Private Schools in Ocala, FL: 2026–27 Guide
Updated for the 2026–2027 school year. Compare published tuition, grades, religious affiliation, and scholarship options at 14 private schools in Ocala and nearby Belleview.
What Private Schools Are in Ocala, FL?
Ocala has more than a dozen private schools, and most are faith-based. The largest K–12 options are St. John Lutheran, Redeemer Christian, Ocala Christian Academy, and Meadowbrook Academy, and Trinity Catholic is the city's Catholic high school. Published 2026–27 tuition ranges from $7,300 (Ocala Christian Academy, K–12) to $17,201 (Trinity Catholic, non-Catholic families).
Florida's Step Up For Students scholarships are open to every K–12 student regardless of income and cover about $7,500–$8,300 per student in Marion County, so many families pay far less than the listed price.
Compare Ocala Private Schools (2026–27)
Tuition is the annual base rate the school publishes for 2026–27, before registration, book, and activity fees. “Not published” means the school gives tuition only on request.
| School | Grades | Affiliation | 2026–27 Tuition | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John Lutheran School | K3–12 | Lutheran (LCMS) | $10,000–$11,350 (K5–12) | (352) 622-7275 |
| Trinity Catholic High School | 9–12 | Catholic (Diocese of Orlando) | $14,935 (Catholic families); $17,201 (other faiths) | (352) 622-9025 |
| Blessed Trinity Catholic School | Pre-K–8 | Catholic (Blessed Trinity Parish) | $8,300–$8,900 plus fees | (352) 622-5808 |
| Redeemer Christian School | K3–12 | Presbyterian (PCA) | $9,800–$11,300 (K5–12) | (352) 854-2999 |
| Ocala Christian Academy | K3–12 | Baptist (Central Baptist Church) | $7,300 (K–12, first child) | (352) 694-4178 |
| Meadowbrook Academy | Pre-K4–12 | Christian (Meadowbrook Church) | $9,250 | (352) 861-0700 |
| First Assembly Christian School | Preschool–12 | Assembly of God | $7,208–$7,897 plus $700 fees | (352) 351-1913 |
| GraceWay Academy | VPK–8 | Presbyterian (PCA) | $8,600–$9,100 | (352) 629-4523 |
| Capstone Academy | Pre-K3–12 | Christian (non-denominational) | Published on the school's tuition page | (352) 351-3777 |
| The Cornerstone School | Preschool–8 | Independent (non-religious) | Not published; contact the school | (352) 351-8840 |
| Grace Christian School | K3–8 | Christian | Not published; contact the school | (352) 387-3090 |
| Faith Holistic Academy | K–12 | Christian | Not published; contact the school | (352) 509-4085 |
| Belleview Christian Academy | Preschool–10 | Baptist (First Baptist Church of Belleview) | Not published; contact the school | (352) 245-6151 |
| Montessori Preparatory School | Infant–Middle School | Montessori (non-religious) | Not published; contact the school | (352) 351-3140 |
Ocala Private School Profiles
St. John Lutheran School
1915 SE Lake Weir Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 • Grades K3–12
2026–27 Tuition
- K3 & K4: $7,750 full day; $5,750 half day or 3 days
- K5–5th: $10,000
- 6th–8th: $10,750
- 9th–12th: $11,350
- $550 enrollment/security fee; $100 application fee (new students)
Highlights
- Serving Ocala since 1963
- Class of 2025 average GPA 4.25 (school-reported)
- Students admitted to 95% of their chosen colleges (school-reported)
- Accepts Step Up For Students scholarships
Enrollment: Enrollment fee is discounted when prepaid January 7–March 15 for the following school year.
Trinity Catholic High School
2600 SW 42nd St, Ocala, FL 34471 • Grades 9–12
2026–27 Tuition
- Catholic families: $14,935
- Other faith traditions: $17,201
- 2027–28 rates already posted: $15,680 / $18,060
Highlights
- Ocala's only Catholic high school, founded in 2000 by the Diocese of Orlando
Blessed Trinity Catholic School
5 SE 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471 • Grades Pre-K–8
2026–27 Tuition
- K–3rd: $8,900 + $300 fees
- 4th–5th: $8,300 + $300 fees
- 6th–8th: $8,300 + $450 fees (includes iPad)
- $500 discount for parish stewardship families
- Schedule is marked tentative by the school
Highlights
- Ocala's Catholic elementary and middle school
- Parish covers any gap between tuition and AAA/Step Up scholarships for stewardship families
Redeemer Christian School
155 SW 87th Pl, Ocala, FL 34476 • Grades K3–12
2026–27 Tuition
- K3–K4: $8,600 full day; $7,000 half day
- K5–3rd: $9,800
- 4th–6th: $10,300
- 7th–8th: $10,800
- 9th–12th: $11,300
Highlights
- Quarterly and monthly payment plans
- Accepts Step Up For Students scholarships
Enrollment: Re-enrollment ran December 1–January 31; open enrollment for new families began February 1, 2026.
Ocala Christian Academy
1714 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 • Grades K3–12
2026–27 Tuition
- K3 & K4: $4,800
- Kindergarten–12th: $7,300 for the first child (10-month plan available)
Highlights
- Lowest published K–12 tuition among Ocala private schools
- Accepts FTC, FES-EO, and FES-UA scholarships
Enrollment: Registration fee increases each month starting in February, so earlier registration costs less.
Meadowbrook Academy
4741 SW 20th St, Ocala, FL 34474 • Grades Pre-K4–12
2026–27 Tuition
- 2026–27 tuition: $9,250
- 5% discount when paid in full by August 1
Highlights
- Accepts Step Up For Students scholarships (FTC, FES-EO, FES-UA)
First Assembly Christian School
1827 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34470 • Grades Preschool–12
2026–27 Tuition
- K5–3rd: $7,897
- 4th–8th: $7,270
- 9th: $7,208
- 10th–12th: $7,258
- About $700 in annual fees (curriculum, uniform, testing, PE, lab)
Highlights
- Among the lowest published middle and high school tuition in Ocala
GraceWay Academy
2255 SE 38th St, Ocala, FL 34480 • Grades VPK–8
2026–27 Tuition
- Preschool 4s & 5s (VPK): $4,600
- Kindergarten–5th: $8,600
- 6th–8th: $9,100
- $225 annual registration fee
Highlights
- Accepts Step Up and AAA scholarships
- Rolling admission
Capstone Academy
7794 SW 60th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 • Grades Pre-K3–12
2026–27 Tuition
Published on the school's tuition page
Highlights
- Pre-K–8 campus on SW 60th Ave; high school at 2801 SW 20th St (34474)
- Posts estimated out-of-pocket costs for Step Up families
The Cornerstone School
2313 SE Lake Weir Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 • Grades Preschool–8
2026–27 Tuition
Not published; contact the school
Highlights
- Founded in 1982
- Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) accredited
- Accepts Step Up and AAA scholarships
Grace Christian School
4410 SE 3rd Ave, Ocala, FL 34480 • Grades K3–8
2026–27 Tuition
Not published; contact the school
Highlights
- Serving Ocala families since 1957
Faith Holistic Academy
Formerly Ocala Preparatory Academy
7634 SW 60th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 • Grades K–12
2026–27 Tuition
Not published; contact the school
Highlights
- Small school founded in 2016 as Ocala Preparatory Academy
- Holistic, Christ-centered program
Enrollment: School office hours are 8:25 AM–2 PM weekdays during the school year.
Belleview Christian Academy
6107 SE Agnew Rd, Belleview, FL 34420 • Grades Preschool–10
2026–27 Tuition
Not published; contact the school
Highlights
- Added 10th grade for 2026–27
- Accepts Step Up For Students scholarships
Montessori Preparatory School
2967 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 • Grades Infant–Middle School
2026–27 Tuition
Not published; contact the school
Highlights
- Montessori classrooms from infants through middle school
Private Elementary Schools in Ocala
These Ocala private schools serve kindergarten through 5th grade. Most also run a K3/K4 or VPK program, so a child can stay on one campus from preschool on.
- St. John Lutheran School (K3–12) — $10,000–$11,350 (K5–12)
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School (Pre-K–8) — $8,300–$8,900 plus fees
- Redeemer Christian School (K3–12) — $9,800–$11,300 (K5–12)
- Ocala Christian Academy (K3–12) — $7,300 (K–12, first child)
- Meadowbrook Academy (Pre-K4–12) — $9,250
- First Assembly Christian School (Preschool–12) — $7,208–$7,897 plus $700 fees
- GraceWay Academy (VPK–8) — $8,600–$9,100
- Capstone Academy (Pre-K3–12) — Published on the school's tuition page
- The Cornerstone School (Preschool–8) — Not published; contact the school
- Grace Christian School (K3–8) — Not published; contact the school
- Faith Holistic Academy (K–12) — Not published; contact the school
- Belleview Christian Academy (Preschool–10) — Not published; contact the school
- Montessori Preparatory School (Infant–Middle School) — Not published; contact the school
Private & Independent Middle Schools
Private schools in Ocala that serve grades 6–8. See our guide to private middle schools for more on the middle-school transition. See private middle schools in Ocala.
- St. John Lutheran School (K3–12) — $10,000–$11,350 (K5–12)
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School (Pre-K–8) — $8,300–$8,900 plus fees
- Redeemer Christian School (K3–12) — $9,800–$11,300 (K5–12)
- Ocala Christian Academy (K3–12) — $7,300 (K–12, first child)
- Meadowbrook Academy (Pre-K4–12) — $9,250
- First Assembly Christian School (Preschool–12) — $7,208–$7,897 plus $700 fees
- GraceWay Academy (VPK–8) — $8,600–$9,100
- Capstone Academy (Pre-K3–12) — Published on the school's tuition page
- The Cornerstone School (Preschool–8) — Not published; contact the school
- Grace Christian School (K3–8) — Not published; contact the school
- Faith Holistic Academy (K–12) — Not published; contact the school
- Belleview Christian Academy (Preschool–10) — Not published; contact the school
- Montessori Preparatory School (Infant–Middle School) — Not published; contact the school
What Private High Schools Are Available Near Ocala?
Ocala private schools with a high school division. Trinity Catholic is the only Catholic high school; the rest are Christian K–12 schools except where noted.
- St. John Lutheran School (K3–12) — $10,000–$11,350 (K5–12)
- Trinity Catholic High School (9–12) — $14,935 (Catholic families); $17,201 (other faiths)
- Redeemer Christian School (K3–12) — $9,800–$11,300 (K5–12)
- Ocala Christian Academy (K3–12) — $7,300 (K–12, first child)
- Meadowbrook Academy (Pre-K4–12) — $9,250
- First Assembly Christian School (Preschool–12) — $7,208–$7,897 plus $700 fees
- Capstone Academy (Pre-K3–12) — Published on the school's tuition page
- Faith Holistic Academy (K–12) — Not published; contact the school
- Belleview Christian Academy (Preschool–10) — Not published; contact the school
Private School Tuition Guide
Ranges below come from the 2026–27 tuition schedules Ocala schools publish, before fees. Schools that don't publish tuition are not included.
Pre-K (K3/K4)
GraceWay VPK-year 4s & 5s ($4,600) to Redeemer full day ($8,600)
$4,600–$8,600
Elementary (K–5)
Ocala Christian Academy ($7,300) to Redeemer grades 4–6 ($10,300)
$7,300–$10,300
Middle School (6–8)
First Assembly ($7,270) to Redeemer grades 7–8 ($10,800)
$7,270–$10,800
High School (9–12)
First Assembly 9th grade ($7,208) to Trinity Catholic, non-Catholic families ($17,201)
$7,208–$17,201
How Do Florida Scholarships Lower Private School Costs in Ocala?
Since Florida's 2023 universal-choice law, any student eligible to enroll in a public K–12 school can receive a scholarship through Step Up For Students, regardless of household income. Renewing students and lower-income families are funded first. The 2026–27 award amounts for Marion County students:
| Grades | FTC / FES-EO | FES-UA (matrix levels 1–3) |
|---|---|---|
| K–3 | $8,303 | $10,467 |
| 4–8 | $7,719 | $9,883 |
| 9–12 | $7,528 | $9,692 |
Source: Step Up For Students 2026–27 award schedules. FES-UA amounts are higher for matrix levels 4 ($21,444) and 5 ($34,494). Step Up's help line is (877) 735-7837. Confirm with each school that it accepts the scholarship type your child receives.
How to Choose a Private School in Ocala
Start with total cost. Published Ocala tuition runs roughly $7,200–$11,400 for most K–12 schools, with Trinity Catholic higher at the high school level. Fees for enrollment, books, technology, and uniforms usually add a few hundred dollars more. A Step Up scholarship covers about $7,500–$8,300 per student in Marion County, so at the lower-priced schools families may pay little beyond fees. Marion County public schools remain free, and Ocala's best public and private schools are compared side by side in our schools guide.
Next, weigh logistics. Private schools generally don't run district buses, so a campus near home or work matters. Several schools cluster on the southeast side along SE Lake Weir Ave and SE 36th Ave, and others sit in southwest Ocala off SW 60th Ave and SW 87th Pl. Ask about before- and after-care, athletics and fine arts, and whether the school offers the grades your child will need later. A K3–12 school avoids a mid-career switch. Finally, tour your short list before the school's enrollment period opens, which is January or February at most Ocala schools.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
Compare curriculum approach (traditional, classical, Montessori, project-based), AP/honors and dual enrollment availability, and college counseling for high school.
Accreditation & Credentials
Look for recognized accreditation such as FCIS, Cognia, National Lutheran School Accreditation, or a faith-based body, and ask about teacher certification.
School Culture & Values
Tour the campus, meet faculty, and read the statement of faith or mission. Ask about class sizes, discipline policies, and whether values align with your family.
Total Cost, Not Just Tuition
Add enrollment, registration, book/technology, uniform, and athletic fees. At several Ocala schools, fees add $300–$700 per year on top of tuition.
Transportation & Before/After Care
Most Ocala private schools do not provide district-style busing, so plan for daily drop-off and pick-up and ask about extended-care fees.
Special Programs & Support
If needed, ask about learning support, gifted services, and whether the school accepts the FES-UA scholarship for students with a qualifying diagnosis.
Tuition-Free Alternatives: Public Academies, Charter & Virtual Schools
These are public options, not private schools, but Ocala families often compare them when deciding. See the full Ocala schools directory for every Marion County public school.
Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks
Public middle school (grades 6–8) operated by Marion County Public Schools. 365 Marion Oaks Dr, Ocala 34473 · (352) 671-6290.
Ina A. Colen Academy
Tuition-free public charter school (K–8) that opened in August 2022. 5080 SW 66th Ct Rd, Ocala 34474 · (352) 304-6787.
Hillcrest School
Marion County Public Schools' Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center for students with significant disabilities, grades 6–12. 3143 SE 17th St, Ocala 34471 · (352) 671-6800.
Marion Virtual School
Marion County Public Schools' full-time online option. 1614 E Fort King St, Ocala 34471 · (352) 867-2137.
Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Statewide public online school with full-time and part-time options. (800) 374-1430.
Note: PACE Center for Girls – Marion, previously listed here, closed in December 2025.
Christian Preschool Options in Ocala
Several Ocala private schools start at age 3 or 4, so families can enroll in a faith-based preschool that feeds directly into the same K–12 campus.
Faith-Based Preschools in Ocala
St. John Lutheran School (K3–K4): full-day K3/K4 is $7,750 for 2026–27, or $5,750 for half days or three days a week. Serving Ocala since 1963. (352) 622-7275.
Ocala Christian Academy (K3–K4): $4,800 for 2026–27, a ministry of Central Baptist Church. (352) 694-4178.
Redeemer Christian & GraceWay Academy: Redeemer's K3–K4 is $8,600 full day or $7,000 half day. GraceWay's preschool 4s and 5s program is $4,600 and participates in VPK.
Blessed Trinity Catholic School (Pre-K): Catholic Pre-K through 8th grade at 5 SE 17th St. (352) 622-5808.
What to Look For in a Christian Preschool
Tip for Ocala families: The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County administers VPK and can confirm which Ocala preschools participate. Call (352) 369-2315. Also see our Ocala preschools guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What private schools are in Ocala, Florida?
Ocala-area private schools include St. John Lutheran School (K3–12), Trinity Catholic High School (9–12), Blessed Trinity Catholic School (Pre-K–8), Redeemer Christian School (K3–12), Ocala Christian Academy (K3–12), Meadowbrook Academy (Pre-K4–12), First Assembly Christian School, GraceWay Academy, Capstone Academy, The Cornerstone School, Grace Christian School, Faith Holistic Academy, Montessori Preparatory School, and Belleview Christian Academy in nearby Belleview.
What is the average private school tuition in Ocala?
Published 2026–27 tuition at Ocala private schools runs about $7,300–$10,300 for elementary grades, $7,270–$10,800 for middle school, and $7,208–$17,201 for high school, before fees. Most schools also charge a few hundred dollars a year in registration, enrollment, and book fees. Florida's Step Up For Students scholarships cover about $7,500–$8,300 per student in Marion County for 2026–27.
What is the cheapest private school in Ocala?
Among schools that publish 2026–27 tuition, Ocala Christian Academy has the lowest K–12 rate at $7,300 for the first child, and First Assembly Christian School charges $7,208–$7,897 depending on grade (plus about $700 in fees). With a Step Up For Students scholarship, some families pay little or no tuition out of pocket.
Are there Catholic schools in Ocala?
Yes. Blessed Trinity Catholic School (5 SE 17th St) serves Pre-K through 8th grade, and Trinity Catholic High School (2600 SW 42nd St) is Ocala's Catholic high school for grades 9–12. Trinity Catholic's 2026–27 tuition is $14,935 for Catholic families and $17,201 for families of other faiths.
Can I use a Florida scholarship for private school in Ocala?
Yes. Since 2023, any Florida student eligible to attend a public K–12 school can receive a Step Up For Students scholarship regardless of household income. For 2026–27, Marion County FTC/FES-EO awards are $8,303 (K–3), $7,719 (4–8), and $7,528 (9–12). FES-UA awards for students with qualifying needs start at $10,467 for K–3. Most Ocala private schools listed here accept them.
Are there non-religious private schools in Ocala?
Yes. The Cornerstone School (preschool–8, founded 1982, FCIS-accredited) is an independent, non-religious school on SE Lake Weir Avenue, and Montessori Preparatory School on E Silver Springs Blvd offers Montessori programs from infants through middle school. Most other Ocala private schools are faith-based.
When should I apply to private school in Ocala?
Most Ocala private schools open enrollment for the next school year in January or February. Redeemer Christian opened new-family enrollment on February 1, 2026, St. John Lutheran discounts its enrollment fee through March 15, and Ocala Christian Academy's registration fee rises each month after February. GraceWay Academy and Faith Holistic Academy accept students on a rolling basis.
What happened to Ocala Preparatory Academy?
Ocala Preparatory Academy now operates as Faith Holistic Academy at 7634 SW 60th Ave, Ocala 34476, phone (352) 509-4085. The school was founded in 2016 and serves grades K–12.
Related Education Resources
All Schools in Ocala
Directory of public, charter, and private schools in Marion County
Best Schools in Ocala
Public, private, and college options compared
Independent & Secular Schools
Non-religious and Montessori options
Private Middle Schools
Grades 6–8 options in Ocala
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
New to Ocala
Relocation guide for families moving to Marion County
Why Trust Our School Directory?
Verified at the Source
Tuition, grades, addresses, and phone numbers come from each school's own website or published tuition schedule.
No Guessed Prices
If a school doesn't publish tuition, we say so instead of estimating.
Reviewed Every Year
We re-check this guide each winter when schools post next year's tuition. Last updated September 25, 2026.
Sources
- St. John Lutheran School — 2026–27 tuition and fees (PDF)
- Trinity Catholic High School — tuition
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School — 2026–27 tentative tuition (PDF)
- Redeemer Christian School — 2026–27 tuition (PDF)
- First Assembly Christian School — tuition and fees
- GraceWay Academy — 2026–27 tuition (PDF)
- Meadowbrook Academy — admissions and tuition
- Step Up For Students — 2026–27 FTC/FES-EO award amounts (PDF)
- Step Up For Students — 2026–27 FES-UA award amounts (PDF)
- Step Up For Students — private school scholarship eligibility
- Early Learning Coalition of Marion County — contact
Schools can send corrections through our contact page. See our editorial guidelines.
Escuelas Privadas en Ocala
Ocala cuenta con más de una docena de escuelas privadas, en su mayoría religiosas, entre ellas St. John Lutheran School, Trinity Catholic High School, Blessed Trinity Catholic School, Redeemer Christian School, Ocala Christian Academy y Meadowbrook Academy. La colegiatura publicada para el año escolar 2026–27 va desde $7,300 al año (Ocala Christian Academy, K–12) hasta $17,201 (Trinity Catholic, familias no católicas), sin incluir cuotas de inscripción. Las becas de Step Up For Students están disponibles para todos los estudiantes de Florida sin importar el ingreso familiar y cubren entre $7,528 y $8,303 por estudiante en el Condado de Marion. Se recomienda comunicarse directamente con cada escuela para confirmar costos, becas aceptadas y fechas de inscripción.
More Ocala Education & Family Resources
From schools and preschools to daycare, tutoring, and homeschool support — explore Ocala's education and family resources.