At most private schools, there is a religious connection, with some exceptions, such as Shorecrest. Catholic schools usually require families to join the school's parish church and become contributing members. Those who do not will pay more tuition, as much as one-third more in some cases. In St. Petersburg, there are a growing number of private academies for African-American students. In most cases, these schools include a strong religious component and strict discipline.
Tuition generally is lower than at other private schools.
Parents who are not satisfied with public or private options can choose to home-school their children. This year, there are about 109,430 students who attend Pinellas public schools. If this is your choice and you don't pursue special offerings in the public system, your child will be assigned to a school based on the attendance zone in which you live. Students usually are assigned to schools nearest them, with significant exceptions. To obey the desegregation order and maintain racial balance, some students are bused to distant schools.