Among the cases I looked into, there was a family that was surprised to hear about the waiting list after they inquired about admission to Bolles School while preparing to move to Jacksonville.

They thought they just needed to find a house first, but after hearing that it was uncertain whether there would be a spot available for their desired grade the following year, they realized they needed to look into schools first.

For Korean parents looking into private schools in Jacksonville, Bolles School is a name that often comes up. It is a prestigious private school that operates from kindergarten through 12th grade, well-known not only for college preparation but also for its sports programs like swimming and track, as well as arts programs in music and visual arts.

However, the most pressing question is about tuition. Bolles has quite a range depending on the grade. For younger grades, tuition starts in the $10,000 range annually, but as the grades increase, it rises to the $20,000 range, with middle school tuition around $30,000 and high school tuition exceeding $30,000. For students using dormitories, the annual cost can rise to around $70,000.

And it's not just about preparing the tuition. There are additional costs for registration fees, textbooks, laptops, uniforms, meals, transportation, sports activities, and after-school programs, depending on the activities chosen. If you send two kids to private school, the tuition alone for a high school student can exceed $60,000 a year, which feels like the cost of two college tuitions.

Another school worth comparing is Episcopal School of Jacksonville. This school is also a well-regarded private institution in Jacksonville focused on college preparation. For the 2025-2026 school year, middle school tuition is about $32,600, and high school tuition is around $33,750, which is not a small amount. Since private school tuition can increase each year, it's important to check the current year's rates when applying.

These schools not only teach well but also start college counseling early, which is a reason parents are interested. Students can receive personalized counseling on course selection, SAT/ACT preparation, college list creation, essay writing, and interview preparation. Therefore, it's important to look beyond just the school name or college acceptance rates and consider how many students each counselor is responsible for, as well as whether there are enough courses and activities that meet the child's needs.

Another point to consider is that relying solely on GreatSchools ratings to compare private schools can be misleading. Private schools are often not evaluated in the same way as public schools. It's better to look at evaluations from sources like Niche, along with parent reviews and college acceptance data for graduates.

If you're also looking for a home, the San Jose and Mandarin areas naturally come to mind. However, even within Jacksonville, home prices can vary significantly. Houses close to the river with large lots can be much more expensive, and just a few blocks inward can make a difference. Especially if you're moving for private school, it's not necessary to live right in front of the school like you would for a public school, so calculating the actual commute time to the school when choosing a residence is more practical.

Florida has the advantage of no state income tax, but when buying a home, you must also consider property taxes and homeowners insurance. Some homes may have higher insurance costs due to hurricane risks. Ultimately, if you want to send your child to a good private school in Jacksonville, it's not just about the tuition. You need to calculate housing costs, insurance, transportation, and school-related expenses all together.

And for popular schools, timing is crucial. It's better to check admission schedules and availability at least a year in advance rather than waiting until after you've confirmed your move. Personally, I would probably call the school first to ask about the availability for my child's grade before signing a housing contract. Tuition is a burden, but it would be really frustrating to have the money ready and still not have a spot available.