Original article on Tampa Bay Times.
Nearly 6,600 students attend private schools in the county. That’s double the number from a decade ago.
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 313,291 students in 2009 to more than 380,295 last school year.
Pasco’s private school enrollment grew from about 3,300 students to nearly 6,600 during the same period.
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 2020-21 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. Nearly 50 private schools are listed for Pasco County. Many of them are found 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.”
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
Academyatthelakes.org