Top Rated 15 Schools in Ocala, FL - A Guide for Parents and Students

Kendra Rice Such an incredible school! I have been blessed to have both my my children attending here. Mrs. Della is my 4 year old sons teacher . She is such a kind and loving teacher. When my son started he was a bit behind in learning and the progress he has made has been incredible. My daughter is in Mrs. Kerry and Mrs. Elmas class and I have nothing but great things to say about both of them. The school is fantastic and I love that it is faith-based. They build our little ones up with confidence and love while creating a loving learning environment! Mrs Allison is fantastic to! Felicity loves having her as a music teacher !

Angela Parnell As a parent of 2 students at Capstone Academy I can’t say enough wonderful things about the teachers and staff! Mrs. Orn-Marie is by far the best preschool teacher we could have ever asked for! My son loves her like a second mother and she treats all of her students like they are her own. She has taught my son so much in such a short period of time and he loves going to school everyday! Mrs. Orn-Marie is exactly the person you would want teaching a preschool class, she’s sweet, compassionate, organized, intelligent and funny. All of her kids just love her! The staff greets you by name every morning and afternoon with a smile and even a hug. Ms. Denise, Ms. Gable, Ms. Tiffany, Ms. Genesis, Ms. Zandra, Ms. Noriliz, Mr. D, Mr. Wyatt, everyone is just wonderful! My middle school daughter absolutely loves her teachers also. Ms. Vanessa, Ms. Ashleigh and Ms. Allison are her 3 main teachers and they’re awesome! My daughter moved from a public school that was rated as “one of the best in the state” and now we know they were holding her back from her potential since she’s already learning a grade above her age group since moving to Capstone. Capstone constantly challenges the students and maintains small class sizes so the students have more of a one on one with their teacher. They will move students up a grade level if they’re excelling and they have a great curriculum. We’re so glad we found Capstone! Thank you all for what you do!

Tricia T Ducasse-Minott For the past two years, my daughter has been attending Capstone Academy, and it has truly been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. The school has been a perfect fit for her, and the teachers and administration have been nothing short of a blessing. She is currently in Mrs. Dela’s class and absolutely adores her. She also had a wonderful experience in Ms. Joanne’s class and still speaks fondly of her time there. We’re looking forward to another great school year, and she’s excited to continue learning and growing at Capstone

Matthew richie Colon "I had an excellent experience at Marion Technical College CDL class. From start to finish, the entire program was well-organized and professional. The instructors Ricky, Amy, Scott were experienced drivers themselves and really took the time to ensure we understood everything – from basic road safety to complex driving maneuvers. They made sure we got plenty of time behind the wheel, which helped me feel confident when it was time to take the test. The classroom sessions were informative, and the materials they provided were easy to follow. They covered all the topics needed for the written exam, including road signs, trucking laws, and the mechanics of the vehicle. One of the things I appreciated most was how supportive the staff was. They were always available to answer questions. Overall, I highly recommend Marion Technical College CDL School for anyone looking to get their CDL class A or B. The training is top-notch, the instructors are knowledgeable, and the staff truly cares about helping you succeed in the trucking industry!" Thanks guys

Ddrenzo Just finished the CNA course and it was actually fun. The teacher Lacy is the best teacher I ever had. The atmosphere at the college is so friendly. Made me feel like family.

ANGÉLICA JUDITH SILVERA MENDOZA This College is very good! If you need the GED certificate, you can start English Clases in the ESOL program of Marion Technical College. When you get the certificate of achievement in level 7 of listening and reading, you will have taken the first step. There are 3 schedule alternative for English classes. In the morning from 8 a.m to 11:45 a.m. In the afternoon from 12:45 to 3:15 and, Im the night from 5:45 p.m to 8:45 p.m.

Allin whittenburg When I left my senior year of high school as a flunky. I gave up I almost didn’t want to try again, but when I moved down here seeing I had a chance with acceleration was a miracle and I am truly glad to have graduated now through this program, thank you acceleration.

Darin Smith This school has helped me in many many ways it allowed me to work with less stress on my shoulders while I worked because it allowed me to work from home majority of the time or be in school more often then not it depends on how you function in school they have very flexible scheduling and that alone helped rid of much of the stress school causes plus you can graduate much quicker here aswell. Staff is always very friendly and respectful and only ever get onto you if you need it and if you’re slacking. 10/10 school thank you for helping me finish school to all of the employees.

Gabriel Romero Im changing this review again to be caught up with the times. I still highly recommend this school, it is a great second opportunity to get your High School Diploma. I’ve now reached the end of my list of things to do. I started back in March of 2023, I was a Senior, and just about at the end of the line, failing to get the credits needed before graduation. That was until I was offered to go to this school. This school gave me so much. I was able to work at a pace good to myself. Work on one subject at a time. Its even easy to have it fit into your daily life’s schedule. I was able to finally get all the credits I needed so I could step out into the world with a diploma in hand, and ready to tackle the next step in my life. I implore you to give this school a shot. When I needed it most, it was there, and with that second chance, I was able to achieve something. The friendships are also a great thing about this school, so much room to be yourself in pretty much a judge-free environment. Again I highly recommend you try this school out, even when things feel hopeless in the traditional school setting, this system is one to work for and with you.

Shannon Venable My four grandchildren have been attending the school now for two years. We’ve been able to be a part of all the school activities and I must say compared to the other schools they’ve been to the programs are top-notch. I’ve seen a huge improvement in their academics as well. The teachers that I’ve been privileged to get to know are some of the sweetest people. They really do seem to care about the kids. I’ve also noticed that there’s a lot less drama between the students. I’m not sure what they are doing but my grandchildren don’t come home complaining about other kids. I really do feel like the administration and teachers are fostering good relationships between the students and that is a very important part of the student’s journey. It also makes learning much more enjoyable. I would highly recommend the school for a well rounded experience in activities, sports, recreation, and academics.

Jenny Ochoa We are beyond thankful for our school every day. My girls have both thrived academically, socially, spiritually and athletically. The school focuses on the whole child and helps encourage growth, both inside and outside the classroom. Each teacher has invested in my kids and taken a genuine interest in their well-being and development. There has been constant communication with their teachers, and I never have to worry that our kids will get lost in the shuffle, as the classes are small and each child matters. The administration encourages and expects parental involvement in the education process. I think some parents expect a school to raise their children for them, and thats not what its all about. Its a true partnership. My kids are happy and feel safe. This school truly feels like family. There is no such thing as a perfect school, but it has been pretty darn close for our family. We are forever grateful for the blessing of this school.

greg denardis St. Johns Lutheran School is an educational gem that shines brightly in our community. From the moment we stepped through its doors, we were welcomed into a nurturing environment where both academic excellence and character development are held in high regard. The faculty and staff at St. Johns are truly exceptional. They go above and beyond to ensure that each student receives personalized attention and support, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Their dedication to both intellectual and emotional growth is evident in every interaction and lesson. The curriculum at St. Johns is rigorous yet engaging, designed to challenge students while also catering to their individual needs and learning styles. Weve been consistently impressed by the depth of knowledge our children has gained across a wide range of subjects, as well as the critical thinking skills theyve developed through hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Beyond academics, St. Johns places a strong emphasis on Christian education and community involvement. Through service projects, leadership opportunities, and daily acts of kindness, students learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and responsibility. Its heartwarming to see how these values are instilled in every aspect of school life, creating a supportive and Christian environment where every child feels valued and respected. We feel incredibly grateful to be a part of the St. Johns family and wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent seeking an exceptional educational experience for their child.

Rano Lalani This school is so amazing. I love the Montessori environment there .. all the teachers and office staff are so wonderful and welcoming.

Amalia Leon I would like to share my thoughts concerning our school. We have a beautiful school, bilingual educated staff full of love and passion for our children. We our friendly and open to support our parents needs. Our director is a professional, talented woman with a humble heart and always a beautiful smile on her face. I have been working at this school for fifteen years and dont regret a moment to give my heart and passion to my children and parents. We are a family serving your family.

omar jawad We had a terrible experience with the administration. We took an appointment with them a week a head then they called to change it 2 hours before the appointment simply because the teacher wanted to leave early. After our tour in the school they called us to let us know that they had a space for my son, and we took an appointment to go pay them and after driving for 30 minutes they said that they do not have a spot for my son! At least we deserve a phone call to let us know that they are sorry instead of us driving there to find out that they did not respect their word and did not communicate well. The director they had was rude, she was loud in her office and left me waiting for 10 minutes, then she sent the front office girl to tell me that they do not have a space for my child. Later, the director came and was very cold and said : " I decided to move another child to take his spot" . Schools are partners with parents and families to teach good values, respect and great communication but this Montessori school which we thought is a good school, can not teach basic good values because they lack it them selves.

Jillian Warnick It a awesome magnet school and I hope I can get a job there. Also I have learned a lot there. I love to go there.

Clxudehskiez It’s a good school. i went here years ago but other than one teacher used to throw tantrums in class and start having breakdowns, forced my class to wear masks and face shields. she would also favorite kids and would go a whole day without saying anything. when we took our state test she gave her favorite students presents because they did good, but said that everyone else is going to fail, which at the time made me very upset. one time she made us do an essay and when i was almost finished she crumbled it up in front of the class and threw it away because my hand writing was “to messy”. she also said mean stuff about me to other teachers and classmates. one specials teacher was extremely rude to me and my friends. she made me and my mom spend a ton of money on a camera because apparently i wasn’t responsible enough. she never let me do any of the submitted projects and never submitted my projects. she also gave my friend a bad grade because she didn’t bring in something because she couldn’t get to the store that day! she was very rude to me and constantly got me in trouble. i remember coming home from school every day crying because of the things she did. other than that i do think this school is a bit discriminative towards students with less money. i also had a bad experience with a extended day worker who would constantly seclude me from everyone else and was very mean to me. another worker gave me and my friend a referral for humming and moving our wrists in a circle, while kids were screaming and fighting. luckily both of those teachers are gone now, and maybe they were just rude to me since most people loved them. other than that i think it was a good school! the flame program is really good and the lunch was good m. most teachers were nice and helpful and the dress code wasn’t super strict which was nice. i learned a lot and keep in mind only one teacher i talked about is still there. i love the dance class! it was very fun i did it every year. i did get bullied but atleast they did more than the school i’m at now.

Eliza Waters Went here LOVED IT

Will Velez Amazing elementary and middle school and a state of the art facility for learning.

April Alonso I have been consistently pleased with everyone, from the administration to the teachers, and the handling of situations. This school truly stands out in its commitment to education and character development. The teachers at Ina A. Colen Middle School are dedicated and passionate about their work. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm for teaching have undoubtedly had a positive impact on my childs academic growth. Their commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment is truly commendable. My child has access to classroom tools I WISH I had access to as a kid; 3D printers, brand new musical instruments… everything is just fresh and sparkling. The teachers, and administration are just as shining. Principal Avery deserves special recognition for her outstanding leadership. She exemplifies professionalism and genuine care for the students. Her approachability and open communication with parents and students alike create a sense of unity within the school community. Under Principal Averys guidance, Ina A. Colen Middle School has thrived as a place where students not only excel academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals. The school nurse is caring and sensitive, and Mrs. Morningstar (Dean/Guidance Counselor) is BEYOND accommodating. Sadly, many are quick to post a review after an bad experience and slow to right a gleaming one when things flow seamlessly. Ina A. Colen Middle School, with its 4H program, dedicated teachers, and Principal Averys leadership, is a beacon of excellence in education. I couldnt be happier with the quality of education and support my child receives at this exceptional institution.

Katie F We went to Cornerstone and we went to South Ocala. I have NEVER had teachers invest in my kids the way they do here. We LOVE this school. Ina wants parent involvement. They want parent input. Teachers have great communication. We have been here since the inception of the school and we will stay until the kids graduate.

Jennifer Pearson This school pretty much let my son fall through the cracks. Both years he attended only one teacher his first year really tried to help him. Both ears I wouldnt bet with every teacher I was able to and let them know he is a problem for asking help ..He has a hard time asking for help. Because of his anxiety disorder . Only to be told by certain teachers later on in the year when hes failing that its up to him to ask for help even after Ive already let them know he has issues asking for help You can tell pretty quick that they had no interest in helping him . They waited till the last month of last year to tell me he was failing The only response I get or got "well we emailed you". Knowing damn well I work overnights and as Ive told them before I dont check my emails I respond to phone calls or text messages quicker. They did not want to help him They did not care if he was failing.

John Man Used to be nice, People were awesome but now it seems i get older and Ive been in this school for so long its just not doing well anymore, Teachers dont take care of anything that usually happens online or in the actual school, I mean sometimes they do care but sometimes they dont, But other than that, Ive seen growth in the school since Ive been getting older in this school (Needs a gym)

Patty Rasmussen Wonderful place friendly people.

Lauren Grove Amazing school with history and roots within the community. I myself attended Grace for 8 years, and I fully believe it set the stage for my future. When it came time for my daughter to start school, I was happy to see that the school still has the same values and family-like atmosphere that I grew up experiencing. Great focus on academics and the teachers and administration are the best.

Jennifer Linder Grace Christian School has been such a blessing to our family! Our kids absolutely love it here, and we’ve seen them grow so much both academically and spiritually. The staff and teachers are always so kind, welcoming, and truly invested in each child’s success. It’s such a warm and loving environment where faith and learning go hand-in-hand. We’re so thankful to be part of this amazing community!

Elizabeth Pate After moving to Ocala from out-of-state, and switching from homeschooling to traditional schooling, we had plenty of reservations and nervousness about the start of the school year. But having our kids at Grace has far surpassed our expectations for their education, social interaction, Christ-centered teaching, and the parent-teacher relationships. It is clear that the administration, staff and teachers genuinely care for and desire the best for them, and for us as a family. My kids are growing, learning, and coming home happy every day - I cant ask for more.

Erin Hollifield What a fantastic alternative school to send your child when it is time for it. The teachers are amazing having your childs best interest at heart. Outstanding communication

Erin Hollifield Fantastic alternative school.

Me shay Your new friend It was a good school very nice teachers and staff they didnt misteeat me like the base school so thank you