Orlando is a bustling city known for its diverse culture, entertainment, and natural beauty. However, for families living here, one of the most critical decisions involves choosing the right educational path for their children. 

Orlando’s public school system, governed by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), serves over 200,000 students. It offers a variety of academic programs, magnet schools, and extracurricular activities. 

Public schools in Orlando are part of the larger Florida state education system, which is known for its high standards and accountability measures, including standardized testing requirements. 

However, while public schools provide a standardized education accessible to all, many families are left searching for something more—an education that extends beyond the basics of standardized curricula.

For families seeking an alternative that allows their child to thrive both academically and personally, private school education is often considered the superior option. Schools like Pluris Academy provide an educational environment that focuses not just on meeting state standards but on exceeding them. 

Here, our curriculum is crafted to develop well-rounded students who are not only prepared for college but are also equipped with critical life skills. While public schools have their strengths, Pluris Academy offers a unique set of advantages that make private education a more compelling choice for many Orlando families.

1. Key Differences Between Public and Private Schools in Orlando

Smaller Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

One of the most immediate differences parents notice when comparing public and private schools is class size. In Orlando's public schools, it’s not uncommon to find classrooms filled with 25 to 30 students or more. The growing number of students in public schools often results in teachers being stretched thin, with less time to focus on each individual child. 

While teachers in the public system are highly qualified and dedicated to their craft, they must contend with the pressures of larger class sizes, diverse learning needs, and administrative demands that leave little time for individualized instruction.

In contrast, Pluris Academy takes pride in offering significantly smaller class sizes. Here, teachers have the opportunity to engage with students on a personal level, adapting lessons to each child's learning style and needs. 

This personalized attention allows students to thrive academically and socially. Teachers at Pluris Academy have the flexibility to dive deeper into subjects, offer hands-on learning experiences, and guide students through challenges that may otherwise go unnoticed in a larger classroom.

Benefits of Small Class Sizes:

• Increased student engagement and participation
• Opportunities for differentiated instruction
• Stronger relationships between students and teachers
• More focused attention on each student’s unique strengths and areas for improvement
• Enhanced classroom management and fewer distractions

Unique and Challenging Curricula

Public schools are bound by state and federal regulations that require a uniform curriculum. While this ensures that all students receive the same foundational education, it often limits teachers’ flexibility to go beyond the required material or tailor lessons to the unique needs of their students. 

Public school curricula are heavily influenced by standardized testing, meaning much of the instruction is focused on test preparation. This can lead to a more rigid learning environment where creativity and exploration take a back seat to rote memorization and test-taking strategies.

Private schools like Pluris Academy, however, have the freedom to create a curriculum that meets—and exceeds—state standards while providing students with the opportunity to explore subjects in greater depth. 

At Pluris Academy, the curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning, critical thinking, and creativity. We offer advanced coursework in math, science, the arts, and humanities, encouraging students to explore their interests and develop a broad range of skills.

Our curriculum is not confined to textbooks or test prep; it includes project-based learning, field experiences, and real-world problem solving that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. 

Furthermore, Pluris Academy places an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, where students are encouraged to make connections between subjects, enhancing their understanding of complex concepts.

2. Entrepreneurial Programs at Pluris Academy

At Pluris Academy, we recognize the importance of preparing students for the rapidly evolving global economy. One of the unique aspects of our Upper School curriculum is our Entrepreneurial Program, which is designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. 

Our program goes beyond traditional academic subjects, providing students with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

Our Entrepreneurial Program offers a specialized curriculum that integrates international business practices, business management, and financial analysis. 

These courses provide students with a strong foundation in business principles, critical thinking, and real-world application, empowering them to start their own ventures or transition seamlessly into the global economy after graduation.

We Focus on Business Foundations and Real-World Application

The Entrepreneurial Program at Pluris Academy is designed to inform, challenge, and stimulate students as they prepare for college and beyond. Our curriculum is rooted in liberal arts principles while emphasizing the acquisition of key skills that enable students to solve complex problems in an ever-changing world. 

We believe that entrepreneurial thinking is not limited to starting a business but is also critical in adapting to new challenges, managing resources effectively, and leading with innovation.

Key Elements of Our Entrepreneurial Program:

• Business Management and Analysis: Students gain practical knowledge in managing resources, financial planning, and analyzing business performance, allowing them to make informed decisions in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings.
• International Business: Our curriculum incorporates a global perspective, teaching students the fundamentals of international trade, cross-cultural communication, and global economic trends, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the global marketplace.
• Start-Up Foundations: Students are encouraged to explore their entrepreneurial passions by developing start-up ideas, creating business plans, and pitching their concepts to peers, faculty, and local business leaders.

Through this program, students engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to take on leadership roles in the business world. Whether they are starting their own companies, joining family businesses, or pursuing careers in corporate management, our students graduate with the confidence and competence needed to succeed.

3. How We Emphasize Character and Values

Another important consideration when comparing public and private schools is the emphasis placed on character development and values-based education. Public schools focus primarily on academic achievement, often leaving little room for discussions around ethics, morality, or personal development. 

While many public schools do offer programs on character education, they tend to be more supplemental than integrated into the daily curriculum.

At Pluris Academy, we believe that education goes beyond just academics. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and morally. Character development is a core component of our curriculum, and our students are encouraged to reflect on their actions, develop empathy for others, and take responsibility for their behavior. 

Through service-learning projects, leadership opportunities, and values-based lessons, students are taught the importance of kindness, respect, integrity, and responsibility.

Core Values Taught at Pluris Academy:

• Honesty and integrity in academics and personal relationships
• Empathy and respect for people of all backgrounds
• Responsibility and accountability for one’s actions
• Commitment to community service and giving back
• Leadership skills and collaborative teamwork

These values are not taught in isolation but are embedded throughout the Pluris Academy experience. By the time our students graduate, they are not only academically prepared for college but are also equipped with the moral compass and life skills needed to navigate the challenges of adulthood.

4. The Role of Parental Involvement in Private Schools

Education is most effective when there is a strong partnership between the school and the family. Public schools in Orlando work hard to foster parent engagement, but large school populations, bureaucratic systems, and limited resources can make it challenging for parents to feel truly involved in their child’s education. 

Parent-teacher conferences may be infrequent, and communication between school and home can sometimes be inconsistent.

At Pluris Academy, we view parents as essential partners in their child's education. We work closely with families to keep them informed about their child's progress, involve them in school activities, and provide regular opportunities for feedback. 

Parents are welcomed into the school community through volunteer opportunities, school events, and open communication with teachers and administrators.

This partnership between school and home ensures that students receive consistent support and encouragement, both academically and personally. By maintaining strong relationships with parents, we can tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each student and ensure their success.

Ways Parents Can Get Involved at Pluris Academy:

• Classroom volunteering and event planning
• Parent-teacher conferences and regular progress reports
• Participation in school fundraisers and extracurricular events
• Serving on school committees or boards
• Direct communication with teachers and staff

At Pluris Academy, we believe that education is a collaborative effort. By working together with parents, we create an environment where students feel supported and are set up to succeed.

5. College Preparation and Career Readiness at Private Schools 

One of the most significant advantages of private education is the level of college and career preparation students receive. Public schools in Orlando serve a diverse range of students with varying post-graduation plans, which can result in a broad but less focused approach to college readiness. 

Guidance counselors in public schools often have large caseloads and may not have the time to offer personalized support to each student.

In contrast, Pluris Academy provides comprehensive college and career guidance that is tailored to each student's strengths, interests, and aspirations. From the beginning of high school, students at Pluris Academy are given the tools they need to succeed in the college admissions process. 

Our college counseling program offers one-on-one guidance, helping students with everything from selecting the right courses to writing college essays and preparing for standardized tests. Additionally, we offer advanced placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment options, and internships that give students a head start on their future.

Our focus on college and career readiness ensures that students graduate with a strong academic foundation and the confidence to pursue their dreams.

6. Safety and Well-Being in a Private School Setting

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is a top priority for any school, but private schools often have more flexibility in how they implement security measures. In large public schools, administrators may face challenges in maintaining a safe environment due to overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and varied student populations. 

While Orlando's public schools work hard to protect their students, incidents of bullying, violence, and other safety concerns can sometimes arise.

Pluris Academy offers a secure and nurturing environment where students can focus on learning without distractions or fear. Our school is equipped with modern security systems, including controlled access points, surveillance cameras, and emergency response protocols. 

Additionally, our small school community allows for a more personalized approach to student safety, where staff members are familiar with each student and can quickly identify and address any issues that arise.

At Pluris Academy, we are committed to creating a safe and positive learning environment that promotes both academic and personal growth.

Why Pluris Academy is the Best Choice for Your Child

"Is private school better than public?" The answer depends on what they value most for their child’s education. For parents seeking smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, a rigorous and flexible curriculum, and a strong focus on character development, Pluris Academy offers a superior alternative to public education. 

We believe in preparing students not just for academic success but for life—by cultivating their intellect, nurturing their character, and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.

While public schools in Orlando serve an important role in the community, Pluris Academy stands out as a school that provides a comprehensive, values-driven education that equips students for long-term success. We invite you to discover the many advantages of private school education and see why Pluris Academy is the right choice for your family.

Contact Pluris Academy for a Private School Experience in Orlando, FL

Contact Pluris Academy today to schedule a tour of our campus and learn more about our programs. We are confident that once you see what we have to offer, you will understand why Pluris Academy is the best choice for your child’s education. 

Give your child the opportunity to thrive in an environment that values their unique potential and prepares them for a bright future. Schedule a tour today and learn more about how your child can thrive at our Orlando area private school.