For many families in the greater Orlando area, private school can feel out of the frame, not because it isn't the right fit, but because it feels financially out of reach. That assumption deserves a closer look. Florida has quietly become one of the most accessible states in the country for private K-12 education, and families near Baldwin Park may be closer to affording a high-quality, accredited private school than they realize.
The Crenshaw Academy, located at 2342 Hempel Avenue in Gotha, FL, is an accredited, secular college-preparatory school serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. With transparent tuition, meaningful scholarship acceptance, and a range of built-in discounts, we want families to understand the real cost of a Crenshaw education before they count themselves out.
The Real Cost of Private School
Private school tuition often carries a reputation for being prohibitive. But between Florida's school choice scholarship programs, Crenshaw's own tuition discounts, and a flexible payment structure, many families are surprised to discover what enrollment actually looks like when they sit down and do the math.
For our current tuition schedule please visit our tuition and fees page.
Florida School Choice Scholarships: Private School May Already Be in Your Budget
Florida's scholarship landscape has expanded significantly in recent years, and the changes benefit families across all income levels. Understanding which programs are available is the single biggest factor in determining whether private education is financially realistic for your family.
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and FES-EO
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) are the most broadly available scholarship programs in the state. As of the 2023–2024 school year, income restrictions for both programs were eliminated. Any Florida resident eligible for public K-12 schooling may apply, regardless of household income. (Florida Department of Education, School Choice Programs)
Priority for available funding is awarded in this order:
- Students whose household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, or students in foster or out-of-home care
- Students whose household income falls between 185% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
- All other eligible Florida-resident students
Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis within each priority tier, so applying early matters even for families further down the priority list.
The Crenshaw Academy is an approved Step Up For Students scholarship school, which means students awarded FTC or FES-EO funds can apply those directly toward Crenshaw tuition. Families applying through Step Up For Students can manage their entire scholarship account — including approving quarterly tuition payments — through the Step Up online portal at stepupforstudents.org.
FES-UA: For Students with Documented Disabilities
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is available to Florida residents ages 3–22 who have a qualifying disability diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist, or who have an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This program was expanded in 2021 to absorb the former Gardiner Scholarship, and average award amounts for the 2025–2026 school year are approximately $10,000 per student, varying by grade level, county, and disability matrix. (Youngsters Occupational Therapy, FES-UA Program Overview)
For a comprehensive overview of how these programs work, what they cover, and how to apply, read our detailed guide: A Parent's Guide to Florida School Choice Scholarships: How to Afford Private School in Orlando.
What You Get for Your Investment
When families evaluate private school tuition, the conversation shouldn't only be about cost. It should also address value. At The Crenshaw Academy, every dollar of tuition goes toward an intentional, highly personalized educational experience that most larger schools simply cannot replicate.
Small Class Sizes That Change How Learning Happens
Small class sizes are the structural foundation of the Crenshaw model. Our student-to-teacher ratios are maintained deliberately to ensure that every student is known, challenged, and supported.
- Lower School (K–5): 12:1 ratio
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): 15:1 ratio
- Upper School (Grades 9–12): 15:1 ratio
These numbers reflect our educational philosophy. Teachers at this ratio can identify when a student is struggling before that struggle becomes a pattern. They can move faster when a student is ready to advance. They can build the kind of student-teacher relationship that makes a real difference in long-term academic outcomes.
A Curriculum Built for College and Beyond
The Crenshaw Academy has been a college-preparatory institution since it opened its doors in 1997. Our curriculum is rigorous across all grade levels, with an emphasis on the skills colleges actually look for: clear writing, analytical thinking, oral communication, independent inquiry, and intellectual persistence.
The seminar-style classroom format means students engage actively with material — debating, questioning, writing, and experimenting — rather than absorbing information passively. This produces students who are genuinely prepared for the demands of higher education.
For upper-school students, the program includes:
- Honors courses available in all disciplines
- Independent Study options for areas outside the standard curriculum
- Dual Enrollment at Valencia College or the University of Central Florida for qualifying 6th graders or above
- Community service as a component of student development
The Dual Enrollment program in particular provides measurable value — students earn college credits before graduation, which can reduce future tuition costs at the university level while strengthening their admissions profile.
What's Included in Enrollment
The annual enrollment fee at The Crenshaw Academy covers several items that families at other schools often pay separately:
- Full curriculum access
- A school laptop for each enrolled student
- Parent and student portal access and support
There are no hidden surprises in the base cost. Field trip fees are billed separately as they arise, with advance notice provided to families.
Accreditation That Validates the Investment
The Crenshaw Academy is accredited by five recognized organizations, which means our program has been independently verified to meet the quality standards expected of serious K-12 institutions. Accreditation also ensures that credits earned at Crenshaw are recognized by colleges and universities nationwide.
Our accrediting bodies include:
- SACS / CASI / COGNIA
- Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF)
- Middle States Association
- Accreditation International
- National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)
This level of multi-body accreditation is not common. It represents a consistent commitment to educational quality that families can verify independently.
Visit our testimonials page to see reviews from graduates. Our After Crenshaw page offers a fuller picture of where our graduates land and the paths they pursue.
A Secular School That Welcomes Every Family
The Crenshaw Academy is a non-religious, secular institution. Families searching for private education without a faith-based curriculum will find that Crenshaw offers everything they value about a private school — small classes, rigorous academics, personal attention, and a strong community — without the denominational element.
We welcome students from all backgrounds, belief systems, and family structures. Our focus is on developing curious, capable, confident young people who are ready for what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Crenshaw Academy cost?
Tuition for the current school year ranges depending on the grade level. We work on a 10-month payment plan and annual single-payment options are available. We charge an annual enrollment fee for all grades, plus a one-time new student fee. For a transparent listing of all our current costs and fees, please visit our Tuition and Fees page for the complete list of fees and payment schedule.
Does The Crenshaw Academy accept Step Up For Students scholarships?
Yes. The Crenshaw Academy is an approved Step Up For Students scholarship school. Families awarded a Florida Tax Credit (FTC), Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), or PEP scholarship can apply those funds toward tuition at Crenshaw.
Is my family eligible for Florida's school choice scholarships?
As of the 2023–2024 school year, income restrictions for FES-EO were eliminated. Any Florida-resident student eligible for public K-12 enrollment may apply. Priority funding goes to lower-income households first, but all eligible families are encouraged to apply. Read our full scholarship guide for more detail, or contact our admissions team with questions.
Are there discounts available for military families or families with multiple children?
Yes. Active military members receive a discount off tuition. First responders and alumni families also receive tuition discounts. Younger siblings enrolled at Crenshaw receive a tuition discount as well. These discounts are published on our website here.
Is The Crenshaw Academy a religious school?
No. The Crenshaw Academy is a secular, non-denominational private school. We do not incorporate religious instruction into our curriculum and welcome students from all backgrounds.
How do I apply?
Enrollment is completed in person or virtually. Families begin by requesting an appointment with an Admissions Advisor. Following a campus tour and meeting with administration, all required documents and the registration payment must be submitted to confirm enrollment. Visit our How to Apply page or contact our team directly to schedule your appointment.
Take the First Step
The gap between "this seems out of reach" and "this is actually possible" is often just one honest conversation about cost. The Crenshaw Academy is committed to being transparent about tuition, forthcoming about scholarships, and flexible where flexibility is possible.
Families near Baldwin Park are a short drive from one of Central Florida's most established private K-12 institutions. We'd welcome the chance to show you what a Crenshaw education looks like in person.
Contact The Crenshaw Academy today to schedule your campus tour or virtual admissions appointment.
