At Crenshaw Academy, we believe that meaningful education happens when teachers can give each student the attention they deserve. Our commitment to small class sizes—12:1 in Lower School and 15:1 in Middle and High School—creates an environment where every student is known, challenged, and supported.
Located just minutes from Winter Garden, Crenshaw Academy offers K-12 students an educational experience that combines academic excellence with personalized attention. Our approach ensures that each child receives an education tailored to their unique strengths, challenges, and learning style.
The Importance of Small Class Sizes
Class size has emerged as one of the most significant factors influencing student success. Research consistently demonstrates that students in smaller classes achieve better academic outcomes, develop stronger social-emotional skills, and receive more individualized support.
Academic Benefits of Low Student-Teacher Ratios
Students in classrooms with lower student-teacher ratios consistently demonstrate:
- Higher achievement across all subject areas
- Stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- More advanced writing abilities
- Greater mastery of mathematical concepts
- Better preparation for college-level work
These academic advantages stem from teachers' ability to provide more individualized instruction, offer timely feedback, and adapt teaching methods to match each student's learning style. In a classroom with fewer students, teachers can ensure that every child masters foundational concepts before moving forward.
Social and Emotional Advantages
Beyond academics, small classes provide significant social and emotional benefits:
- Greater participation opportunities for every student
- Stronger relationships between teachers and students
- Enhanced sense of classroom community
- More confidence in expressing ideas and asking questions
- Reduced anxiety and school-related stress
At Crenshaw Academy, we understand that Winter Garden families want their children to feel secure, valued, and connected at school. Our small class environment fosters these feelings by ensuring that no child becomes "invisible" or falls through the cracks.
The Crenshaw Academy Difference
What sets Crenshaw Academy apart from other Winter Garden area private schools? Our commitment to maintaining optimal student-teacher ratios is just the beginning.
Our Class Size Commitment
Unlike many schools that advertise small classes but don't define what that means, we maintain specific student-teacher ratios across all grade levels:
- Lower School (K-5): 12:1 student-teacher ratio
- Middle School (6-8): 15:1 student-teacher ratio
- High School (9-12): 15:1 student-teacher ratio
These ratios aren't arbitrary—they're carefully designed to maximize the benefits of personalized education while maintaining the social diversity students need for healthy development.
Accredited Excellence
Crenshaw Academy is fully accredited by respected educational organizations, including:
- SACS / CASI / COGNIA
- Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF)
- Middle States Association
- Accreditation International
- National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)
These accreditations ensure that our educational programs meet or exceed rigorous standards while still providing the personalized attention that sets us apart.
Comprehensive K-12 Program
Winter Garden families seeking a consistent educational approach from kindergarten through high school graduation will find it at Crenshaw Academy. Our comprehensive K-12 program offers:
- A coherent curriculum that builds skills progressively across grade levels
- Smooth transitions between Lower, Middle, and High School
- Consistent educational philosophy focused on personalized learning
- Faculty collaboration across divisions to ensure student success
- The convenience of siblings attending the same school
This comprehensive approach, combined with our commitment to small class sizes, creates an ideal learning environment for students at every stage of development.
Academic Excellence Through Personalized Attention
For Winter Garden families, personalized education isn't just a nice extra—it's essential for helping each child reach their full potential. At Crenshaw Academy, our small class sizes enable truly individualized instruction.
Lower School (K-5): Building Strong Foundations
In our Lower School, the 12:1 student-teacher ratio allows teachers to:
- Identify each child's unique learning style and adapt instruction accordingly
- Provide extra support or enrichment as needed
- Build strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics
- Foster a love of learning through personalized engagement
- Address challenges before they become obstacles to learning
During these formative years, our teachers become experts on each child's academic strengths, challenges, and interests. This deep knowledge allows them to customize instruction in ways that simply aren't possible in larger classroom settings.
Middle School (6-8): Navigating Critical Transitions
The middle school years represent a critical transition period, both academically and developmentally. Our 15:1 student-teacher ratio ensures that students receive the guidance they need during this pivotal time:
- More individual attention during the transition to departmentalized instruction
- Greater support with increasingly complex academic content
- Personalized guidance through social and emotional development
- Earlier intervention when challenges arise
- More opportunities to develop leadership skills
Middle school students at Crenshaw Academy benefit from teachers who understand adolescent development and can provide the right balance of structure and independence.
High School (9-12): Preparing for Future Success
As students prepare for college and beyond, our 15:1 student-teacher ratio in High School offers significant advantages:
- More personalized college counseling
- Greater opportunities for meaningful class discussions
- More detailed feedback on complex assignments
- Stronger teacher recommendation letters based on genuine relationships
- Personalized guidance in selecting appropriate courses and extracurricular activities
For Winter Garden families focused on college preparation, these advantages translate into better college readiness and more successful applications to selective institutions.
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
For qualified students at any level, Crenshaw Academy offers Dual Enrollment opportunities at local colleges and universities. This program allows students to:
- Earn college credits while still in high school
- Experience college-level coursework in a supported environment
- Enhance their college applications
- Develop confidence and maturity for future academic pursuits
Students with a B average or above can register for dual enrollment courses each semester, gaining valuable college experience while still benefiting from our small class environment and personalized support at Crenshaw Academy.
Winter Garden Families: What to Expect at Crenshaw Academy
For Winter Garden families considering Crenshaw Academy, here's what you can expect:
Academic Excellence
Our commitment to small class sizes supports remarkable academic outcomes, including:
- Strong performance on standardized assessments
- High college acceptance rates
- Admission to selective universities
- Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Mastery of fundamental concepts across all subject areas
Personalized Approach
Each student at Crenshaw Academy benefits from:
- Individual attention from teachers who truly know them
- Instruction tailored to their learning style
- Appropriate challenges that stretch without overwhelming
- Support for areas needing development
- Recognition and nurturing of unique talents and interests
Strong Community
Our school community is characterized by:
- Close relationships between students, teachers, and families
- A supportive environment where students feel valued and known
- Collaborative learning opportunities
- A sense of belonging and connection
- Partnerships between home and school
Location and Accessibility for Winter Garden Families
Located in Gotha, Crenshaw Academy is easily accessible for Winter Garden families. Our convenient location means:
- Short commute times from most Winter Garden neighborhoods
- Accessible drop-off and pick-up procedures
- Proximity to major transportation routes
- A campus environment that balances safety with natural beauty
Admissions Process
Interested Winter Garden families can begin the admissions process with these simple steps:
- Schedule a campus tour: Experience our small classes in action and see the difference personalized education makes.
- Shadow for a day: Students spend a day with us to be sure they are the correct candidate.
- Complete an application: Our admissions team will guide you through the process.
- Family interview: This conversation helps us determine if Crenshaw Academy is the right fit for your family.
- Enrollment: Upon acceptance, complete the enrollment process to secure your child's place.
Tuition and Investment
Investing in your child's education is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Crenshaw Academy offers several payment options to accommodate different family situations.
Various discounts are available for active military members, first responders, alumni, and siblings. Please inquire during the admissions process for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do small class sizes benefit my child's education?
Small classes allow teachers to provide more individualized attention, identify learning needs quickly, and adapt instruction to match each student's learning style. Research consistently shows that students in smaller classes achieve better academic outcomes and develop stronger social-emotional skills.
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How does Crenshaw Academy's student-teacher ratio compare to public schools in Winter Garden?
Public schools in the Winter Garden area typically have student-teacher ratios of 22-25 in elementary grades and 25-30 in middle and high school. With our 12:1 ratio in Lower School and 15:1 in Middle and High School, Crenshaw Academy offers significantly more personalized attention.
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Will my child receive personalized college counseling?
Yes. Our small class sizes extend to our college counseling program, where we provide individualized guidance throughout the application process. Our counselor gets to know each student well and can provide targeted advice and strong recommendation letters.
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How does the application process work?
The application process begins with a campus tour/interview, then a shadow and followed by an application,. This comprehensive process helps us understand your child's needs and ensures that Crenshaw Academy is the right fit for your family.
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Are there opportunities for parent involvement?
Absolutely. We view education as a partnership between home and school. Parents are encouraged to volunteer, attend school events, and maintain open communication with teachers and administrators.
Experience the Small Class Difference
For Winter Garden families seeking a private school with low student-teacher ratios and a commitment to personalized education, Crenshaw Academy offers an exceptional option just minutes away. Our small classes provide the individual attention, academic excellence, and supportive community that help students thrive.
Contact our Admissions Office today to schedule a campus tour to observe our programs in action and experience how quality education can transform your child's learning journey.
