The 10 Top-Rated Schools in Florida Today

Did you know Florida is home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States? With over 1,000 miles of coastline and a warm, sunny climate year-round, it's no wonder that Florida is a top destination for tourists and families alike.

But Florida isn't just known for its beautiful beaches and natural wonders. It's also home to some of the best schools in the country. However, what makes a school “good” can vary widely from student to student. That means finding the right school for each individual is a personalized process.

Ultimately, the right school meets a student's academic, social, and emotional needs and prepares them for success in their future endeavors. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the 10 best schools in Florida, ranked in ascending order.

Our ranking metrics included GreatSchools.org test scores, academic programs and courses, student-teacher ratios, student and parent reviews, and faculty experience. Keep reading to discover the top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools in Florida today.

Best Elementary Schools

Patriot Oaks Academy

475 Longleaf Pine Parkway, Saint Johns, FL 32259

Patriot Oaks Academy is a public school in the St. Johns County School District, serving students in PK-8 grade levels. With an enrollment of 1,445 students, it is one of the larger schools in the area. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, slightly higher than the state average of 17:1.

Patriot Oaks Academy is renowned for its high academic achievements. Standardized test scores there show that most students perform at or above grade level. Moreover, GreatSchools.org rates the school a perfect 10/10 overall.

Students at Patriot Oaks Academy have performed better than their peers across the state in math, English, science, and civics. Specifically, 79% of students attain proficiency in English, 82% in math, 71% in science, and 97% in civics. The school prides itself on an experienced and qualified faculty. In fact, 98% of teachers have at least three years of experience and all full-time teachers are certified.

Parent reviews also highlight the school's caring and supportive staff, who are always willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed. With a supportive and experienced teaching staff alongside a rigorous academic program, the school is a top pick for parents within Saint Johns. 

Madison Street Academy of Visual And Performing Arts

401 Northwest Martin Luther King Junior Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475

Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is a public magnet school located in Ocala, FL. It's one of the top-rated schools in the state. With a focus on visual and performing arts, the school aims to provide its students with a well-rounded education that encompasses core academic subjects and fosters creativity and self-expression.

The school's student body is relatively small, with an enrollment of just 450 students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 allows for more individualized attention from teachers. Moreover, 97% of teachers have at least three years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified.

The school's academic performance is exemplary, with above-average standardized test scores. The school also receives a perfect 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. In particular, students at Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts excel in English, math, and science. Specifically, 86%, 89%, and 77% of students attained proficiency in these subjects, respectively.

The school offers an impressive range of courses and programs in the visual and performing arts. These include art, dance, drama, music, and physical education. This combination of academic rigor and artistic expression makes the school a compelling choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children.

Gemini Elementary School

2100 Oak Street, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

Gemini Elementary School, located in Melbourne Beach, is a top-rated public school in the Brevard Public Schools district. It caters to students in grades PK-6 and has 468 students. The school received an overall rating of 10/10 from GreatSchools.org.

Gemini Elementary School's students perform above average on standardized tests. In fact, math, English, and science scores suggest that most students perform at or above grade level. 83% of students achieved proficiency in math, 82% in English, and 72% in science.

One of the distinguishing features of Gemini Elementary School is the availability of courses and programs that focus on the arts and media, in addition to the more traditional academic subjects. These courses include art, media, and music, providing students with a well-rounded education beyond the standard curriculum.

Gemini Elementary School boasts a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, which is lower than the state average of 17:1. This means that students at the school benefit from more individualized attention from their teachers. All full-time teachers are certified, and 100% have at least three years of teaching experience.

According to parent reviews, Gemini Elementary School is a fantastic institution that provides an excellent learning environment for children. With a focus on academic and artistic development, the school is a perfect choice for families in the Melbourne Beach area.

Ocean Breeze Elementary School

1101 Cheyenne Dr, Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937

Ocean Breeze Elementary School is a public school in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. It's part of the Brevard Public Schools district. With a population of 532 students in grades PK-6, Ocean Breeze has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, lower than the state average of 17:1.

The school is known for its excellent performance in standardized tests, indicating that most students perform at or above grade level. According to GreatSchools.org, Ocean Breeze Elementary School receives a 10/10 overall rating, with students performing better in math, English, and science than students across the state. 82% attain proficiency in math, 78% in English, and 75% in science.

95% of teachers have at least three years of experience and 100% of full-time teachers are certified. In addition to the traditional academic subjects, the school also offers art programs such as choir and orchestra. 

The parents who have reviewed Ocean Breeze Elementary School speak positively about the school, with one on GreatSchools.org saying, “Ocean Breeze takes good care of their kids – the teachers all know the students by name. It's great we can eat lunch with the kids any day we want as a parent. Couldn't ask for much more!”

Best Middle Schools

Kendall Square K-8 Center

9325 Southwest 169th Place, Miami, FL 33196

Kendall Square K-8 Center is a public school in Miami-Dade County that serves students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. With an enrollment of only 41 students, this school has a very small student body, which allows for a more personalized learning experience.

The standardized test scores at this school are far above the state average, with students performing better in math, English, and science. 77% of the students at Kendall Square attain proficiency in English, 74% in math, and 63% in science. 

With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, below the state average of 19:1, students at Kendall Square K-8 Center can expect to receive more individualized attention from their teachers.

The school's small size may contribute to its strong sense of community, which parents appreciate. A parent review on GreatSchools.org describes Kendall Square K-8 Center as “the best school in Miami” and recommends it. 

The school is ideal for parents searching for personalized attention for their kids in Miami. 

True North Classical Academy

9393 Southwest 72nd Street, Miami, FL 33173

True North Classical Academy is a public charter school in Florida that serves students in grades K-8. The school has 336 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, which is slightly lower than the state average. 

The school's curriculum is based on the classical liberal arts tradition, focusing on creating scholars who exemplify excellence in soul, mind, and body. According to GreatSchools.org, True North Classical Academy received a perfect 10/10 rating, with test scores far above the state average.

Students scored exceptionally high in English, math, science, and civics, with 87%, 85%, 83%, and 97% attaining proficiency in the respective subjects. 42% of teachers have at least three years of experience, and 45% of full-time teachers are certified.

True North Classical Academy offers a range of extracurricular activities, including the French, thespians, culinary, coding, science honors, and chess clubs. 

Parents have expressed their satisfaction with True North Classical Academy. They appreciate the balance between education and values, focusing on creating a family-oriented school where every student is made to feel important in their own way. 

In the News

On May 9, 2023, CBS News Miami reported that Governor Ron DeSantis stopped at True North Classical Academy, where he signed a series of new education bills into law. These bills are predominantly designed to improve teacher pay, and to establish the right of teachers to direct and maintain order in their classroom. DeSantis has received significant criticism in recent months for his endorsement of strict laws regarding what Florida educators may teach in schools and of bills that many argue violate the rights of LGBT and other minority students. He received pushback for some of the bills that were signed into law at True North, particularly those regarding teacher's unions.

For another story featuring True North Classical Academy, check this one out from May 2023.

East Lake Middle School Academy Of Engineering

1200 Silver Eagle Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688

East Lake Middle School Academy of Engineering is a public school in Pinellas County catering to 395 students in grades 6-8. The school boasts a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. Its standardized test scores are far above the state average, with students performing better in math, English, science, and civics than their peers across the state.

One of the key strengths of the East Lake Middle School Academy of Engineering is its dedicated and experienced teaching staff. All full-time teachers are certified, and 100% have at least three years of experience. The school's student-teacher ratio is 14:1, lower than the state average of 19:1.

The school offers rigorous academic courses based on the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) – Gateway To Technology (GTT) program, which provides a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

The school's staff believes they are part of a wonderful school in a great community, and its administrator has created a tight-knit family between parents, teachers, students, and staff. East Lake Middle School Academy of Engineering is ideal for parents whose children would love to venture into a career in STEM. 

Best High Schools

Westshore Junior/Senior High School

250 Wildcat Alley, Melbourne, FL 32935

Westshore Junior/Senior High School is a public school located in Melbourne, under the administration of the Brevard Public Schools district. The school serves students in grades 7-12 and has an enrollment of approximately 953 students. The school receives a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. 

Westshore Junior/Senior High School is known for its above-average standardized test scores, with 100% of students attaining proficiency in math, 95% in English, and 85% in science. The school has an average SAT score of 1299 and an average ACT score of 27. 

Westshore Junior/Senior High offers a challenging curriculum that includes Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment courses. With over 31 AP courses, the school has a high participation rate in AP courses, with 78% of students enrolled in these courses. Additionally, 13% of students in grades 9-12 are enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes. 

Westshore Junior/Senior High School has an exceptional graduation rate of 100%. The student-teacher ratio at the school is 18:1, which is slightly higher than the state average of 17:1. However, the school still provides a supportive learning environment, with 96% of teachers having at least three years of experience and all full-time teachers being certified. 

The school's supportive learning environment and commitment to excellence make it an excellent choice for students in Melbourne, FL. 

School For Advanced Studies

3800 Northwest 115th Avenue, Doral, FL 33178

The School for Advanced Studies (SAS) is a highly regarded public school located in the Miami-Dade County School District, serving students in grades 11-12. SAS is a combined effort between Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) and Miami Dade College (MDC). Students attending SAS complete their last two years of high school while earning a two-year Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College.

SAS has a total enrollment of 124 students and an impressive 100% graduation rate. The school offers seven Advanced Placement courses, with 100% of students enrolled in these courses. The students' average SAT score is 1279. Additionally, 100% of students in are enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes, which allows them to earn college credits while still in high school. 

The student-teacher ratio at SAS is 29:1, higher than the state average of 19:1. However, SAS has an experienced and certified teaching staff, with 100% of full-time teachers being certified and having at least three years of experience. 

SAS provides its students with a rigorous and rewarding educational experience that prepares them for their future academic and professional endeavors.

In the News

On June 6, 2023, The Miami Times reported on SAS's graduation ceremony. The 2023 graduating class was awarded scholarships totaling $606 million, an incredible figure that many other high schools in the country likely can't boast about. The article highlights a few students who made remarkable accomplishments while at SAS, including a Haitian immigrant who began her time at SAS speaking next to no English, and is now graduating fluent in English and Spanish. The 2023 graduating class is a fantastic example of the type of excellent graduates SAS can produce.

For another story featuring SAS, check this article from March 2023 out.

Mast@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus

14301 Bay Vista Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181

MAST@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus is a public magnet school in Miami, FL. It provides students with a unique educational experience focused on marine and environmental sciences. The school is located on FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus as a collaboration between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Florida International University (FIU). 

The school's marine science curriculum is developed around an interdisciplinary approach. It includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, and features an array of advanced and rigorous courses.

With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school's faculty provides students with the individualized attention necessary to excel academically. 69% of the full-time teachers have at least three years of experience. Furthermore, all full-time teachers at MAST@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus are also certified. 

MAST@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus has a diverse student population of 369 students from grades nine to twelve. The school offers 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and 76% of students take at least one course. 30% of students take Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12. That allows them to earn college credits while still in high school. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate. 

MAST@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus has received a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. Parent reviews laud the school for its passionate teachers, rigorous academic programs, and unique opportunities for students. 

In the News

On April 14, 2023, WLRN reported that MAST@FIU had unveiled a 114-solar panel installment on their campus, the first of its kind in their district. The goal of this new solar panel array is to provide the school with clean energy, reducing their carbon footprint during a time when climate change is a major concern of millions. The new solar panel array will provide the school with 5-10% of its energy needs. Miami is one of the world's most vulnerable cities when it comes to climate change; the city frequently experiences extreme weather. The school has a stated goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2030.

Finding the Right School for Your Child

Florida has many exceptional schools that allow students to excel in their academic pursuits. The ten schools highlighted in this post are known for their high-quality education, dedicated teachers, and strong community support. We hope this blog has provided helpful information to assist you in deciding on the best school for your child's educational journey in Florida.

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