Academic Overview
At The Crenshaw Academy, academics are not a checklist. They are a conversation. From Kindergarten through 12th grade, our students are asked to think, question, debate, and grow in an environment designed to bring out their best. This is a college preparatory school where small class sizes, close relationships, and a genuine commitment to each student's development make all the difference.
Our Approach to Learning
The Crenshaw philosophy starts with a simple belief: every child learns differently, and the school's job is to meet students where they are. Rather than teaching to a test, we focus on building the skills that last long after graduation: critical thinking, written and oral expression, problem-solving, and intellectual independence.
Our classrooms are small and discussion-based by design. Students are not passive recipients of information. They read, write, question, experiment, and engage with ideas from multiple perspectives. This approach builds confidence alongside competence, and it is why Crenshaw graduates consistently arrive at college ready to contribute, not just to catch up.
The core skills we develop at every level include:
A Curriculum Built for Every Stage
Every division of The Crenshaw Academy shares the same philosophy, but each is designed to meet students exactly where they are developmentally.
Young learners thrive in our nurturing, structured environment with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The Lower School builds strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, with Spanish instruction beginning in Kindergarten. Hands-on learning and experiential activities keep curiosity alive from the very first day.
The middle years are a time of significant growth, and our program is built to support it. Core subjects are taught in small, interdisciplinary settings that challenge students to move from concrete thinking to abstract reasoning. Students begin formal Spanish instruction and are introduced to the habits of organization, study skills, and academic independence that Upper School demands.
Our Upper School is where it all comes together. Students pursue a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that includes honors courses in every discipline, a range of electives, and the opportunity to earn real college credit through dual enrollment. Seminar-style classes keep discussion at the center of every course.
Programs That Set Crenshaw Apart
Beyond the core curriculum, The Crenshaw Academy offers programs that few schools in the Orlando area can match.
Our Professional Program offers flexible scheduling for students with demanding outside commitments: competitive athletes, performers, and others who need a school that works around their lives without compromising their education. Students attend like full-time students and receive full academic credit for their coursework.
Eligible students can begin earning college credit as early as 6th grade. Upper School students are encouraged to take courses at Valencia Community College or the University of South Florida, giving them a meaningful head start on their college career.
One-on-one tutoring is available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school until 4:00 PM. Sessions are scheduled through the school office and conducted directly by our teachers at $60 per hour.
The Crenshaw Academy holds five active accreditations, including SACS/CASI/COGNIA and the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF). These are not just credentials: they are an ongoing commitment to the educational standards that families and universities rely on.
By the Numbers
- 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio in Lower School
- 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio in Middle and Upper School
- K-12 college preparatory program
- 5 active accreditations
- Dual enrollment available beginning in 6th grade
- Above average globally in English on the PSAT NMSQT
- Above average statewide in both English and Math on the PSAT 8/9
Academic Support When It Matters
Principal Tanya Williams personally tracks student progress and is the first point of contact when a student needs additional support. Whether a student is navigating coursework through the Professional Program or working through a challenging semester, Tanya and our faculty are accessible, attentive, and invested. For students who need structured help, our after-school tutoring program provides one-on-one support from the teachers who know them best.
See Our Academics in Action
The best way to understand what makes The Crenshaw Academy different is to visit. Schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our faculty, and ask every question you have. We would love to show you what a Crenshaw education looks like.
Schedule a Tour