Apopka families researching private education often weigh large campuses, where a student can slip through the cracks, against smaller schools that lack the academic depth a college-bound student needs. The Crenshaw Academy offers a different answer. This accredited, non-religious college preparatory school serves Kindergarten through twelfth grade and pairs small class sizes with a rigorous curriculum, dual enrollment partnerships at nearby universities, and scheduling flexibility few independent schools can match. The campus sits at 2342 Hempel Avenue in Gotha, a manageable drive for families throughout northwest Orange County looking for a private school near Apopka Florida.
One Accredited School for Every Grade
Families who enroll a kindergartener at The Crenshaw Academy do not need to start the search over in fifth grade or ninth grade. The school educates students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 on a single campus, so siblings stay together and teachers across divisions can share what they know about a student's progress. Crenshaw holds accreditation from several respected 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 federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program, allowing it to enroll international students on F-1 visas.
Lower School (K-5)
The Lower School builds foundational skills through experiential learning and individualized instruction. Reading instruction is phonics-based, mathematics begins with concrete materials before moving to abstract concepts, and science is taught through inquiry rather than memorization. Spanish instruction begins in Kindergarten.
Middle School (6-8)
Middle School integrates core subjects with study skills, community service, athletics, and personal growth activities. Students expand their work in literature, social studies, mathematics, science, computer skills, health, and performing arts while beginning formal modern language instruction. Classes are small and discussion-based.
Upper School (9-12)
The Upper School delivers a rigorous college preparatory program with honors courses in every discipline plus a range of electives. Seminar-style classes emphasize methods of inquiry alongside written and oral expression. Students complete a computer science requirement and community service, and those with particular interests can elect independent study for credit in areas outside the standard curriculum.
Small Classes That Change How Learning Feels
Class size is the mechanism that makes everything else possible. The Lower School maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, and Middle and Upper School classes run at 15:1.
Nationally, the pupil-teacher ratio in private schools was 12.5 compared with 15.4 in public schools in 2021 (National Center for Education Statistics). Crenshaw's Lower School ratio sits at the stronger end of that range. Teachers know students deeply, understand how each one learns, and adjust instruction accordingly.
That knowledge translates into concrete support:
- In-house tutoring covering organization, study skills, and content-area concepts
- College counseling delivered as an individualized service rather than a group assembly
- Independent study options for students whose interests outrun the course catalog
- Enrichment planning meetings among teachers, parents, and students
Recent testing reflects the approach. The Crenshaw Academy ranked above average globally in English on the PSAT NMSQT and above average state-wide in both English and Math on the PSAT 8/9.
College Prep That Starts Earlier Than You Expect
Families evaluating college prep in the Apopka area should look closely at the dual enrollment structure at Crenshaw, because it begins far earlier than at most schools.
Dual Enrollment at Valencia College and UCF
Eleventh and twelfth graders are encouraged to take dual enrollment courses at Valencia College or the University of Central Florida, and students need a B average or above to qualify. Students may even take up to a full course load per semester.
In an outstandingly rare offering, Crenshaw students may also begin dual enrollment coursework as early as sixth grade if they meet the qualifications. This option is truly rare among Central Florida independent schools.
The research is consistent. Students with prior dual enrollment experience completed a postsecondary credential within six years at a rate of 71.1 percent, compared with 57.2 percent for students without it (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 2026). Crenshaw faculty also observe the confidence and maturity students gain during a first college-level course.
The Professional Program: Flexibility for Serious Commitments
Competitive athletes, performers, and students with irregular travel demands often face a choice between their pursuit and their education. Crenshaw's Professional Program removes that choice. Students enroll full-time and attend classes on campus, coordinating directly with teachers around absences and receiving work in advance so it can be completed on schedule. Students who need a substantially different schedule, such as a half-day arrangement, complete remaining coursework through Florida Virtual School. Credit is also awarded for the activity itself where appropriate.
Key details families ask about:
- Tuition is the same as traditional enrollment
- Students remain eligible for sports, clubs, social events, and graduation
- Attendance is tracked exactly as it is for any full-time student
- Families can flex between full-time in-person and the Professional Program mid-year
The program traces back to founder Brenda Crenshaw's work as a private instructor to Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass, when she recognized that some students needed a flexible structure that did not yet exist.
A Secular School Community
Crenshaw is a non-religious school, and that is a deliberate choice rather than an omission. The philosophy centers on intellectual inquiry, analysis, problem-solving, and independence of thought, with debate, discussion, substantial writing and reading, questioning, and experimenting serving as the primary modes of learning. Families of all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome. You can read more about the school's history and mission on the About The Crenshaw Academy page.
Athletics and Student Life
Physical education is delivered in partnership with D2 Futsal staff. Elementary students participate one to two times per week, and grades six through eight have physical education daily. An after-school soccer program through D2 runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students also take part in community service, performing arts, and field trips. Details are on the Sports page.
How Enrollment Works
Registration must be completed in person or virtually, and the process follows four steps:
- Schedule a campus tour and meet with administration, in person or virtually
- Complete all required documents and forms, including the Florida Student Enrollment Checklist
- Receive an acceptance decision after the tour and application review
- Submit registration payment and first tuition fees to confirm enrollment
Full details are on the How to Apply page.
What Families Say
Families describe the experience better than any brochure copy:
"We would like to say thank you for teaching our son, he has truly enjoyed the classes. He has learned a lot over these past weeks. His presentation in speaking, and your gift for teaching has made an impact on him. We are grateful to Crenshaw and its teachers who are indeed committed to helping all students succeed." (Crenshaw Parent)
Additional family and student comments are available on the Testimonials page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does The Crenshaw Academy serve?
The school serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 on one campus, organized into Lower School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and Upper School (9-12).
How far is the campus from Apopka?
The campus is at 2342 Hempel Avenue in Gotha, Florida, southwest of downtown Orlando. Families in Apopka and surrounding northwest Orange County communities travel south to reach it. The map below shows the geographic relationship.
What are the student-teacher ratios?
The Lower School operates at 12:1. Middle School and Upper School classes operate at 15:1.
Can my child begin dual enrollment before high school?
Yes. Students may begin dual enrollment coursework as early as sixth grade if they meet the qualifications. All students taking dual enrollment courses at Valencia College or the University of Central Florida need a B average or above.
Is The Crenshaw Academy a religious school?
No. Crenshaw is a secular, non-religious college preparatory school that welcomes families of all backgrounds.
Does the school accept Florida school choice scholarships?
Yes. Crenshaw accepts the Step Up For Students Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarship and offers a hybrid Professional Program for students who need schedule flexibility.
What academic support is available if my child struggles?
Crenshaw operates an in-house tutoring program addressing organization, study skills, and content-area concepts.
Schedule Your Visit
The best way to evaluate a school is to walk the halls, watch a class, and ask hard questions. Crenshaw requires a campus tour and a meeting with administration before enrollment is confirmed, so every family gets that opportunity by design. School hours run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To schedule a tour or speak with an admissions advisor about private education options for Apopka students, contact The Crenshaw Academy or call 407-757-2241.
