At The Crenshaw Academy, we offer a premier secular education in Orlando that focuses on academic excellence in an inclusive environment. As a non-religious private school, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares them for success in our global society.
Founded on principles of educational innovation and student-centered learning, The Crenshaw Academy has established itself as a leading non-denominational school serving kindergarten through grade 12. Our forward-thinking curriculum and supportive community help students develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to thrive in college and beyond.
Why Choose a Secular Education at The Crenshaw Academy?
The Crenshaw Academy provides a unique educational experience that combines academic rigor with an inclusive approach. Our secular education model offers several key advantages:
- Academic Freedom: Our curriculum is based on evidence, research, and established educational standards, allowing students to explore ideas through critical inquiry.
- Inclusive Community: We create a welcoming environment for families from all backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions.
- Global Perspective: Students develop understanding and respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints, preparing them for our interconnected world.
- College Preparation: Our comprehensive program prepares students for success at top universities, with a track record of graduates attending prestigious institutions worldwide.
As a non-religious private school in Orlando, we focus on delivering exceptional education while fostering a community where diversity is celebrated and all students feel valued. Our secular approach doesn't diminish the importance of understanding religions as cultural and historical forces—we simply approach these topics from an academic rather than devotional perspective.
Academic Excellence in a Secular Setting
Rigorous Curriculum
The Crenshaw Academy's curriculum is challenging, forward-thinking, and flexible, designed to help students from diverse backgrounds reach new levels of accomplishment. Our academic programs integrate:
- STEM Education: Comprehensive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs that prepare students for future innovation.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Rich exploration of literature, history, philosophy, and social studies that develops critical thinking and cultural understanding.
- World Languages: Language instruction that prepares students for global engagement.
- Arts Education: Visual and performing arts programs that nurture creativity and self-expression.
Without religious constraints, our teachers can present comprehensive content in all subject areas, particularly in sciences where evidence-based approaches are paramount.
Small Class Sizes
With student-teacher ratios of 12:1 in our Lower School and 15:1 in our Middle and High Schools, we provide individualized attention that helps each student reach their full potential. This personalized approach allows teachers to:
- Customize instruction to meet diverse learning needs
- Build meaningful relationships with each student
- Provide timely feedback and support
- Create engaging classroom experiences that promote active learning
Our small class sizes reflect our commitment to knowing each student as an individual and supporting their unique educational journey.
College Preparatory Focus
The Crenshaw Academy's Upper School offers a strong and varied program that provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate their individual strengths and develop their potential. Our college preparatory curriculum includes:
- Honors courses in each discipline
- Diverse elective offerings
- Dual Enrollment opportunities for 11th and 12th graders at Valencia Community College and University of Central Florida
- Comprehensive college counseling services
Our graduates have been accepted to prestigious universities including Princeton University, Stanford University, University of California Los Angeles, University of Florida, Georgetown University, and many others across the United States and internationally.
Inclusive Environment at Our Non-Denominational School
Welcoming Students of All Backgrounds
As a secular private school in Orlando, The Crenshaw Academy creates an environment where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued. Our community includes families from:
- Various religious traditions
- Diverse cultural backgrounds
- International origins
- Different family structures
- Various socioeconomic backgrounds
This diversity enriches our school community and provides authentic opportunities for students to engage with different perspectives and experiences.
Celebrating Diversity
We believe that a diverse learning environment better prepares students for the real world. At The Crenshaw Academy, we:
- Integrate multicultural perspectives throughout our curriculum
- Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world
- Encourage respectful dialogue about different viewpoints
- Create opportunities for cross-cultural understanding
- Foster appreciation for diverse contributions to human knowledge
Through these practices, we help students develop the cultural competence needed for success in college, careers, and community life.
Character Development Through Universal Values
While we are a non-religious private school, we place strong emphasis on character development through universal values that transcend specific faith traditions. Our approach focuses on:
- Integrity and honesty
- Respect for others
- Personal responsibility
- Empathy and compassion
- Commitment to community
- Intellectual curiosity
These values are reinforced through our community expectations, service learning opportunities, and character education programs, helping students develop the ethical foundations needed for meaningful lives.
Global Perspective in Education
Preparing for an Interconnected World
At The Crenshaw Academy, we recognize that today's students will graduate into a world where global connections are the norm. Our secular education approach prepares them for this reality by:
- Integrating global awareness across the curriculum
- Developing cross-cultural communication skills
- Building understanding of international systems and relationships
- Fostering awareness of global challenges and opportunities
This global perspective helps students see themselves as citizens of both their local community and the broader world, with responsibilities that extend beyond national borders.
International Student Program
As an SEVP-approved school, The Crenshaw Academy welcomes international students who enrich our community with diverse perspectives and experiences. Our international program provides:
- Comprehensive academic support
- English language assistance as needed
- Cultural integration activities
- College counseling specific to international student needs
International students at The Crenshaw Academy find a welcoming community where their unique perspectives are valued and where they can prepare for success at American universities.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Our faculty employs culturally responsive teaching practices that recognize and build upon the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. This approach:
- Acknowledges students' cultural frames of reference
- Incorporates diverse examples and materials
- Encourages multiple perspectives on issues
- Creates space for students to share their unique insights
- Builds bridges between academic content and students' lived experiences
Through culturally responsive teaching, we make learning more relevant and engaging for all students while preparing them to navigate diverse environments with confidence and skill.
Entrepreneurial Program for Real-World Success
Business Leadership Development
Our Upper School Entrepreneurial Program is specifically designed to build a strong foundation in international business, business management, and business analysis. Through this specialized curriculum, students develop:
- Leadership capabilities for diverse business environments
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Financial literacy and business acumen
- Innovative approaches to market challenges
- Ethical decision-making in business contexts
This program provides an exceptional foundation for students to begin their own startups or transition into the global economy after graduation.
Practical Skills Training
Beyond theoretical knowledge, our Entrepreneurial Program emphasizes practical skills that prepare students for real-world business challenges:
- Business plan development
- Market research and analysis
- Financial management and budgeting
- Effective communication and presentation
- Digital marketing and social media strategy
- Networking and relationship building
These practical skills complement traditional academic subjects, creating well-rounded graduates ready for diverse career paths.
Real-World Business Experience Opportunities
The Crenshaw Academy's entrepreneurial curriculum extends beyond the classroom to provide authentic business experiences:
- Student-run business ventures
- Internship opportunities with local businesses
- Mentorship from successful entrepreneurs
- Business pitch competitions
- Industry site visits and speaker series
- Collaborative projects with real-world applications
These experiences allow students to apply their learning in authentic contexts, building confidence and practical knowledge that will serve them throughout their careers.
The Crenshaw Academy Experience
K-12 Educational Continuity
As a K-12 college preparatory school, The Crenshaw Academy offers the benefit of educational continuity throughout a student's academic journey:
- Lower School (K-5): Foundation in core skills, experiential learning, and individualized instruction within an integrated curriculum.
- Middle School (6-8): Integration of core subjects, study skills, community service, athletics, and personal growth activities.
- Upper School (9-12): Rigorous college preparatory curriculum including honors courses, electives, and dual enrollment opportunities.
This seamless progression allows students to build upon their knowledge and skills each year, developing deep understanding and confidence as learners.
Athletics and Physical Education
We recognize the importance of physical well-being alongside academic achievement. Our physical education program includes:
- Regular PE classes for all grade levels
- Partnership with D2 Futsal for quality instruction
- After-school soccer program
- Emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship
- Focus on lifelong healthy habits
These programs help students develop physical skills, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being.
Community and Parent Involvement
The Crenshaw Academy fosters a strong sense of community through:
- Regular communication between teachers and parents
- Family engagement opportunities
- Community service initiatives
- School-wide celebrations and events
- Collaborative projects that bring our community together
This sense of connection creates a supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated to achieve their best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Secular Education
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What is a secular private school?
A secular private school like The Crenshaw Academy operates independently from religious institutions and does not promote specific religious beliefs or practices. We focus on delivering academic content based on evidence, research, and established educational standards while creating an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds.
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How does a non-religious school teach values?
At The Crenshaw Academy, we teach universal values that transcend specific religious traditions, such as honesty, respect, empathy, and responsibility. These values are reinforced through our community expectations, service learning opportunities, and character education programs, helping students understand their practical importance in building healthy communities and relationships.
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Will my child learn about religions at The Crenshaw Academy?
Yes, understanding religions as cultural and historical forces is an important part of a comprehensive education. Students learn about major world religions, their histories, beliefs, and cultural impacts through social studies, literature, and arts courses. The difference is that this learning occurs from an academic perspective rather than a devotional one.
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How does The Crenshaw Academy handle religious holidays?
We acknowledge major religious holidays as cultural phenomena and learning opportunities. We may study the historical and cultural significance of holidays from various traditions, but we don't organize religious observances. School breaks often coincide with major holidays for practical reasons, but our celebrations focus on universal themes like gratitude, community, and new beginnings.
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What makes The Crenshaw Academy different from other private schools in Orlando?
The Crenshaw Academy stands out for our combination of academic excellence, inclusive secular environment, small class sizes, and innovative programs like our Entrepreneurial Program. Our approach prepares students not just for college acceptance, but for meaningful success in our diverse, global society.
Begin Your Journey at The Crenshaw Academy
The Crenshaw Academy offers a distinctive educational experience that combines academic excellence with an inclusive, secular approach. Our students develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed for success in college and beyond, all within a supportive community that celebrates diversity and encourages personal growth.
If you're seeking a non-religious private school in Orlando that provides exceptional education and prepares students for our global world, we invite you to explore The Crenshaw Academy.
To learn more about our programs or to schedule a campus visit, please contact our admissions team today. We look forward to showing you how The Crenshaw Academy can provide the educational foundation your child needs for future success.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and admission process.
