Florida Preparatory Academy
Melbourne, FL
"Believe, Strive, Succeed"
The Verdict
Florida Prep isn't your typical military school—it's an aviation heritage academy turned global prep school. Founded in 1961 and patterned after the U.S. Air Force Academy, this Melbourne campus sits at the epicenter of Florida's Space Coast, just miles from Kennedy Space Center and NASA.
With 100% college acceptance since 1978, students from 22 countries, and a unique flight training partnership with Florida Institute of Technology, the school produces future pilots, aerospace engineers, and global leaders.
About
Florida Preparatory Academy (formerly Florida Air Academy) is a coed boarding and day school on Florida's Space Coast. Signature program: students can earn their Private Pilot's License before graduation through flight training at Florida Institute of Technology. The school has produced pilots, aerospace engineers, and leaders since 1961.
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$47,800
Day Student
$16,000
International
$56,300
*Day: $15,000 grades 5-8, $16,000 grades 9-12; Boarding 9-12; does not include meal plan
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Online application with candidate profile
- Current English and Math teacher recommendations
- Principal/counselor recommendation
- School transcripts
- Copy of birth certificate or passport
- Standardized placement tests
- Interview with parent/guardian and student (in-person or virtual)
- English proficiency test for international students (iTEP SLATE, IELTS, TOEFL)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
11 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
133
Student:Teacher
7:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Boarding students rise at 7:15 AM and have breakfast until 8:00 AM. All dormitories are inspected each morning to ensure cleanliness. Classes begin at 8:30 AM and follow an innovative 'College Style' schedule with longer classes on a 3-day/2-day rotation. The school day consists of eight class periods with five-minute passing periods, ending at 3:40 PM. Evenings include mandatory study hall for all boarding students, after-school teacher help sessions, and tutoring for those needing additional support.
Discipline Model
Structured residential program emphasizing leadership, character, accountability, and trust. Students live with one or two roommates in rooms equipped with beds, desks, swivel chairs, and wall lockers. At least two staff members are present 24/7 to assist with all aspects of boarding life. Dress code requires branded polo shirts with shorts or slacks during school hours. Weekend activities include trips to Orlando, beach visits, ice skating, bowling, movies, and social events organized by the Residential Life Team.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
School maintains Air Force heritage through optional AF JROTC program; historically produced pilots and aerospace professionals through flight training partnership with Florida Institute of Technology
Hall of Fame
Leevan Sands
Olympic bronze medalist (2008 Beijing), Bahamas national record holder in triple jump
Sasha Kaun
2008 NCAA Champion with Kansas Jayhawks, NBA player (Cleveland Cavaliers), Russian National Team
Glenn Standridge
Grammy-winning multi-platinum R&B producer and audio mixing engineer
Andy Gonzalez
Professional baseball player, MLB career with Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox
Jorge Padilla
Professional baseball outfielder, Triple-A player for Buffalo Bisons
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Students are encouraged to participate in one or more sports offerings. The athletics program accommodates all skill levels from walk-on novices to competitive athletes, fostering values of character, discipline, integrity, responsibility, and teamwork while nurturing student-athletes pursuing collegiate opportunities.
Facilities
11-acre tropical campus in Melbourne features a full-sized athletic field, baseball diamond, gymnasium, all-weather tennis courts, and outdoor stage. A city golf course is located across the street and swimming pools are nearby. The historic campus includes the largest collection of historic buildings in Brevard County, anchored by the 1925 Spanish Mediterranean-style mansion with Art Deco interior.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
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