The Montessori tradition is used in the preschool and elementary grades where the program is individualized to fit the student. Students transition into College Preparatory in 7th grade.
High school students have the opportunity to dual enroll at Pasco-Hernando State College in the 11th grade.
Many students complete an Associate Arts Degree before graduation from high school.
Students are motivated to work at their optimal level with mastery of subject matter as the key to success.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked FL School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 176 students
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Wider Horizons School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1983
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
176 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
3%
Average Class Size
20 students
Advanced Courses
Honors English, Honors History, Honors Math, Honors Science
Average SAT score
1180
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
23
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
uniforms: navy shirts with logo, navy pants for elementary, khaki pants for junior and senior high
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition range: $5500-9600
Summer Program Cost Notes
By the week $130-175
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Dr. Domenick J. Maglio
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Mind Games, Suzuki violin
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar lessons
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar lessons
School Notes
- Wider Horizons School is dedicated to teaching the skills and character necessary for success in life. The school environment motivates the student to strive and maximize potential in the academic, social, emotional and moral domain. We do not teach to the test but even so our students in junior high score in the 98th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.
- Wider Horizons School is a school where there is no bullying. Students develop their ability to get along with others and stand up for themselves.
- Our mission is to teach academic mastery while developing the character of the child; to nurture a love for independent learning; and to enhance student self competence through the work ethic.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Wider Horizons School?
The acceptance rate of Wider Horizons School is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Wider Horizons School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Florida with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Wider Horizons School offer?
Wider Horizons School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Wider Horizons School's ranking?
Wider Horizons School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Wider Horizons School?
The application deadline for Wider Horizons School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 11/29/2024
Happy we have Wider Horizons in our community. This school has been a perfect fit for our two kids, they teach the children how to be self-motivated, eager to learn, and self disciplined. I have watched these skills help them as they learn at school AND at home. Definitely the most unique and beneficial educational experience in the county. My kids are 3 & 5, and have already been writing their names, doing mathematics, have done big science projects, presented on historical figures, and presented on different countries from around the world. And they LOVE IT. Looking forward to more years and more of our kids at Wider Horizons.
5 9/20/2022
When realizing that school age was upon us, we got nervous thinking of putting our children in public schools. A coworker of mine told us about Wider Horizons. Their children went here and they all loved it. So we requested an interview and tour. The morals values and expectations of this school aligned perfectly with ours. These other reviews all still ring very true. Every bit of what was said already is exactly what we've experienced. Not only does this school full-heartedly teach every area of academics to the students in a one-on-one hands-on way at the level the individual child needs but they go further to show the students how to be productive with all the life skills you can imagine. They teach trust, respect, and love for the environment and community. They focus on goals and then up the ante when they're achieved. Our two children, currently in fourth grade and first grade, have been here since pre-k. We are so thankful we were told of this school! The principles and staff are incredible to do life with. They've become a part of our family. The students and school grounds have become like a second home to our children. The culture of this school is helping us shape our children into people who will instinctively know how to be a part of their community as responsible, caring, active citizens.
5 9/7/2020
My son just started PreK and I can't say enough good so far. My son loves his teacher, classmates, and school. He wakes up every morning excited and bright eyed. He adores his big boy uniform. When he gets home, he chirps off a list of all the things he's learned for the day. On weekends, he's sad school is out.Already he is starting reading and writing, basic math and important social skills.
5 10/26/2016
My daughter has been attending wider horizons for 3 years. I can not say enough about this school, the staff and the other students. The will for my child to learn and the ambition and drive they teach her, exceeded my expectations.. She is doing so well, not only learning things that I never learned in school. But teach honesty, respect and personal goals. We truly found a school that is not only a teaching ground but a family as well! I can not thank them enough.
5 5/17/2016
I have two children. One child has graduated W.H. and the other is a current student. I''m not a big fan of the Florida public school system or any other program run by the state or federal government for that matter. Florida's public school system is a joke and consistently ranks low compared to the rest of the country. At the time my daughter was in the 6th grade going to a local public school. Her grades were poor and she developed bad studying habits. I requested a meeting with her teacher. When I met her teacher I was not impressed. She was clearly over whelmed with the amount of students she was teaching. I was not impressed with her aptitude or experience. During that meeting I learned that her view was its best to teach the children as a group. If some kids lag that's ok because the goal is to teach the majority. She could not give my daughter the individual attention she needed at the time. Right after that meeting I decided that it was time to look into the private school option and I knew when my son was ready he also would be going to a private school. I looked into many private school options. Not just in my county but all of central and some of south Florida. We took many tours and interviewed a lot of schools. My final decision was Wider Horizons. Probably the best decision I have ever made for my children. W.H. in matter of six years turned my daughter from a poor student with low grades into a A and B student with a Bright Future Scholarship! Because my son started at W.H. in the Pre-K he is so far ahead of the game. He's a exceptional Honors student who will get accepted to one of the top 10 USA colleges.
Dr and Mrs Maglio are wonderful people. They not only teach but develop their kids to be productive. They have the time to give kids the individual attention they need. They also challenge kids more and more raising the bar every time. Dr. Maglio has a impeccable track record. I recommend reading on of his books. His attitude, approach and personal beliefs are exactly what children need in these times. I highly recommend Wider Horizons and the staff.
5 7/24/2015
My two sons are students at the Wider Horizons Montessori and it is a blessing.
This school has good morals, the teachers and staff have great ethics and are very responsable.
Mr and Mrs Maglio take very seriosly their responsability and mission as a educators. They have the moral authority and the knowledge to educate, and install good morals to the children so they can be prepare for a successful future.
THE BEST SCHOOL
5 7/24/2015
This is my sons second year here. He is progressing so much better than in public school. The small class sizes are wonderful. He has learned so much and become more responsible due to the positive feedback from the teaching staff. He has such a better outlook on school. Wish I had made the move sooner.
5 8/2/2013
Quality of programs and teachers is excellent. Independent learning is utilized so that each child can progress at their own pace. Our 3 year old son has done amazing here. He can write his name, do math problems systematically, and read!
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