Private school can feel like an option reserved for the privileged few, especially when tuition numbers appear on a page without any context around financial assistance. But the data tells a more nuanced story, and Florida's expansive school choice landscape has changed the equation in ways that many families have not yet discovered.
Let’s examine what research actually says about private education outcomes, how Florida's scholarship programs are making private school more accessible than most people assume, and what families in the Baldwin Park area should know before ruling out a private education based on cost alone.
Quick Summary
- Private school students graduate at a rate of 96% compared to 87% for public school students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
- Florida leads the nation with nearly 13% of K-12 students enrolled in a private school choice program, and the state's Step Up For Students scholarships average $8,000 per student.
- The Crenshaw Academy is an accredited, secular K-12 college preparatory school in the Orlando area that accepts Step Up For Students scholarships, meaning a private school education may be far more affordable than Baldwin Park families expect.
- Crenshaw graduates have been accepted to universities including Princeton, Stanford, UCLA, the University of Florida, and many others.
What Does the Research Say About Private Education?
Parents ask this question in good faith, and it deserves an honest answer grounded in data rather than promotional claims.
Academic Outcomes
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called "the nation's report card," is one of the most comprehensive tools available for comparing student performance across school types. The most recent NAEP data shows that eighth-grade private school students scored approximately 20 points higher than public or charter school students on reading assessments, while fourth-grade private school students scored 16 points higher (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).
These differences are meaningful in the context of long-term outcomes. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), private school students have a 64.5% immediate college enrollment rate, compared to 44% for public school graduates (Xceed Prep, 2025). Private school graduation rates also outpace public schools at 96% versus 87% (Wooclap Education Statistics, 2025).
It is worth noting, as researchers have pointed out, that some of these advantages correlate with family background as much as school type itself. But what the data consistently confirms is that the environment private schools tend to create, including smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and stronger college counseling, does produce measurable benefits for many students.
The Small Class Size Advantage
One of the most concrete, research-supported benefits of private education is smaller student-to-teacher ratios. When a student has genuine access to their teacher, learning becomes less passive and more participatory. Students are more likely to ask questions, engage in discussion, and receive feedback on their work in real time.
At The Crenshaw Academy, class size is treated as a foundational principle rather than a budget line. The school maintains a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio in the lower school and a 15:1 ratio in both the middle and upper schools. These numbers are intentional. The school's philosophy centers on the belief that close faculty-student relationships are essential to genuine learning, and that structure allows teachers to identify and respond to each student's individual needs.
College Readiness and Beyond
For families thinking about long-term return on investment, the college readiness picture matters enormously. College admissions have grown significantly more competitive in recent years. Florida State University, for example, reduced its acceptance rate by 12.8% between 2021 and 2024, bringing it to just 24.22% (Spark Admissions, 2025). Students who arrive at senior year without strong academic preparation, writing skills, and a well-supported application process are at a real disadvantage.
The Cost Question: What Baldwin Park Families Often Don't Know
The words "private school cost" are enough to stop many parents from exploring further. That reaction is understandable, but in Florida, it may be based on an outdated assumption.
Florida's School Choice Landscape Has Fundamentally Shifted
Florida is the national leader in private school choice. According to EdChoice, nearly 13% of Florida's K-12 students were enrolled in a private school choice program as of 2024, and the share of students attending traditional public schools dropped from 86% in 2001 to just 51% in 2024 (EdChoice, 2025). That shift reflects how aggressively Florida has expanded educational options for families at virtually every income level.
The primary vehicle for that expansion is the Step Up For Students program.
How Step Up For Students Works
Step Up For Students administers two major private school scholarship programs in Florida: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO). Here is what Baldwin Park families need to know:
- Both scholarships are available to any Florida K-12 student eligible to attend a public school, regardless of household income.
- The average scholarship value is $8,000, which can be applied directly toward private school tuition and fees (Step Up For Students, 2025).
- Lower-income families receive application priority, but there is no strict income cap that disqualifies higher-earning households from applying.
- Applications for the 2026-27 school year are currently open, with a priority deadline of April 30, 2026.
- Applying is completely free.
For families exploring affordable education in the Baldwin Park area, this program represents a significant opportunity that does not require a household to be at or near the poverty line to access.
The Crenshaw Academy Accepts Step Up Scholarships
This is the detail that changes the conversation for many Orlando-area families. The Crenshaw Academy is an approved Step Up For Students scholarship school, which means eligible families can apply those scholarship funds directly toward tuition here.
When an $8,000 scholarship is applied to a private school education that comes with small class sizes, an accredited college preparatory curriculum, dual enrollment options at Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida, and a track record of graduates accepted to some of the country's most competitive universities, the value proposition shifts substantially. The question is no longer simply "can we afford private school?" It becomes "what is private school actually going to cost us, and what do we get for that investment?"
What Makes The Crenshaw Academy Different?
Understanding the data is one thing. Understanding what a specific school actually offers is another. Here is a straightforward look at what sets The Crenshaw Academy apart for families considering their Baldwin Park private school options.
A Curriculum Built for Thinkers
The Crenshaw Academy has been rooted in education since 1997. The school's founder, Brenda Crenshaw, developed its curriculum from extensive experience working with students across a wide range of learning environments and backgrounds. The result is a program that emphasizes not just content knowledge, but how to think: through debate, discussion, writing, analysis, and experimentation.
The curriculum is structured to grow with the student. Younger students benefit from experiential learning with significant individualization. Upper school students have access to honors courses across all disciplines, independent study options, and an entrepreneurial program unique to the high school level.
Accreditation You Can Verify
Accreditation is one of the most important factors families should examine when evaluating any private school. The Crenshaw Academy holds accreditation from multiple recognized bodies, including:
- SACS/CASI/COGNIA
- Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF)
- Middle States Association
- Accreditation International
- National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)
That breadth of accreditation reflects the rigor of the school's academic program and its commitment to meeting independent standards of educational quality. You can review accreditation details at The Crenshaw Academy's accreditation page.
Where Graduates Go
Numbers tell part of the story. Crenshaw graduates have been accepted to institutions including Princeton University, Stanford University, the University of Florida, Florida State University, UCLA, Tulane University, the University of Miami, Rollins College, and universities around the world. Several graduates have gone on to complete graduate degrees, including medical school.
For families focused on college preparation, that track record matters. Learn more about what happens after Crenshaw at the school's After Crenshaw page.
A Secular Environment
For families specifically seeking a nonsectarian private school in the Orlando area, The Crenshaw Academy is not affiliated with any religious organization. It is a secular college preparatory school, which makes it a meaningful option in a private school landscape where many alternatives are faith-based.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private school actually affordable for middle-income families in Baldwin Park?
It can be, particularly in Florida. The Step Up For Students scholarship program offers an average of $8,000 to eligible K-12 students, and there is no strict income cap. Families who have assumed they earn too much to qualify may be surprised to find they are eligible. The Crenshaw Academy accepts these scholarships, making it a practical option for a wider range of Baldwin Park families than many might expect.
What is the student-teacher ratio at The Crenshaw Academy?
The Crenshaw Academy maintains a 12:1 ratio in the lower school and a 15:1 ratio in the middle and upper schools. These smaller class sizes are a deliberate part of the school's educational philosophy.
Does The Crenshaw Academy offer any programs for high school students beyond standard coursework?
Yes. Eleventh and twelfth graders are encouraged to participate in dual enrollment at Valencia Community College or the University of Central Florida, provided they maintain a B average or above. The upper school also offers an entrepreneurial program, honors courses across all disciplines, and independent study options for students with specialized interests.
Is The Crenshaw Academy accredited?
Yes. The school holds accreditation from multiple recognized bodies, including COGNIA (formerly SACS/CASI), the Association of Independent Schools of Florida, the Middle States Association, Accreditation International, and the National Council for Private School Accreditation.
How do I find out more about tuition or applying?
The best next step is to connect directly with The Crenshaw Academy's admissions team. Enrollment is completed in person or virtually, beginning with a meeting with an Admissions Advisor. You can start that process at the school's contact page or visit the How to Apply page for a full overview of enrollment procedures.
The Bottom Line
The Crenshaw Academy has spent nearly three decades building a program centered on small class sizes, rigorous academics, and genuine relationships between teachers, students, and families. With scholarship opportunities available through Step Up For Students, private school scholarships in the Baldwin Park area are no longer just a concept for the wealthiest households.
If you are ready to explore whether The Crenshaw Academy is the right fit for your family, reach out today. The conversation about what private education can look like for your child is worth having.
