The Best Private Elementary Schools in St. Petersburg, FL

The decision to enroll your child in a private elementary school is significant. It often reflects a desire for smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, and specialized programs. In St. Petersburg, private schools offer these benefits and more, in a community-centered environment that encourages parental involvement and community engagement. With a commitment to nurturing each child's potential, these schools provide a solid grounding that prepares students for future academic success.

Admiral Farragut Academy

Address: 501 Park St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Admiral Farragut was a renowned naval commander during the American Civil War. Remarkably, he commanded a prize ship at just 12 years old, becoming the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. He is also honored as the namesake of one of St. Petersburg's most esteemed boarding schools. Admiral Farragut Academy strives to give youth a strong foundation, inspired by the Admiral’s own legacy, through rigorous academics and leadership development.

The academy's Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program fosters discipline and maritime skills, while its college preparatory curriculum equips students for higher education. Nestled on a picturesque waterfront campus in St. Petersburg, the school offers both day and boarding options for students in PreK-12. With its distinctive combination of military structure and academic excellence, Admiral Farragut Academy has produced notable alumni across military, business, and professional spheres.

Shorecrest Preparatory School

Address: 5101 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703

Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 represents a significant journey, and for Shorecrest Preparatory School, it's merely the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of enrichment. Established in 1923, this independent day school offers a comprehensive educational experience that evolves alongside its students. Nestled in St. Petersburg, Shorecrest prioritizes experiential learning, innovative teaching methods, and character development.

The school's expansive 28-acre campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1, each child receives personalized attention while engaging in a rigorous curriculum that features Advanced Placement courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. Notably, 100% of seniors at Shorecrest are accepted into college, while students across all grades consistently earn honors recognition.

Canterbury School of Florida

Address: 990 62nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

The Canterbury School of Florida exudes the aura of a distinguished, high-caliber educational institution, and rightly so. Serving children from PK3 through grade 12, it offers state-leading instruction across its two campuses in St. Petersburg: Hough Campus and Knowlton Campus. These facilities seamlessly blend innovation with tradition, fostering a rich educational environment.

With small class sizes, each student benefits from personalized attention, while the integration of cutting-edge technology equips them for the digital era. The school's marine studies program capitalizes on its Florida setting, providing unique hands-on learning opportunities in marine biology and environmental science. Additionally, the LEADS Character Development Program plays a significant role in cultivating civic responsibility, as evidenced by the thousands of service hours completed by seniors by the time they graduate.

Northside Christian School

Address: 7777 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709

Northside Christian School, with an enrollment of approximately 600 students, seamlessly blends faith and academics to cultivate well-rounded individuals who thrive both in their studies and spiritual journeys. The school’s mission to nurture future Christian leaders is evident in every facet of campus life, from morning devotionals to faith-integrated classroom discussions led by dedicated faculty.

Equipped with modern facilities, including a media center, gymnasium, and performing arts auditorium, Northside Christian provides students with the resources they need to excel. Beyond its expansive 28-acre campus, the school offers a robust athletic program featuring multiple sports teams that compete at the state level.

As a fully accredited (AdvancED and ACSI) School of Excellence, Northside Christian boasts impressive achievements: millions in scholarships, thousands of hours of community service, and consistently high SAT scores, placing students in the top tenth percentile. Enrollees can be proud to share these accomplishments as they embark on their educational journey.

Keswick Christian School

Address: 10101 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33708

Keswick Christian School stands as Pinellas County's sole non-denominational private Christian educational institution serving infants through 12th grade. Situated at 10101 54th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, it is a premier choice for local families seeking the highest quality in both academic and spiritual education. The curriculum for both lower and upper school programs encompasses essential subjects such as mathematics, science, and language arts.

As students progress, they are afforded numerous opportunities to engage in community service projects, retreats, mission trips, and leadership conferences. Additionally, they can pursue serious athletic endeavors as part of the Keswick Crusaders. While tuition at Keswick Christian School may be steep, the investment is undoubtedly worthwhile given the exceptional outcomes it offers.