Florida Preparatory Academy: Living On Campus Immerses Students In World of Learning

Top 15 culturally diverse high school in Florida

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Through a history spanning more than half a century, Florida Preparatory Academy has crafted a winning recipe for success: blend a generous amount of “family feel” and add large doses of high expectations from each student.

Impart a global outlook to the entire student body and top that mixture with a structured environment and one-on-one academic assistance.

The result is Florida’s premier prep school, a campus where not only is academic achievement encouraged and expected, but where students can learn to become responsible, caring adults in touch with the world around them.

One of the benefits of attending Florida Prep is the school’s ability to seamless combine day school with boarding school, which offers students a unique opportunity to develop friendships well beyond their hometowns.

International Friendships

Florida Prep is in the Top 15 culturally diverse high schools in Florida, according to niche.com. A third of the student body is local day students, while a third is boarding students from around the country and another third, also boarding students, represent 30 countries.

“It’s a great mix,” said Safiyah Dinally, Florida Prep’s Associate Director Of Admissions.

“Our students are able to meet kids from all over the world. It broadens their own world. In effect, the world comes to our students.”

The school’s boarding environment promotes lifetime friendships that span the globe.

Being exposed daily to a rich panoply of international cultures and languages is highly beneficial for both boarding and day students, since such first-hand experience with peers from every corner of the earth helps students become citizens of the world, ready to tackle globalization, regardless of what career paths they may choose.

Family Atmosphere Eases Students’ Transition, Staff Always Available

In addition to these cultural riches, Florida Prep also boasts a family atmosphere that makes students feel at home from day one. The Dwight family, whose patriarch founded the school in 1961, remains at the helm of operations; Florida Prep is a family school run by a family who cares about the success of their students.

Fifteen percent of faculty live on campus and virtually all staff members send their own children to Florida Prep. They are personally invested in the school and its students.

“There is a camaraderie that the students and faculty share that other schools can’t seem to match,” said a Florida Prep parent.

Being a family is a 24/7 proposition, so, unlike at most schools, at Florida Prep the school day doesn’t end after the last class is over.

“We’re a 24-hour operation with staff here always for the students,” said Dinally. “Our families know they can count on us anytime.”

Boarding opportunities begin as early as junior high school, depending on the individual student’s maturity level.

“We make it a very easy transition for the student and the family, and we make sure that the student is ready for this big step, because we want him or her to succeed,” said Dinally.

Multiple Boarding Options Available

Living on campus immerses students in a world of learning and prepares them early for university life. They have embraced responsible behavior early and arrive at college better prepared. Boarding promotes the level of independence and ability to “think on your feet” students will need beyond high school.

The structured environment of boarding is conducive to a well-ordered life where students learn to make their decisions, wisely allot their time and accept responsibility.

“It teaches organizational skills and conflict resolution skills,” said Dinally. “We want them to solve problems by themselves, but just like family, we’re always there in the background should the student needs us.”

At Florida Prep, families may opt for five or seven-day boarding options.

“Many of our Florida families choose five-day boarding, so their child goes home on weekends,” explained Dinally. “It’s the best of both worlds.”

Boarding students who stay on campus the entire week are offered a variety of planned weekend activities, such as trips to theme parks, shopping, dining and the beach.

Because of the wealth of entertainment options in Central Florida, boredom is never an issue on weekends for Florida Prep students. Day student friends are also welcome to “hang out” after school and on weekends with their boarding peers and many do.

Perfect Fit For Military Families

Florida Prep is a perfect fit for students from military families, since the school offers the same cultural diversity these students enjoyed at schools overseas.

“We currently have several children of active duty personnel boarding with us,” said Dinally. “When the parents return, they will once again become day students. The transition is seamless and it really lifts a huge burden of worry.”

Florida Prep also offers emergency boarding to day student families who need a secure location for their child because of a family emergency or unexpected work travel requirements.

“We’re always here for our students and their families,” said Dinally.

Florida Preparatory Academy invites parents to see how the Falcons live and learn during an Open House at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16.

For more about Florida Preparatory Academy, call 321-723-3211 or visit flprep.com

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