Skip to main content

Average

#661 of 1,462 private schools in FL

Top 45% of private schools

South Lake Montessori School

Elementary School

983 W DESOTO ST, Clermont, FL 34711

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on FL statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

32

Student-Teacher

8:1

Score

6.5

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In Clermont

#5 of 9

public schools

Florida elementary schools

#286 of 612

About South Lake Montessori School

South Lake Montessori School serves 32 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Clermont, Florida. This small elementary school operates with just 4 full-time equivalent teachers, creating an exceptionally intimate learning environment with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for highly individualized attention. The school has earned impressive recognition, receiving a 9.2 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking #185 out of 1,462 elementary schools statewide, placing it in the 87th percentile among Florida schools.

This outstanding performance reflects the school's commitment to the Montessori educational philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on learning and student-directed activity. As a regular public school offering Montessori education, South Lake Montessori provides families with access to this specialized teaching approach without private school tuition. The small enrollment ensures that each child receives personalized guidance while developing independence and critical thinking skills characteristic of Montessori programs.

Located on West Desoto Street, the school serves a well-established suburban community where the median household income is $86,419 and 34% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood's low poverty rate of 6.5% and median home values of $333,600 reflect a stable, education-focused community that values academic excellence.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 32 students, South Lake Montessori School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, South Lake Montessori School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, South Lake Montessori School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How South Lake Montessori School compares to 6 public schools serving similar grades in Clermont, FL

Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
This School
vs
16.1:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
32
This School
vs
879
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
6.5
This School
vs
6.4
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 46.9% vs 0%
Hispanic 31.2% vs 0%
Black 6.2% vs 0%
Asian 6.2% vs 0%
South Lake Montessori School Clermont Public Avg

Nearby Elementary Schools

School Rating
South Lake Montessori School (this school) 6.5
CYPRESS RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6.5
LOST LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5.6
PINE RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5.4
IMAGINE SCHOOLS AT SOUTH LAKE 7.9
SAWGRASS BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 7.4
LAKE POINTE ACADEMY 5.3

Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in FL.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
A 8.5 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 8:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
C+ 3.6 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 6.5 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,105
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
A 9.4 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 67%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
C- 1.7 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 32
View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in FL

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 46.9%
Hispanic 31.2%
Two or More 9.4%
Black 6.2%
Asian 6.2%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

983 W DESOTO ST, Clermont, FL 34711

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Lake Montessori School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. MINNEOLA CONVERSION CHARTER SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Minneola), which scores notably higher. Another option is PINECREST LAKES ACADEMY (rated 8.0/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Minneola), which scores notably higher. Additionally, THE DREAM ACADEMY INC (rated 7.5/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Clermont, see our Clermont schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.7 mi
School Distance Rating
CYPRESS RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Clermont 1.0 mi 6.5
NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Minneola 2.1 mi 7.2
ABELS ACADEMY Clermont 2.1 mi 6.3
APPLIED BEHAVIOR EDU AND LIFESKILLS ACADEMY Clermont 2.1 mi 6.5
CITRUS HEIGHTS ACADEMY Clermont 2.1 mi 7.4
THE KEY TO LEARNING Minneola 2.3 mi 6.8
DREAMPLEX THERAPEUTIC SCHOOL Clermont 2.3 mi 3.8
THE DREAM ACADEMY INC Clermont 2.3 mi 7.5
FAMILY CHRISTIAN CENTER SCHOOL Clermont 2.5 mi 6.7
MINNEOLA CONVERSION CHARTER SCHOOL Minneola 2.6 mi 8.3
LAND OF LAKES MONTESSORI SCHOOL Clermont 2.7 mi 7.3
SOUTH LAKE HIGH SCHOOL Groveland 3.0 mi 5.6
PINECREST LAKES ACADEMY Minneola 3.2 mi 8.0
GRASSY LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Minneola 3.3 mi 6.5
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER - SHAHWAN INVEST Clermont 3.4 mi
EAST RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Clermont 3.3 mi 6.5
LAKE MINNEOLA HIGH SCHOOL Minneola 3.5 mi 5.4
LOST LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Clermont 3.6 mi 5.6
ABELS ACADEMY Clermont 3.8 mi 6.5
EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Clermont 3.7 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 34711 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$88,474

Median Home Value

$369,900

Median Rent

$1,817/mo

Population

69,727

College Educated

35.6%

Homeownership

75.3%

Avg Commute

32.5 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

43.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding South Lake Montessori School has a median household income of $88,474. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $369,900, with a median rent of $1,817/month. The local poverty rate of 6.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
NAPLES ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Naples, FL 6.4
PALMETTO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Miami, FL 6.4
PRINCIPITOS LEARNING CHILD CARE CENTER Homestead, FL 6.6
AEF - WESTHAM ACADEMY Davie, FL 6.7
ALL ANGELS ACADEMY Miami Springs, FL 6.3
GULFCOAST SDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL St. Petersburg, FL 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Lake Montessori School

What grades does South Lake Montessori School serve?

South Lake Montessori School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend South Lake Montessori School?

South Lake Montessori School has an enrollment of approximately 32 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Lake Montessori School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Lake Montessori School is 8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does South Lake Montessori School rank in FL?

South Lake Montessori School is ranked #661 out of 1,462 private schools in FL.

What is South Lake Montessori School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Lake Montessori School has a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is South Lake Montessori School a private school?

Yes, South Lake Montessori School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is South Lake Montessori School a religious school?

No, South Lake Montessori School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
32
Gender Split
44% M / 56% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
Teachers (FTE)
4
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Nonsectarian
School Day
6.5 hours
Days Per Year
170 days
Setting
Large Suburb
County
LAKE
Data Year
2022–2023

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.