Special Education School in Florida: Center Academy Tuition, Admissions & Scholarships for 2026–2027

Center Academy is a fully accredited, independent private school in Florida serving students in grades 4–12 with learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning and processing challenges. Family-operated since 1968, Center Academy provides a college-preparatory education through small classes, individualized instruction, structured classroom accommodations, and an academic program designed around each student’s learning needs.

For the 2026–2027 school year, Center Academy has 11 Florida locations and offers rolling admissions subject to availability. Tuition varies by campus, and financial assistance may be available through FES-UA, FES-EO,  FTC Scholarships, and additional Center Academy Scholarships based on financial need.

Center Academy: A Specialized Private School Since 1968

Center Academy began in 1968 through the vision of founder Dr. Mack Hicks, who recognized the need for a specialized, full-day school for students who were struggling in traditional schools.

The school initially focused on helping elementary students who were having difficulty with large schools, ineffective teaching methods, and one-size-fits-all approaches to learning. Center Academy later expanded its program to include high school students, beginning its high school program in 1984.

Today, Center Academy operates 11 schools throughout Florida while maintaining its focus on individualized education and the unique learning needs of each student.

The school’s approach is centered on helping students become “Happy. Secure. Inspired.”

Who Does Center Academy Serve?

Center Academy provides a college-preparatory education for students in grades 4–12 with learning differences who benefit from a more individualized educational environment.

Center Academy supports students with learning differences and challenges that may include:

• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Learning disabilities
• High-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Asperger’s
• Neuropsychological and processing weaknesses

Center Academy’s teachers understand a wide range of learning differences and work with students to develop goals aligned with their individual potential. Students can work toward those goals at their own pace through small-group or individualized instruction.

Center Academy’s Individualized Learning Approach

Center Academy begins each student’s education with an assessment of the student’s learning style, personality, and previous experiences. The individualized program also considers the student’s academic level and specific strengths and weaknesses.

Based on the assessment, Center Academy develops an individualized program that incorporates appropriate academic levels and prescriptive strategies designed around the student’s processing strengths and weaknesses. Students may receive accommodations or remedial materials addressing attention, thinking skills, memory skills, and other processing needs.

The approach is designed to help students learn how to learn while developing the academic skills, confidence, and strategies needed for continued education and future success.

Small Classes and Individual Attention

Center Academy uses small classroom environments designed to provide individualized attention while allowing students to interact and learn with their peers.

The typical student-teacher ratio is approximately 10:1, with classrooms staffed by a qualified teacher and teaching assistant.

Classrooms are designed to support both group instruction and quiet individualized study. This structure allows Center Academy to provide individualized attention while maintaining opportunities for student interaction.

Research-Based Learning Support

Center Academy’s prescriptive learning program was initially developed by a team of psychologists, neuropsychologists, remedial clinicians, and educators.

Center Academy was one of a select group of U.S. schools to receive a $325,000 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant to develop and measure its prescriptive learning program. The program has evolved to meet the needs of Center Academy students.

Classroom Accommodations at Center Academy

Center Academy incorporates accommodations into its classroom design to support students with different learning and processing needs.

Depending on individual needs, accommodations may include:

• Reduced distractions
• Small-group instruction
• Organizational assistance
• Minimal homework
• Minimized class changes
• Clear routines and structure
• Close supervision
• Extended time
• Cueing for on-task behavior
• Checking for understanding
• Frequent progress monitoring
• Alternative assignments
• Differentiated curriculum

The accommodations provided are based on the student’s individual needs.

Supporting Students with ADHD

Center Academy has developed its educational approach to support students with ADHD and other learning differences.

Center Academy’s teachers understand the complexities of ADHD and are trained to educate, motivate, and help students manage their education and attain their individual goals.

Each student receives an assessment to help develop an individualized learning program appropriate for the student’s academic level, learning style, and specific strengths and weaknesses.

Center Academy’s classroom design incorporates small classrooms, group instruction, and individualized study. Students who are ready to handle college-level coursework may also participate in dual enrollment at local community colleges and earn both high school and college credit.

Supporting Students with Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities

Center Academy provides individualized academic support for students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other learning differences.

The school’s approach begins by assessing how each student learns and using that information to develop an individualized program based on the student’s academic level, strengths, weaknesses, and processing needs.

Students may receive accommodations or remedial materials addressing areas such as attention, thinking skills, memory skills, and other processing needs.

Center Academy Tuition for 2026–2027

Center Academy tuition varies by campus.

For the 2026–2027 school year, the 11 Center Academy locations covered in this guide have published tuition ranging from $14,980 to $17,980.

The standard fees listed in the 2026–2027 schedules are:

• Registration: $195
• Testing: $395
• Books and materials: $725
• Tuition: Varies by campus
• Summer Academic Program, if applicable: $695
• Reading Remediation Program, if applicable: $695
• Math Remediation Program, if applicable: $695

The registration, testing, and books/materials fees total $1,315 in addition to tuition.

Center Academy 2026–2027 Tuition by Location

Additional Fees for 2026–2027

As stated above, the 2026–2027 fee schedules also list the following programs at $695 each, if applicable:

• Summer Academic Program
• Reading Remediation Program
• Math Remediation Program

These are additional potential program fees and are not included in the published totals above.

Does Center Academy Offer Scholarships?

Yes. Center Academy accepts multiple scholarship options and also provides additional school-based scholarship assistance.

The 2026–2027 fee schedules identify:

• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)
• Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarships
• Center Academy Scholarships based on financial need

FES-UA

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities provides eligible Florida students with unique abilities access to additional educational options.

Eligibility and funding are determined under the current scholarship program requirements.

FES-EO

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options provides eligible Florida students with scholarship assistance for participating private-school options.

FTC Scholarships

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship is another scholarship option for eligible students attending participating private schools.

Center Academy Scholarships

In addition to state scholarship programs, Center Academy offers additional scholarships based on financial need.

Scholarship eligibility and award amounts can vary. Families should contact their preferred Center Academy campus and the applicable scholarship organization to confirm current eligibility, funding, and requirements.

Center Academy Admissions for 2026–2027

Center Academy uses a straightforward admissions process designed to help families determine whether the school is an appropriate educational match for the student.

Step 1: Inquire

Families can submit an inquiry or contact the nearest Center Academy campus to speak with the school director.

Step 2: Visit the School

Families can schedule an in-person meeting with the school director to visit the campus, discuss the student’s educational needs, and learn more about the program.

Step 3: Enrollment

When the family and school director determine that Center Academy is the appropriate match, the enrollment process can be completed.

Center Academy offers rolling admissions subject to availability throughout the year, so families do not have to wait for a single annual admissions period.

How Center Academy Assesses a Student’s Learning Needs

Center Academy does not use a one-size-fits-all approach to education.

Each student receives an assessment that helps Center Academy understand the student’s:

• Learning style
• Academic level
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Previous educational experiences
• Personality
• Processing needs

This information helps determine the appropriate individualized learning program and academic strategies.

What Do Students Learn at Center Academy?

Center Academy provides a college-preparatory curriculum designed to prepare students for graduation and future education.

High school courses align with Florida graduation requirements and can lead to a standard high school diploma.

Students also develop skills that extend beyond individual academic subjects, including:

• Study skills
• Time management
• Goal setting
• Independent thinking
• Personal responsibility
• Academic confidence
• Social and interpersonal skills

Students who are academically prepared may participate in dual enrollment at local colleges and earn college credit while completing high school.

What Parents Can Expect From the Center Academy Environment

Center Academy provides a structured, supportive school environment designed around the needs of students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom.

The school emphasizes:

• Small classes
• Individualized academic attention
• Structured routines
• Teacher-student relationships
• Parent-teacher communication
• Academic support
• Student safety
• Personal responsibility
• Motivation and self-confidence

The overall educational approach is designed to help students become more confident, independent learners while working toward graduation and future educational goals.

Center Academy is Fully Accredited

Center Academy is accredited by Cognia, the National Independent Private Schools Association and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Students receive credit for each academic course completed. Graduating seniors receive a Standard Diploma recognized by the Florida Department of Education and accepted at all Colleges and Universities.

Students who attend a school accredited by Cognia can rest assured that the school is committed to raising student performance and held accountable for improving student learning on a continual basis.

The school credits that students earn at a Cognia accredited school are recognized by schools, colleges, and universities globally. Through Cognia’s reciprocal agreements with sister accrediting organizations, students can continue their educational goals in the United States or around the world.

A school’s commitment to accreditation assures parents and the community that the school is focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning environment, and maintaining an efficient and effective operation. An accredited school adheres to high-quality standards based on the latest research and successful professional practices.

Cognia accreditation means that your school has opened its doors to review and support from an organization bringing 100 years of experience in improving educational quality.

Center Academy and Private School Special Education Services

Center Academy provides specialized educational support for students with learning differences and disabilities. However, families should understand the distinction between attending a private school and receiving special education services through a public school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

A parentally placed private-school student with a disability does not have an individual right to all of the special education and related services the student would receive in a public school.

Families considering Center Academy should discuss the student’s specific educational needs, accommodations, documentation, scholarship eligibility, and available services directly with the campus director.

Center Academy’s Florida Locations

Center Academy currently operates 11 Florida campuses:

Hunters Creek
3430 Hunters Creek Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32837

Waterford Lakes
1331 S. Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32828

Julington Creek
106 Julington Plaza, Suite 4
Jacksonville, FL 32259

St. Johns Bluff
8264 Lone Star Road
Jacksonville, FL 32211

Lutz
1520 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Suite D
Lutz, FL 33549

Riverview
10518 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578

Palm Harbor
34054 US 19 North
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Pinellas Park
6710 86th Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33782

Maitland
341 N. Orlando Avenue
Maitland, FL 32751

Coral Springs
4700 Riverside Drive, Suite 100
Coral Springs, FL 33067

Cape Coral
706 SW 6th Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33991

Grade availability can vary by location. Families should contact the campus directly to confirm the grade level and enrollment availability for their student.

Families should contact the campus nearest them to confirm current grade availability, tuition, scholarship options, and enrollment availability.

Start the Center Academy Admissions Process for 2026–2027

Center Academy provides a specialized private-school environment for students in grades 4–12 who need individualized instruction, smaller classes, structured accommodations, and an educational program built around their learning needs.

With a history dating back to 1968, 11 Florida locations, individualized academic programs, specialized classroom support, college-preparatory coursework, and scholarship options, Center Academy provides families with a direct path to explore enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year.

Contact the Center Academy campus nearest you to schedule a phone interview, visit the school, discuss your student’s educational needs, and begin the admissions process.