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.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 334 students
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- - 05/01/2024CLA Students Become Neurosurgeons for a Day!
- - 01/01/2024Creative Learning Academy Zooms with International Space Station!
Top Rankings
Creative Learning Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1972
Student Body
Total Students
334 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
8%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
![Creative Learning Academy Student By Grade Creative Learning Academy Student By Grade](http://images1.privateschoolreview.com/charts/6000/6185/creative-learning-academy-chart-vlgnbtm261jd.png)
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
14%
Average Class Size
16 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition range: $11,200 -$14,600
Full Pay or Monthly payment plans are available.
Tuition Assistance is available for qualifying applicants.
Admissions Director
Amber Mariano
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Gardening Club, Literary Club, Math Club, 草榴社区 Music Lessons, Science Olympiad
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Music classes, Spanish Language Program
Art Club, Gardening Club, Literary Club, Math Club, 草榴社区 Music Lessons, Science Olympiad
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Music classes, Spanish Language Program
School Notes
- 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.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
School Reviews
5 1/18/2025
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.
5 6/1/2012
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.
5 5/21/2012
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.
5 1/28/2012
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.
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