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Creative Learning Academy (CLA) was founded in 1972 as a Montessori program for young children and has since grown into a preprimary 3 years through eighth-grade co-educational day school.
Our mission: Preparing students to learn, lead, and become the creative problem solvers of the future.
Our philosophy: We believe that children should experience a wide variety of academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities in a supportive and diverse community. We value honesty, acceptance, respect, responsibility, and trust. We provide a student-centered learning environment that is academically challenging, personalized, and focused on skills to set students up for success in high school and the workforce. Students, parents, and faculty work as partners to inspire well-rounded, lifelong learners who will become confident citizens eager to engage in a pluralistic and ever-changing world.
We educate not only with respect to academic growth and achievement, but also in the areas of athletics, fine arts, community service, and extra-curricular activities.
Our vision: Creative Learning Academy is a culturally-enriched learning community that inspires creativity, independence, and integrity. Through innovative student experiences and an academically challenging curriculum, CLA creates lifelong learners who share a vision of excellence and engage as active, compassionate citizens.
Fundamental guiding principles include small class sizes, a personalized approach, high academic standards, creative teaching strategies, a full menu of arts and activities, and strong parental involvement.
Creative Learning Academy (CLA) was founded in 1972 as a
Montessori program for young children and has since grown into a
preprimary through eighth-grade co-educational day school. Our
approach to education with a very intentional emphasis to be a
happy place of learning creates an environment where each child is
nurtured, supported, and challenged as an individual. That is why
music and art are so important and are integrated throughout the
curriculum at CLA. It is also why P.E. and recess are a huge part
of the student experience, along with our emphasis on character
education. As a result, our students love learning; they are
creative and critical thinkers. They are confident in who they are
and feel safe taking risks. They are kind and caring people, who,
ignited by our guiding principles, make helping others a priority
in their lives. At the end of their eighth-grade year, our
graduates leave CLA exceptionally well prepared for high school
and, as the problem solvers of the future, are empowered to make
positive contributions to the world.
What is the acceptance rate of Creative Learning Academy?
The acceptance rate of Creative Learning Academy is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
What sports does Creative Learning Academy offer?
Creative Learning Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Dance, Flag Football, Football, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Creative Learning Academy's ranking?
Creative Learning Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Creative Learning Academy?
The application deadline for Creative Learning Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Creative Learning Academy located?
Creative Learning Academy is located in the East Pensacola Heights neighborhood of Pensacola, FL. There are 1 other private schools located in East Pensacola Heights.
3121 Hyde Park Rd Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 436-6435
0.1 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 346 students
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(4 reviews)
51/18/2025
This school is excellent. The teachers, the administration, and everyone in between really put in the effort, and it shows. I recommend this school to everyone I know.
- Posted by Parent - Alex
56/1/2012
CLA offers an extraordinary education with a rigorous academic program for lower and upper school. I love that the school is an open-air campus and that the students have the opportunity to run outside everyday. I can not think of a better educational opportunity within the Pensacola area.
- Posted by Parent - tstur
55/21/2012
This is by far the best school in the Pensacola area. The curriculum is rigorous, the teachers are well-qualified, and the students are dedicated to their education. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a superior education for their child.
- Posted by Parent - bookw
51/28/2012
Creative Learning Academy has been the best choice for our daughters' education. Its nurturing environment and academic rigor paired with enrichments of Spanish, Technology & Fine Art (even at preprimary levels) constantly reinforces our decision to be a CLA family. Having the best teachers in town under exceptional leadership convinces our family to recommend CLA to other Pensacola area families seeking a similar educational experience.
- Posted by Parent - kyle
Endorse Creative Learning Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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The average private school tuition in Pensacola, FL is $6,618 for elementary schools and $8,020 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
