Finding the right Longwood private school means finding a place where your child is challenged and prepared for every stage of life that follows graduation. Since 1997, Crenshaw Academy has been that place for families across Central Florida, an accredited K-12 college preparatory school rooted in academic excellence and dedicated to developing the whole student.
Academic excellence is the result of intentional design: small class sizes, experienced faculty, a challenging and innovative curriculum, and an educational philosophy that puts the individual needs of every child at the center.
Why Families Choose Crenshaw Academy
Crenshaw Academy is a private college preparatory school with a well-earned reputation for educational excellence. We welcome students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and our approach has remained consistent since our founding: we believe a strong academic foundation and a well-rounded student are essential to forming creative, thinking individuals.
What sets Crenshaw apart from other schools accessible from Longwood is our commitment to knowing every student personally. Our small class sizes make this possible, and our philosophy makes it non-negotiable.
Small Class Sizes That Make a Real Difference
Class size isn't just a number at Crenshaw Academy — it's the foundation of everything we do. Our student-to-teacher ratios ensure that every child receives the individual attention they deserve:
- Lower School (K-5): 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Middle School (6-8): 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- High School (9-12): 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes lead to stronger academic outcomes, greater student engagement, and more meaningful relationships between teachers and students. At Crenshaw, these ratios allow our faculty to reach students with various learning styles and to foster intellectual analysis, problem-solving, independence of thought, and mastery of life-long skills.
As one Crenshaw student shared: "Because I have been in classes with a small number of students, I have developed the courage to speak to the teacher, and ask and answer questions during class, which has greatly benefited my learning experience."
Academic Programs: Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
Crenshaw Academy's curriculum is challenging, forward-thinking, innovative, and flexible — designed to help students from a range of backgrounds and with a range of talents and interests reach new levels of accomplishment. Here's what academic excellence looks like at every level.
Lower School (Grades K-5)
Young children develop attitudes about learning based on their earliest experiences in school. With this in mind, Crenshaw offers a nurturing, safe environment and a distinct, sequenced program specifically designed to meet the needs of its youngest learners. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum inspires children to love learning by:
- Instilling positive attitudes and motivation
- Teaching strong basic learning skills
- Introducing a wide variety of disciplines
- Fostering early social skills
The program emphasizes experiential learning and significant individualization of instruction within an integrated curriculum. From the age of five, Crenshaw guides each child toward self-confidence and independence in a supportive and challenging environment.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Designed to meet the varied needs of the early adolescent, the Middle School integrates subjects, study skills, community service, athletics, and social and personal growth activities into its program. The curriculum combines core subjects — math, English, science, social studies, and foreign language — as well as fine arts, technology, and physical education.
All Middle School classes are small and discussion-based, and the curriculum is interdisciplinary and multicultural. Students begin formal instruction of modern language after interdisciplinary exposure to Spanish in the Lower School. This demanding course of study readies students for the scholastic commitments expected in the college preparatory Upper School.
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
The Upper School offers a strong and varied program that provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate their individual strengths and develop their potential. The rigorous college-preparatory program includes:
- Honors courses available in each discipline
- Electives that allow students to pursue individual interests
- Independent study options for deeper exploration
- A computer science requirement
- Community service engagement
- Seminar-style classes emphasizing methods of inquiry and written and oral expression
The curriculum is taught in small, seminar-style classes and covers mathematics, the physical and social sciences, the humanities, and modern languages. Students continue to develop and refine their skills and knowledge in the arts while building the academic independence that will serve them in college and beyond.
College Preparation That Delivers Results
For families in the Longwood area who prioritize college preparation, Crenshaw Academy offers a comprehensive pathway from the classroom to the university campus. Our educational process is designed to do more than prepare students for entrance exams — we prepare them to thrive once they arrive.
Dual Enrollment (Grades 11-12)
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate in Dual Enrollment at Valencia Community College or the University of Central Florida for one or two classes per semester. Students must maintain a B average or above to qualify. This experience enhances their college admissions process and ensures their capacity to meet the challenges of future schooling. Crenshaw has utilized this program with great success, and it is always awe-inspiring to watch how students grow and are instilled with confidence and maturity during this time.
Where Crenshaw Graduates Go
The proof of college preparation is in the outcomes. Crenshaw graduates have been accepted to top schools around the world, including:
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- Georgetown University
- University of Florida
- University of California Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of Miami
- Florida State University
- Penn State University
- Michigan State University
- Tulane University
- Rollins College
Our graduates are accepted to universities all over the world, including medical schools, and several have already received their Masters degrees. Many were able to jump-start careers in the film and entertainment industry, athletics, and other professional fields.
Distinguished graduates include pro golfers Mu Hu, Ty Tryon, and Nathadia Huachai, American actresses Arielle Kebbel and Torrey DeVitto, world-renowned water skier Alex Lauretano, and international golf coach Andy Leadbetter.
A Philosophy Built for the Whole Student
Academic excellence at Crenshaw Academy is about more than grades and test scores. The Crenshaw philosophy engenders respectful and collaborative relationships throughout the community, at home, and at school. From a young age, we focus on nurturing each child's capacity for intellectual inquiry, analysis, problem-solving, and independence of thought.
The core modes of learning at Crenshaw include debate, discussion, substantial writing and reading, questioning, and experimenting. These aren't supplementary activities — they are the basic modes of learning that define the Crenshaw experience.
As founder Brenda Crenshaw has stated: "In a classroom, no matter the make-up of students, it's a daunting task to reach all levels and learning styles. Focus on students to identify their own learning style. This knowledge will help academically, but more importantly, it becomes an asset throughout all aspects of their life and career."
We require students to reflect critically, develop transferable skills, and above all to think, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. Our educational process prepares students to thrive in college and in life within our global community.
Accreditation and Recognition
Crenshaw Academy holds accreditation from multiple nationally and internationally recognized organizations:
- SACS / CASI / Cognia
- Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF)
- Middle States Association
- Accreditation International
- National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)
The school is also approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and participates in the Step Up For Students Scholarship program.
What Families Are Saying
"Mrs. Brenda, I just want to take a moment to say thank you and the school for a great high school experience. I learned lots of useful things from it, and I will put it to great use." — Jason Jin, 2018 Graduate, Accepted to University of Central Florida
"Growing up in the setting of a small school has shaped my character in many ways." — Crenshaw Student
"I believe that I have become a more patient, accepting, and open-minded person because of my upbringing within The Crenshaw Academy. The values instilled in me will inform my actions and understanding in the next phase of my life." — Crenshaw Student
Visit our testimonials page to see reviews from graduates.
Convenient Access From Longwood
Crenshaw Academy's location in the Orlando area provides a straightforward commute for families in Longwood and throughout Seminole County. For parents who value academic excellence and college preparation, the drive is an investment that pays dividends across a child's entire educational journey and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does Crenshaw Academy serve?
Crenshaw Academy serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is divided into Lower School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and Upper School (9-12), each with a curriculum specifically designed for that stage of development.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
The Lower School maintains a 12:1 ratio, while the Middle School and High School each maintain a 15:1 ratio. These small class sizes are central to the Crenshaw approach and allow teachers to provide individualized attention to every student.
How do I apply?
Registration for all Crenshaw Academy programs must be completed in person or virtually. To request an appointment with an Admissions Advisor, visit our contact page. Enrollment is confirmed after a campus tour, completion of all required documents, and payment of registration and first tuition fees.
Does Crenshaw Academy offer financial assistance?
Crenshaw Academy participates in the Step Up For Students Scholarship program. For detailed information about tuition, please visit our tuition page.
Is Crenshaw Academy a religious school?
No. Crenshaw Academy is a secular, non-religious private school. The focus is entirely on academic excellence, critical thinking, and preparing students for college and life in a global community.
Take the Next Step
If you're searching for a Longwood private school that prioritizes academic excellence and college preparation, Crenshaw Academy invites you to see the difference firsthand. Contact us today to schedule a campus tour and speak with our admissions team about how Crenshaw can help your child reach their full potential.
