)
Future Stars Academy
Ocala • Grades Pre-K-12
Progressive academy-style school emphasizing STEM, leadership, and 21st-century skills. Features hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and individualized instruction for student success.
Tuition
$5,500-$10,000/year
Ina A. Colen Academy
Southwest Ocala • Grades K-8
Public charter school opened in August 2022 with project-based learning and emphasis on social emotional learning. Features collaborative learning spaces and wellness programs.
Tuition
Free (Public Charter)
Special Needs & Alternative Education Programs
Marion County provides specialized programs for students with learning differences, developmental needs, and at-risk youth. These services are designed to support every learner.
Hillcrest School
Ocala • Grades 6-12, Ages 18-22
ESE (Exceptional Student Education) center serving students with significant disabilities. Provides specialized instruction, therapy services, and transition programs for independent living and employment.
Cost
Free (Public School)
Marion County Special Education Services
Ocala & Marion County • Grades K-12
Comprehensive special education services through Marion County Public Schools. Offers IEP-based instruction, resource programs, self-contained classrooms, and inclusive education options.
Cost
Free (Public School)
PACE Center for Girls - Marion
Ocala • Grades 6-12
Prevention and intervention program for at-risk girls ages 12-18. Provides gender-responsive education, counseling, and transition services focused on life skills and academic success.
Cost
Free (Non-profit Program)
Virtual & Online Education Options
For families seeking flexible learning schedules, virtual schools provide state-certified curriculum with teacher support and optional synchronous instruction.
Marion Virtual School
Online (Marion County) • Grades K-12
Marion County Public Schools' virtual school option providing full-time online education for K-12 students. Offers flexibility with teacher support, virtual classes, and synchronous/asynchronous learning.
Cost
Free (Public School)
Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Online (State-wide) • Grades K-12
State-authorized virtual school serving Florida students with rigorous courses, dual enrollment, and AP classes. Offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options.
Cost
Free (Public Option)
How to Choose a Private School in Ocala
Selecting the right school is one of the most important decisions families make. Consider these key factors when evaluating private school options.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
Consider curriculum approach (traditional, project-based, Montessori), course offerings, AP/honors availability, and college prep support. Review test scores and academic performance data.
Accreditation & Credentials
Look for schools accredited by Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or faith-based accrediting bodies. Verify teacher credentials.
School Culture & Values
Visit campus, meet faculty, review mission statement. Assess school culture, discipline policies, student-to-teacher ratios, and whether values align with your family's priorities.
Financial Considerations
Compare tuition, fees, and financial aid availability. Ask about payment plans, sibling discounts, and scholarship opportunities. Calculate total cost of ownership.
Extracurricular Activities
Evaluate sports programs, clubs, arts offerings, community service opportunities. Check student participation rates and what's included in tuition vs. additional fees.
Special Programs & Support
If needed, research gifted/talented programs, learning support, ESL, special needs services, counseling, and student wellness initiatives.
Private School Tuition Guide
Elementary (K-5)
$5,000–$10,000/year
Middle School (6-8)
$6,000–$11,000/year
High School (9-12)
$7,500–$14,000/year
Virtual/Online Schools
Free (public) – $3,000/year (private)
Special Needs Programs
Free (public schools)
Note: Tuition ranges are approximate and vary by school. Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, payment plans, and sibling discounts. Contact schools directly for current pricing and aid opportunities.
Related Education Resources
All Schools in Ocala
Comprehensive directory of public, charter, and private schools
Kids Activities in Ocala
Sports, camps, and activities for children and families
Daycare & Preschool
Early childhood education and childcare options
Homeschooling Resources
Support groups and educational resources for homeschoolers
Frequently Asked Questions
What private schools are in Ocala, Florida?
Ocala has several excellent private schools including St. John Lutheran School (K3-12), Trinity Catholic High School (9-12), Ocala Preparatory Academy (K-12), and The Cornerstone School (Pre-K-8). Each offers distinct educational philosophies, from faith-based to project-based learning models.
What is Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks?
Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks is an innovative public academy serving grades 6-8 in the Marion Oaks community. It focuses on rigorous academics and character development with academy-style instruction designed to prepare students for high school success.
How much does private school cost in Ocala?
Private school tuition in Ocala varies by school and grade level. Elementary schools typically range from $5,000-$10,000 annually, middle schools $6,000-$11,000, and high schools $7,500-$14,000. Many schools offer financial aid and payment plans.
Does Marion County have special needs schools?
Yes. Hillcrest School is the ESE center for grades 6-12 with specialized instruction and therapy services. Marion County Public Schools also offers special education services, resource programs, and inclusive options throughout the district. PACE Center for Girls serves at-risk girls ages 12-18.
What is Marion Virtual School?
Marion Virtual School is the Marion County Public Schools' online option offering K-12 full-time virtual education. Students receive instruction through teacher-led classes with flexible scheduling and synchronous/asynchronous learning options.
Are there scholarships and financial aid at private schools?
Most Ocala private schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans. Contact schools directly to discuss aid eligibility. Some schools provide merit scholarships, need-based aid, or sibling discounts. Catholic and faith-based schools often have foundation grants.
What is Future Stars Academy?
Future Stars Academy is a progressive academy-style school serving Pre-K-12 in Ocala. It emphasizes STEM, leadership development, 21st-century skills, and project-based learning with individualized instruction for each student.
How do I choose the right private school for my child?
Visit schools, review curriculum, meet teachers, assess school culture, compare costs, and consider your child's learning style and needs. Look for accreditation, academic performance, teacher credentials, extracurricular programs, and whether the school's values align with your family's priorities.
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