The mission of The Classical Academy of Sarasota istodevelopthe academic potential of each student througharigorous,content-rich, classical liberal arts educationwhilebuilding inthem a virtuous character.
Our purpose is to develop graduates who arelogicalthinkers,coherent writers, eloquent speakers, thoughtfulleadersandresponsible virtuous citizens.
TCA is a place of serious study where passionateteachersinstilla love of learning in students, where lifelonghabits ofvirtue andexcellence are formed.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 547 students
- Yearly Tuition: $6,500
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Classical Academy Of Sarasota ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
2014
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
547 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Average Class Size
14 students
Average SAT score
1251
(Out of 1600)
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Lisa Redhead
School Notes
- The Classical Academy of Sarasota is dedicated totheclassicalmodel of education. A classical education createsawell-roundedstudent with a logical mind and a virtuous heart. Itisbuilt uponthe best of the Western traditional canonthroughcurriculum andphilosophy which acknowledges currentunderstandingof childdevelopment and growth. Classical educationinstills instudents alarge body of factual knowledge, trains themto logicallyorganizeand analyze these facts, and gives them thetools to putforth areasoned and persuasive argument. Classicallyeducatedstudents arecoherent, thoughtful and eloquent writers andspeakerswho aregrounded in virtue. Classical education focuses onarigorous andcontent-rich core in which academic marks are givenformastery,not for effort, in every subject. Classicaleducationemphasizesexcellence in everything from the literatureread to thequality ofeach assignment completed by students.Acquiringknowledge ishighly valued, and moving beyond the abilityto simplypass a test,classical education advances this acquisitionin orderto createlogical and articulate citizens. Classicaleducation has arich2500 year history. It began in the time of PlatoandAristotle,matured during the Middle Ages, and continued asthepredominantform of education for Americas Founders.Educationaltrends comeand go but the classical approach istimeless, rigorousand stillrelevant. A classical education isdistinguished by: ABack toBasics Approach Classical education is aback to basicseducation.All core subjects are taught with the goalof building afoundationof knowledge. Classical educationemphasizescontent-richliterature, a deep understanding of history,thefundamentalprinciples in math and science, and a deepappreciationfor art andmusic. Rather than moving quickly throughtopics andgleaning onlythe highlights, classical educationadvocates for themastery ofsubjects. Classical education places aclear focus ondirectinstruction. Teachers are the experts in theclassroom,providingdirect instruction. Students are not placed inpods aroundtheroom, left to learn through self-discovery andgroupprojects.Technology does not take the place ofexcellentinstruction orinstructors. Teaching facts and directingstudentswith logicalquestions are the guiding principles ineveryclassroom. Teachersdo not rely on worksheets, fill in theblank, ormultiple choice.Instead, students are taught to answer incompletesentences andcreate from a blank slate. Classical educationstrivesfor masteryof the content, not simply to complete theassignment orpass atest, but for the knowledge to become a part ofthe fabric ofwhothey are. A Focus on Moral Virtue Virtue isfoundational inaclassical education. From the time of the ancientsto theFoundersof America, classical education holds that thepracticingof virtueis the key to true happiness. Anchoringeducation in thefourancient virtues of temperance (self-control),prudence(wisdom),fortitude (courage), and justice teaches studentsto learnthetrue, do the good, and love the beautiful. Virtue istaught inallgrades throughout the curriculum. Classical literatureandthestudy of history offers students enduring examples ofvirtueandvice to look to when asking the question, how then shouldIlive?Great conversations centered on these charactersarefosteredwithin the classrooms. Virtue is modelled by teachersandexpectedfrom the students. To educate a man in mind and notinmorals is toeducate a menace to society. ~ TheodoreRooseveltCurriculum Rootedin History Classical education draws fromthe bestof the WesternCanon. It relies on the character, thoughts,andideas of the greatmen and women who have preceded us. Whatstudentsstudy and read isnot just great because it is old butbecause it istimeless.Aristotle, Augustine, Shakespeare, Euclid,Homer, and manyothersare the giants upon whose shoulders classicaleducation isbuilt.Introducing young students to the greatestindividuals andeventsfrom history lays the foundation for greaterdepth oflearning asthey grow. History is the backbone of a coherentstudyof allsubjects. A Standard of Excellence Classicaleducationemphasizesexcellence in all areas. Students learnexcellencethrough theexample of their teachers and the curriculumtaught inclass.Excellence is expected in everything, from academicworktobehavior throughout the school day. Students who are trainedinthehabit of excellence and are constantly striving to dotheirbest,from their penmanship to the way they dress, are preparedtobesuccessful at whatever they do. We are what werepeatedlydo.Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. ~Aristotle TheStudyof Latin Over 60% of the English language isrooted inLatin.Studying Latin enriches vocabulary and grammar,creates astrongsense of organization in writing, and improvesliteracy andreadingcomprehension. A strong knowledge of Latinadvancesunderstandingin both math and science as well and studentswhostudy Latinconsistently score higher in all subject areasofstandardizedtests, as well as on the verbal portion of theSAT.Latininstruction begins in kindergarten and continuesthroughhighschool. A Strong Civic Understanding Classicaleducationstresses astrong civic understanding. In order to becomevirtuousandproductive citizens, students must understandAmericasfoundingprinciples, including the concepts of inalienablerights,naturallaw, American constitutionalism and the freemarketsystem.Students will not only read the Constitution andDeclarationofIndependence, but understand them. Educate and informthewholemass of the people They are the only sure relianceforthepreservation of our liberty. ~ Thomas Jefferson
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Classical Academy Of Sarasota cost?
The Classical Academy Of Sarasota's tuition is approximately $6,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Classical Academy Of Sarasota?
The acceptance rate of The Classical Academy Of Sarasota is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
What is The Classical Academy Of Sarasota's ranking?
The Classical Academy Of Sarasota ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Classical Academy Of Sarasota?
The application deadline for The Classical Academy Of Sarasota is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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The nearest high school to The Classical Academy Of Sarasota is Beyond The Spectrum Education Center & Therapeutic Clinic (3.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Easter Seals Academy (2.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Out Of Door Academy (3.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 216 students 6.1 miles 5237 Ashton Road & 5481 Communications Parkway (34240)
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 922-4949
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 922-4949
6.1
PK-12
216
Grades: PK-12 | 609 students 10.8 miles 444 Reid Street
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 349-3223
Sarasota, FL 34242
(941) 349-3223
10.8
PK-12
609
Grades: K-12 | 511 students 4.1 miles 5415 Bahia Vista Street
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 371-6481
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 371-6481
4.1
K-12
511
Grades: PK-8 | 105 students 9.7 miles 6210 Crestwood Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34231
(941) 500-3433
Sarasota, FL 34231
(941) 500-3433
9.7
PK-8
105
Grades: 6-12 | 43 students 5.8 miles 5020 Fielding Ln
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 921-7739
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 921-7739
5.8
6-12
43
School Reviews
5 6/7/2021
TCA is a rare jewel. Once you discover it, you can only realize his value and his beauty. We had this privilege last summer and we cant be more grateful to all of TCA staff and families. Our kids, 5th and 7th grade, found a precious sense of community and deep sense of virtuous learning. As every jewel, TCA needs to be protected and supported in every small aspect. Thank you so much for this opportunity to grow up with your values and vision.
5 5/20/2021
I have three grandsons that attended or are presenting attending TCA. I am beyond thrilled at the education they are receiving. The faculty is outstanding, each giving not only an outstanding education to the students but also encouragement, support, and positive mentoring. The classical education returns to basics; how to read, how to think, how to speak, students are encouraged to expand their minds using these tools, preparing them fully for the future. To top it off, students are taught virtue and honor, thus giving them knowledge and good character!
5 4/1/2021
This is such a wonderful school that not only provides the utmost instruction in a classical education but also strives to model students with character instruction and the institution of patriotism and love for our country. There is a wonderful sense of community for the family as a whole, not just the pupil. Kids are also encouraged to be kids with twice daily recess and plenty of physical education, which is found lacking in many of the today's schools. I have a pre-k, 1st grade, and 3rd grade student who are all thriving here. The staff and all the teachers show genuine care for my 3 children and I get a sense that they enjoy their time with the children versus it just being a job to them. So glad I found this school for my children!
5 4/27/2020
We love TCA! I have a child in middle school and in high school at TCA. The teachers are amazing as they provide not only the highest academic standards but also go above and beyond to show the students they care about their emotional and social wellbeing. The upper school spends time with the younger students whether it be visiting with them at lunch, reading and acting out stories in class, or providing free tutoring. The school fosters a sense of community throughout and students of every grade benefit. I have also been highly impressed by how the school has handled remote learning. Absolutely amazing! They have shown patience, humor and dedication throughout, and we all appreciate it! So glad we found TCA!
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