Finding the best private elementary school in West Palm Beach means comparing more than academics. For families actively considering enrollment, tuition, financial aid, class size, grade levels, teaching approach, religious affiliation, school calendar, and admissions requirements can all affect the final decision.
West Palm Beach families have several private elementary school options, including The Foundations School, Rosarian Academy, The King’s Academy, Berean Christian School, The Greene School, and St. Ann Catholic School.
These schools are not interchangeable. Some provide faith-based education. Some continue through middle or high school. Others emphasize smaller elementary classrooms, personalized learning, or a particular educational philosophy.
This guide compares the factors parents should evaluate when deciding which West Palm Beach private schools to visit and apply to.
Private Elementary Schools in West Palm Beach: Quick Comparison
| School | Elementary Grades Available | School Type | Published 2026–2027 Tuition / Cost Information | Key Distinction |
| The Foundations School | K–5 | Private, nonsectarian | $16,500 tuition; families contribute $200–$2,000 annually based on household income and size after scholarship support | Maximum 15 students per class, 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, arts integration, 207 instructional days |
| Rosarian Academy | K–5 available; school continues through Grade 8 | Independent Catholic | $21,400 K–1; $22,930 Grades 2–4; $24,400 Grade 5 | Catholic education with Lower and Middle School pathways |
| The King’s Academy | K–5 available; school continues through Grade 12 | Christian | $22,800 K–1; $23,800 Grades 2–5 | Christian education with a K–12 pathway |
| Berean Christian School | K5–6 elementary/intermediate range | Christian | $14,500 K5–6 | Christian education with continued middle and high school grades |
| The Greene School | Elementary program within an early childhood–Grade 12 school | Private, nonsectarian | Contact the school for current grade-specific tuition and total enrollment costs | Personalized education with a pathway through high school |
| St. Ann Catholic School | Elementary grades within PK3–8 | Catholic | Contact the school for current 2026–2027 tuition and fees | Catholic education and International Baccalaureate programs |
Important: Published tuition does not necessarily equal the amount a family ultimately pays. Scholarships, financial aid, application fees, registration fees, curriculum charges, and other costs vary by school. Families should request a current individualized cost breakdown before enrolling.
1. The Foundations School
Best suited for families looking for: A private K–5 school with small classes, individualized instruction, evidence-based academics, arts integration, an extended school year, and a heavily subsidized family contribution.
The Foundations School, or TFS, is a private Kindergarten through Grade 5 elementary school in West Palm Beach operated by the nonprofit Center for Creative Education.
The school is located at 2400 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33407.
One of its most significant differences is classroom size.
TFS has a maximum class size of 15 students and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, creating an environment designed to provide students with more individualized attention.
What Does Learning Look Like at The Foundations School?
The Foundations School uses evidence-based instruction alongside personalized and differentiated learning.
Its elementary program incorporates:
- Evidence-based teaching practices
- Individualized instruction
- Differentiated instruction
- Small-group learning
- Science of Reading practices
- Arts-integrated learning
- Project-based learning
- Technology integration
- Social-emotional learning
- Ongoing assessment
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 complete i-Ready assessments in reading and mathematics three times during the year.
Those assessments are used alongside classroom data to monitor progress and help teachers determine where students may need additional instruction or support.
The curriculum includes core subject areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating creative learning experiences and technology.
How Large Are Classes at The Foundations School?
The maximum class size is:
15 students per classroom.
TFS also maintains a:
7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
For families comparing private schools specifically because they want more individualized attention than their child currently receives, these are useful numbers to compare directly against other schools during campus tours.
Instead of asking only whether a school offers “small classes,” parents should ask for the actual maximum class size and typical student-to-teacher ratio.
How Long Is the TFS School Year?
TFS operates an 11-month school model with 207 instructional days.
That extended academic calendar is another significant point of comparison for parents evaluating elementary schools.
Families concerned about maintaining learning continuity or reducing long breaks between academic periods may want to compare the total number of instructional days offered by each school they visit.
How Much Is The Foundations School Tuition?
Published tuition is $16,500 per year.
However, families do not pay the full $16,500 tuition amount.
TFS combines three funding components:
- Step Up for Students scholarship funding
- The family’s Required Minimum Family Contribution
- CCE Scholarship support
Together, these substantially reduce what families are required to pay directly.
How Much Does a Family Actually Contribute?
The family’s Required Minimum Family Contribution ranges from $200 to $2,000 for the entire school year.
The exact amount is determined by:
- Household size
- Adjusted Gross Income from the family’s most recent federal tax return
This means two families enrolling children at TFS may have different required contributions.
The $200–$2,000 figure should therefore be understood as the family’s annual tuition contribution, not as TFS’s published tuition price.
How Does Step Up for Students Work at TFS?
All families qualify but must apply for a scholarship through Step Up for Students.
Families are responsible for completing that application themselves and supplying their Award ID Number so the scholarship funds can be applied toward tuition.
TFS cannot apply for the Step Up scholarship on a family’s behalf.
What Happens to the Tuition Balance After Step Up?
After the Step Up for Students scholarship and the family’s Required Minimum Family Contribution are applied toward the $16,500 tuition, any remaining balance is covered through a CCE Scholarship.
Families do not have to submit a separate CCE Scholarship application.
They are automatically enrolled in the CCE Scholarship program when they complete and submit the school’s Enrollment & Financial Agreement.
Are There Additional Required Fees?
The initial application process requires a $50 non-refundable application fee.
That $50 is credited toward the family’s annual tuition contribution.
There are no additional required fees for:
- Food
- Technology
- Textbooks
- Classroom supplies
- School spirit shirts
- Activity fees
Payment plans can also be arranged throughout the school year.
For families comparing the true cost of private elementary schools, this matters because a school’s published tuition does not always include the additional expenses parents may encounter after enrollment.
2. Rosarian Academy
Best suited for families looking for: An independent Catholic school with an elementary program and the option to remain through Grade 8.
Rosarian Academy is located at 807 North Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach.
It is an independent, coeducational Catholic school sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Rosarian serves children from early childhood through Grade 8.
Its Lower School includes Kindergarten through Grade 4, while Grade 5 begins the school’s Middle School program.
This structure may appeal to parents who want their child to remain within the same school community after completing the elementary years.
How Much Is Rosarian Academy Tuition for 2026–2027?
Published annual tuition for the relevant elementary grades is:
| Grade | 2026–2027 Tuition |
| Kindergarten | $21,400 |
| Grade 1 | $21,400 |
| Grade 2 | $22,930 |
| Grade 3 | $22,930 |
| Grade 4 | $22,930 |
| Grade 5 | $24,400 |
Parents should also account for additional fees.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Rosarian publishes a:
- $125 new-student application fee
- $1,200 annual registration fee
- $325 course materials fee for Kindergarten–Grade 8
Additional costs can apply for programs such as lunch, after-school activities, uniforms, books or workbooks, and other services.
Rosarian also offers financial assistance to qualifying families and participates in eligible Florida scholarship programs.
When Might Rosarian Be the Right Fit?
Rosarian may be particularly relevant to families who want:
- Catholic education
- A school extending through Grade 8
- An independent-school environment
- Religious formation integrated with academics
- An elementary-to-middle-school pathway on the same campus
3. The King’s Academy
Best suited for families looking for: Christian education with the option for a child to remain in the same school through high school.
The King’s Academy is located at 8401 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach.
It provides a Christian educational environment and offers programs extending from the elementary grades through high school.
For families who want faith incorporated directly into their child’s education, religious philosophy will be one of the most important differences between The King’s Academy and nonsectarian schools such as TFS.
How Much Is The King’s Academy Tuition for 2026–2027?
Published tuition is:
| Grade | 2026–2027 Tuition |
| Kindergarten–Grade 1 | $22,800 |
| Grades 2–5 | $23,800 |
The school also publishes several additional charges, including:
- $140 application fee per student
- $985 new-student enrollment fee per family
- $125 Kindergarten Academic Service Fee
- $655 Elementary Curriculum Fee
- $145 Elementary Activity Fee
Additional course or activity fees may apply.
The King’s Academy offers need-based financial assistance to eligible accepted students and provides multiple payment-plan options.
When Might The King’s Academy Be the Right Fit?
Families may want to include The King’s Academy on their shortlist when they specifically want:
- Christian education
- A private-school pathway through high school
- A larger K–12 educational community
- Need-based financial assistance options
4. Berean Christian School
Best suited for families looking for: Christian education with published elementary tuition below several other conventional private-school options included in this comparison.
Berean Christian School is located at 8350 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach.
The school provides a Christian educational environment and serves students beyond the elementary grades.
For the 2026–2027 school year, published tuition for K5 through Grade 6 is $14,500.
What Additional Costs Should Families Consider?
New students may also encounter:
- $25 application fee
- $75 testing fee
- $500 registration fee
- $750 student fee
Additional charges may apply for specific academic services, athletics, trips, or other activities.
Tuition can be paid using a 10-month payment schedule.
When Might Berean Be the Right Fit?
Berean may be relevant to families looking specifically for:
- Christian education
- An elementary program that continues into later grades
- A conventional tuition structure below some of the other private schools in this comparison
- A West Palm Beach campus
Families comparing Berean with TFS should remember that price is not the only major distinction. The schools also offer fundamentally different religious and educational environments.
5. The Greene School
Best suited for families looking for: Personalized education within a private-school environment that extends beyond elementary school through Grade 12.
The Greene School is located on South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.
Its broader school model extends from early childhood through high school, which may appeal to families looking for long-term continuity at one school.
The school emphasizes personalized learning and offers students opportunities beyond traditional core academics.
Parents considering The Greene School should contact its admissions office for the current 2026–2027 grade-specific tuition, required fees, available financial assistance, and enrollment availability before comparing final costs.
When Might The Greene School Be the Right Fit?
It may deserve a place on a family’s tour list when priorities include:
- A nonsectarian private-school environment
- Personalized education
- A pathway extending through Grade 12
- Remaining within one school community beyond elementary school
6. St. Ann Catholic School
Best suited for families looking for: Catholic education and an International Baccalaureate learning environment.
St. Ann Catholic School serves students from PK3 through Grade 8 in West Palm Beach.
It provides a Catholic educational environment and has offered both the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme within the International Baccalaureate framework.
This creates a different option for families who value both faith-based education and the IB approach.
What Does St. Ann Cost for 2026–2027?
Families should request St. Ann’s current 2026–2027 tuition and fee schedule directly from the school.
Older tuition documents remain accessible online, but those should not be used to estimate a family’s current enrollment cost.
When evaluating St. Ann, parents should request:
- Current tuition
- Registration costs
- Annual student fees
- Available scholarships
- Florida scholarship participation
- Current grade-level availability
That provides a more accurate comparison than relying on previous-year pricing.
Comparing Private Elementary School Costs in West Palm Beach
For families actively choosing a school, cost often becomes one of the most important decision factors.
Here is a more direct comparison using currently available 2026–2027 information:
| School | Published Tuition / Family Cost |
| The Foundations School | $16,500 tuition; required family contribution of $200–$2,000 annually after scholarship support |
| Berean Christian School | $14,500 for K5–6 |
| Rosarian Academy | $21,400–$24,400 across K–5 |
| The King’s Academy | $22,800–$23,800 across K–5 |
| The Greene School | Contact admissions for current grade-specific cost |
| St. Ann Catholic School | Contact school for current 2026–2027 cost |
These figures are not directly equivalent.
For example, TFS publishes tuition of $16,500 but combines Step Up for Students funding, a family contribution, and a CCE Scholarship so that families contribute only $200–$2,000 annually according to household income and size.
Other schools publish conventional tuition and may offer separate scholarships or financial assistance.
Families should therefore compare their estimated out-of-pocket cost, not just the tuition figure listed on a website.
Which West Palm Beach Private Elementary School Should You Choose?
There is no single school that will be the best match for every child.
The decision becomes easier when families identify their non-negotiable priorities first.
If Small Classes Are a Priority
Ask schools for actual classroom numbers.
At The Foundations School:
- Maximum class size is 15 students
- Student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1
These are concrete benchmarks families can use while touring other schools.
Also ask whether the published ratio represents the entire school or the classroom environment your child will actually experience.
If Affordability Is a Priority
Compare the final family responsibility after scholarship support and required fees.
TFS has a particularly distinctive funding model.
Its published tuition is $16,500, but families contribute $200–$2,000 annually, based on income and household size, after the school’s scholarship structure is applied.
The funding process combines:
Step Up for Students Scholarship + Required Minimum Family Contribution + CCE Scholarship
Parents considering other private schools should similarly ask for an estimate showing tuition, scholarships, financial aid, and mandatory fees together.
If Christian Education Is a Priority
Parents looking specifically for Christian education may want to compare:
- The King’s Academy
- Berean Christian School
Both provide faith-based alternatives to nonsectarian schools.
If Catholic Education Is a Priority
Families seeking Catholic education can consider:
- Rosarian Academy
- St. Ann Catholic School
Both extend beyond elementary school into middle school.
If a K–12 Pathway Matters
Some parents prefer not to repeat the private-school search when elementary school ends.
Families seeking continuity into high school may want to investigate:
- The King’s Academy
- The Greene School
- Berean Christian School
By comparison, The Foundations School specializes specifically in Kindergarten through Grade 5.
A focused K–5 environment may appeal to some families, while others may prefer a school offering a longer grade pathway.
If More Instructional Days Are a Priority
The Foundations School operates an 11-month program with 207 instructional days.
Parents should ask competing schools for their total number of instructional days if an extended academic calendar is important to their decision.
What Makes The Foundations School Different?
For families narrowing their options, TFS combines several features that are worth comparing directly against other West Palm Beach elementary schools.
Small Classes
Classes are capped at 15 students, with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
K–5 Focus
TFS serves Kindergarten through Grade 5, allowing its educational model to remain specifically focused on elementary learners.
Evidence-Based and Personalized Instruction
Instruction incorporates evidence-based teaching practices, individualized support, small-group instruction, ongoing assessment, and differentiated learning.
Science of Reading
Reading instruction incorporates evidence-based Science of Reading practices.
Academic Progress Monitoring
K–5 students complete i-Ready reading and mathematics assessments three times annually.
Arts-Integrated Learning
Creative learning and arts integration are incorporated into the academic experience.
Project-Based Learning
Students have opportunities to apply learning through projects, problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on experiences.
Extended School Year
The academic calendar includes 207 instructional days across an 11-month model.
Subsidized Family Cost
Published tuition is $16,500, but families contribute only $200–$2,000 annually based on household size and Adjusted Gross Income after scholarship support.
Predictable Required Costs
The $50 application fee is applied toward the family’s annual contribution.
There are no additional required fees for food, technology, textbooks, classroom supplies, school spirit shirts, or activity fees.
How Does The Foundations School Admissions Process Work?
Families interested in TFS move through a five-step admissions process.
Step 1: Inquire
Connect with the Admissions Coordinator and arrange a campus visit.
This allows families to see the school environment and discuss whether the program may fit their child’s needs.
Step 2: Apply
Complete the online application to formally begin the admissions process.
Step 3: Scholarship and Required Documents
Families apply for applicable scholarship funding and submit required enrollment documents.
This includes completing the required Step Up for Students process.
Step 4: Family Interview and Student Visit
The family meets with the TFS team.
The student may participate in a classroom visit, interview, or assessment so educators can become familiar with the child.
Step 5: Admissions Decision
Families receive an admissions decision along with enrollment and orientation instructions when applicable.
TFS accepts applications throughout the admissions cycle, but enrollment is limited, so families interested in attending are encouraged to begin the process early.
What Should Parents Ask During a Private School Tour?
If you are actively considering enrollment, a school tour should help you answer specific decision-making questions.
Ask each school:
- Is there currently space in my child’s grade?
- What is the maximum class size?
- What is the actual student-to-teacher ratio?
- How is reading taught?
- How is student progress measured throughout the year?
- What happens if my child needs additional academic support?
- What is the complete tuition amount?
- What scholarships or financial aid might reduce our cost?
- What would our estimated out-of-pocket cost be?
- Which mandatory fees are not included in tuition?
- How many instructional days are in the academic year?
- How regularly can parents see grades and academic progress?
- What documents are required before enrollment?
- Does my child participate in an assessment or classroom visit?
- Is there a deadline, or does the school use rolling admissions?
The answers make it easier to compare schools based on the experience and cost your family will actually encounter.
Is The Foundations School Affordable?
For families who qualify and complete the required scholarship process, the direct annual family contribution is designed to be significantly lower than the school’s published tuition.
TFS tuition is $16,500 per year.
However, no family pays the full tuition amount under the current funding structure.
Families must apply for Step Up for Students, contribute their assigned $200–$2,000 Required Minimum Family Contribution, and then receive CCE Scholarship support for any remaining tuition balance.
The family’s contribution is calculated according to household size and Adjusted Gross Income.
That makes TFS particularly relevant for parents searching for an affordable private elementary school in West Palm Beach but who may otherwise assume private education is outside their budget.
Can Families Use Step Up for Students at The Foundations School?
Yes. All TFS families qualify but are required to apply through Step Up for Students.
Once the scholarship is awarded, families must provide the school with their Award ID Number so the scholarship funds can be applied toward tuition.
TFS cannot complete the Step Up application for the family.
After Step Up funds and the required family contribution are applied, the CCE Scholarship covers the remaining balance.
There is no separate application for the CCE Scholarship.
Are There Extra Fees at The Foundations School?
The school requires a $50 non-refundable application fee, but that payment is credited toward the family’s annual tuition contribution.
There are no additional required fees for:
- Food
- Technology
- Textbooks
- Classroom supplies
- School spirit shirts
- Activity fees
This is another detail families should account for when comparing the total cost of different private schools.
A school with a lower tuition figure can ultimately cost more if substantial registration, materials, technology, lunch, or activity fees are added separately.
When Should You Apply to The Foundations School?
Families do not have to wait for one specific annual application window.
Applications are accepted throughout the admissions cycle.
However, enrollment is limited, so parents who are seriously considering TFS should begin the process as early as possible.
Starting with an inquiry and campus visit allows families to:
- Confirm availability for the appropriate grade
- See the classroom environment
- Ask questions about the academic model
- Discuss the admissions process
- Understand scholarship requirements
- Learn what their family contribution may look like
- Decide whether to proceed with an application
Ready to Compare The Foundations School in Person?
Online comparisons are useful for creating a shortlist, but choosing an elementary school ultimately requires seeing the environment your child may experience every day.
Families considering The Foundations School can visit the West Palm Beach campus, speak with the admissions team, learn about current grade availability, and ask questions about tuition, Step Up for Students, family contributions, academics, and the application process.
The Foundations School
Grades: Kindergarten–Grade 5
Address: 2400 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone: 561-805-9927
If you’re currently comparing private elementary schools in West Palm Beach, schedule a campus visit or begin an inquiry with The Foundations School to determine whether its small classes, individualized instruction, extended school year, and scholarship-supported tuition model are the right fit for your family.