When it comes to your child's education, class size matters more than most people realize. In many public and even some private schools, students sit in classrooms of 25 to 30 or more, competing for a teacher's time and attention. At Crenshaw Academy, we've taken a fundamentally different approach since 1997. Our Casselberry small classes ensure that no student gets lost in the crowd.
For families near Casselberry seeking an accredited K-12 college preparatory school that puts personalized education at the center of everything, Crenshaw Academy delivers the kind of focused, intentional learning environment that larger schools cannot replicate.
What the Research Says About Small Class Sizes
The benefits of smaller classes are backed by decades of rigorous research. Tennessee's Project STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Ratio) was a fully randomized trial examining the effect of class sizes for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3, involving over 7,000 students in 79 schools. Using both standardized and curriculum-based testing, the study found that small classes produced substantial improvement in early learning and cognitive development, with the effect roughly double for minority students.
The long-term results were equally compelling. Subsequent research following Project STAR found that even when students were placed back into larger classes later in their education, the positive foundation from smaller classes led them to be more likely to take advanced courses, graduate from high school, attend college, and major in a STEM field. A review of over 25 years of class-size research confirmed that small classes of 15 to 17 pupils in the early grades provide both short- and long-term benefits for students, teachers, and society at large.
Crenshaw Academy's Class Size Advantage
Small class sizes and close faculty-student-parent relationships are integral to the Crenshaw education. Our ratios are among the most competitive available to families in the Casselberry area:
- 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
These numbers aren't aspirational goals — they're the standard. Because of these ratios, our teaching staff is in a unique position to reach students with various learning styles. Individual attention isn't an add-on at Crenshaw; it's built into the fabric of every classroom interaction.
How Individual Attention Changes the Learning Experience
When a teacher knows 12 or 15 students instead of 30, everything changes. The Crenshaw educational philosophy focuses on nurturing each child's capacity for intellectual inquiry, analysis, problem-solving, and independence of thought from a young age. In practice, that looks like:
- Teachers who know each student personally — their strengths, challenges, learning style, and interests
- Discussion-based classes — all classes at Crenshaw are small and discussion-based, giving every student space to participate
- Curriculum that adapts — Crenshaw meets with teachers, parents, and students to assist in finding or providing resources that can enrich or extend the curriculum based on individual needs
- Independent study opportunities — older students can set up Independent Study to earn credits for work in areas that may not be available through the regular curriculum
- In-house academic support — Crenshaw offers an in-house tutoring program for an extra fee.
As founder Brenda Crenshaw has explained: "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."
A Personalized Education at Every Grade Level
Crenshaw Academy is an accredited Kindergarten through 12th grade college preparatory school. The 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 how personalized education unfolds across each division.
Lower School (Grades K-5)
Young children develop attitudes about learning based on their earliest experiences in school. Crenshaw's Lower School offers a nurturing, safe environment and a distinct, sequenced program specifically designed to meet the needs of its youngest learners. The program emphasizes experiential learning and significant individualization of instruction within an integrated curriculum.
Our developmentally appropriate curriculum inspires children to love learning through:
- Instilling positive attitudes and motivation
- Teaching strong basic learning skills
- Introducing a wide variety of disciplines
- Fostering early social skills
- Cultivating habits of mind that support lifelong learning
From the age of five, Crenshaw guides each child toward self-confidence and independence. Teaching begins with the ability to make learning the antithesis of a chore — at Crenshaw, our students learn and, more importantly, learn to love learning.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
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.
The Middle School curriculum is interdisciplinary, multicultural, and designed to stretch students' thinking from the concrete to the abstract. Students begin formal instruction of modern language after interdisciplinary exposure to Spanish in the Lower School. Crenshaw also addresses and supports the increased need at this level for good organization, routine study skills, responsibility for one's work, and mature social behavior.
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
The Upper School offers a rigorous college-preparatory program taught in small, seminar-style classes. The curriculum emphasizes methods of inquiry as well as written and oral expression across mathematics, the physical and social sciences, the humanities, and modern languages. Upper School features include:
- Honors courses in each discipline
- Electives that allow students to pursue individual interests
- Independent study options
- Computer science course
- Community service engagement
- Arts development across multiple disciplines
In an atmosphere that promotes both independence and responsibility, students build the academic skills and personal confidence needed for college and beyond.
Beyond the Classroom: Programs That Prepare Students for Life
Personalized education at Crenshaw extends beyond the core curriculum through programs that give students real-world skills and college-level experience.
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.
Where Small Classes Lead: College Acceptances and Distinguished Graduates
The ultimate measure of personalized education is what students accomplish after they leave. 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
- Penn State University
- Tulane University
- Michigan State University
- Florida State University
- Rollins College
Our graduates are accepted to universities all over the world, including medical schools, and several have already received their Masters degrees. Distinguished graduates include pro golfers, American actresses, a world-renowned water skier, and professionals working internationally in coaching, entertainment, and athletics.
What Students and Families Say
"Growing up in the setting of a small school has shaped my character in many ways." — Crenshaw Student
"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." — Crenshaw Student
"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
"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
Visit our testimonials page to see reviews from graduates.
Accreditation and Financial Assistance
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 SEVP approved and participates in the Step Up For Students Scholarship program. For detailed tuition information, please visit our tuition page.
Convenient Access From Casselberry
Crenshaw Academy's location in the Orlando area offers an easy commute for families in Casselberry and throughout Seminole County. For parents who want the benefits of Casselberry small classes, individual attention, and a proven college preparatory track record, the short drive is well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Crenshaw Academy's class sizes different from other private schools?
Many private schools advertise small classes but still seat 20 or more students per room. Crenshaw Academy maintains a 12:1 ratio in the Lower School and a 15:1 ratio in Middle and High School, ensuring that individual attention is a daily reality rather than a marketing claim.
How does personalized education prepare students for college?
Students who learn in small, discussion-based classes develop strong critical thinking, communication, and self-advocacy skills. Combined with programs like Dual Enrollment and the Entrepreneurial Program, Crenshaw graduates arrive at college with both the academic preparation and the personal confidence to succeed.
Is Crenshaw Academy a religious school?
No. Crenshaw Academy is a secular, non-religious private school focused on academic excellence, critical thinking, and preparing students for success in a global community.
How do I schedule a visit?
We welcome families to tour our campus and meet our faculty. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Advisor and see how personalized education at Crenshaw Academy can benefit your child.
See the Difference Small Classes Make
Since 1997, Crenshaw Academy has been proving that when you put students in smaller classrooms with dedicated teachers and a rigorous, innovative curriculum, extraordinary things happen. We require students to reflect critically, develop transferable skills, and above all to think, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. If you're ready to give your child the individual attention they deserve, reach out to our admissions team today.
