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K-12 Schools in Florida
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2018 Best Public High Schools in FloridaAbout this List

The 2018 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Schools
956 results

  1. Pine View School

    • Sarasota County Schools, FL
    • 2-12
    • 294
    1 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: I loved it, I thought it was a great college prep and education all around! I wish there were High school sports, but playing for your districted school was good. I thought most of my teachers were great, the administration was really helpful and actually wanted you to succeed, and even helped in doing so!
    Read 294 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,186 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Suncoast Community High School

    • Palm Beach County School District, FL
    • 9-12
    • 549
    2 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: Suncoast is a very good school academically. There is no shortage of rigorous courses to take whether they are AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or otherwise. Students are definitely challenged in that sense; however, the school offers plenty of opportunities for tutoring either through teachers or fellow students. The teachers can be hit or miss as to whether or not they are good at teaching. Most know the information really well but some are more inclined to let the students essentially teach themselves which can be simultaneously frustrating and beneficial. Unless a student is good at doing this, they may find themselves overwhelmed by the environment at Suncoast because a lot of teachers do this. The student environment is excellent with almost everyone being entirely supportive of everyone else. There is always another student around to help if someone is struggling in something.
    Read 549 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,523 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. School for Advanced Studies - South

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 11-12
    • 212
    3 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Parent: School for Advanced Studies (SAS) is known across America as the best high school in Florida. SAS Students earn a two year Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College a month before they graduating from high school (for free).

    Because they are full time on a college campus for two whole years prior to high school graduation, they are much better prepared to succeed at a top university than their counterparts who stay in their private, charter, magnet, or neighborhood high schools for 11th and 12th grade.

    That is why SAS graduates are highly regarded by Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Penn, Dartmouth, MIT, Stanford, Duke, UF, UM, U Chicago, and Johns Hopkins.

    SAS offers extraordinary academics, but also has dances, Prom, Grad Bash, robotics and math competitions, honors societies, Mock Trial, picnics, service clubs and great success in Silver Knight awards.
    Read 212 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 237 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts

    • Palm Beach County School District, FL
    • 9-12
    • 466
    4 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: Dreyfoos school of the arts is a very competitive yet comforting school. There is not only racial, but creative diversity. Dreyfoos encourages each student to find their individual creative outlet and to express themselves through their art major. Some of the areas students can be admitted into is Visual Art, Theater, Dance, Band, and Communications. My school has an overall very accepting and nurturing environment thats lets us grow and "find ourselves". My experience at Dreyfoos compares to no other school I've known and I am grateful for not only my wonderful peers, but the everything the school has to offer. Auditioning for Dreyfoos was definitely one of the best choices I've ever made and it helps me grow as a creative person like no other experience I've ever been apart of!
    Read 466 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,373 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Westshore Junior/Senior High School

    • Brevard Public Schools, FL
    • 7-12
    • 221
    5 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: West Shore is a nerd school. The jocks help each other with calculus homework, the art kids work on college-level literature. We joke that they shoved all the geniuses in the region into rooms with no A/C. This school is focused on one thing, and one thing only: getting you into college.

    Besides the lack of resources (if you plan on doing music or shop as a career, or want to do ROTC in high school, you should look elsewhere), the biggest complaint is the stress on the students. However, this can be avoided by understanding your limits, and recognizing that the bottom 50% here is the top 25% elsewhere - and colleges know this.

    Diversity is low, but discrimination is even lower, and most of the small class shows empathy for fellow students. Furthermore, the teachers learn about their students and know them well by graduation, which helps when application recommendations roll around.

    If you think this environment is just the push you need to succeed, we welcome you with open arms.
    Read 221 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 956 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Cypress Bay High School

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 1,341
    6 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: I love Cypress Bay High School! This high school teaches students how to be independent and prepares them for the real world. There are so many AICE classes, Cambridge classes, along with AP course to choose from. Cypress also has a wide variety of clubs, after-school activities and sports programs for their student to take full advantage of. College Advisors are always there to help students through the college application process and provide them with guidance.
    Read 1,341 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,489 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  8. Sponsored

    Saint Andrew's School

    • Private School
    • Boca Raton, FL
    • PK, K-12
    • 99

    Alum: I received a great education at Saint Andrew's School, and I feel that this school prepared me well for university life. The AP and IB programs were very beneficial in this regard; I was personally part of the IB program and it was a difficult but rewarding experience. After that, I felt very ready for college. Teachers were usually, if not always, approachable and friendly, and could always be reached out to for extra help.

    The school culture was like a close-knit community, though it sometimes got to a point where it felt exclusive ; as it was a K-12 school, many families had their children attending much longer than others, and thus were more immersed in the school culture and it felt like they had more of a "say" in this culture. As it was a private school, also, that added to the exclusivity. The student population wasn't particularly diverse, especially compared to my current school, the University of Miami.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,280 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School

    • Public School
    • Boca Raton, FL
    • K-12
    • 51
    7 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: FAU High School is AMAZING. It allowed me to dual enroll at Florida Atlantic University. I am now 17 with 82 credits towards my degree. I will graduate with a bachelors at 19, and hopefully enter dental school at that age. I can' even believe 9t myself. The possibilities here are incomparable. Everyone here WANTS you to succeed just as much as yourself. I am constantly getting emails from my counselors, principal and old teachers about opportunities they want us to take part in. I have had the most wonderful experience I could ever ask for. I highly encourage everyone to apply.
    Read 51 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,032 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Stanton College Preparatory

    • Duval County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 673
    8 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: The staff are very helpful and always trying their best to ensure your future, no matter how hard the courses may seem. The campus is large enough to support the many freshman that enter every year, and the food is particularly appetizing, improving every year into better and better cuisine! The campus also remains clean year-round, and the overall atmosphere is healthy, as all rooms have windows. A variety of clubs and organizations are always available for joining each year, allowing everyone to expand their interests!
    Read 673 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,557 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Florida State University School

    • Public School
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • K-12
    • 406
    9 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Freshman: Great school! Florida State University is a beautiful campus with a blend of the new and the old. It offers a rich cultural environment with a diverse population of students. The academics are rigorous with a wide range of courses to fit every need. The communication on campus is student friendly and safety is top priority for campus security. Even with large class sizes, the professors are available to help students who need it. There is an abundance of different activities that students can get involved in throughout their college experience. Attending Florida State University is an amazing experience that is offering everything and more! Go Noles!
    Read 406 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,732 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. College Academy at Broward College

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 704
    10 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: My experience at broward college has been overall a great one! To be honest I was really afraid of what I was going into, not having sufficent resources or guidelines to what step I should take next. Luckily I have always had the opportunity to speak to the advisors there and hear different pathways I can take to make my career a successful one! At the college we have lots of great resources that help contribute to our success! For example, the college offers calculators which many of the math classes requires some being those of a specific type and which are pricey. There are also tutoring sessions where students can receive help. Something that I would definitely change at browsers college would be how much students will have to often wait to speak to and advisor even for the most minimum situation! I remember last time I visited I waited an hour to ask a question! The college is overall very resourceful and definitely a GREAT one!
    Read 704 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 349 Students
    • 31:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Mast Academy

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 8-12
    • 248
    11 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Freshman: Mast Academy offers two advanced curriculum programs. The first one is the nationally recognized Cambridge program and the other one is the Maritime program. The Cambridge/ AICE program offers a pre-university course and it's sponsored by the Cambridge University in England. The Maritime and Science Technology program focuses on marine types of sciences and offers a variety of advanced placement courses dealing with these subjects. MAST Academy is also a magnet school, meaning you have to apply to get in and not everyone can easily get in!
    Read 248 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 936 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Coral Reef Senior High School

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 8-12
    • 1,287
    12 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: Coral Reef Senior is a wonderful learning environment. Due to the large student population it truly feels like a college. The clubs and people are really diverse, and there will definitely be something you are interested in! The academics are extremely competitive, but I feel like this helps for college readiness. The teachers and administration take an active role in preparing students to pass these exams. I have thrived at this school, and it has been an enjoyable experience. From Homecoming Week to the pep rallies the student body clearly has some school spirit. Coral Reef has an open and very accepting atmosphere. Even though we have different academies, we all band together as Cudas! The academies are an excellent way of jumpstarting your career goals and to explore a field you are interested in. I hope to see you around the Reef!
    Read 1,287 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,213 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Sponsored

    Cortona Academy

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • 7-12
    • 10

    Parent: Cortona Academy is the epitome of a great school. The classes are tailored to the needs of the students, and the teachers give them methods that they will use to be successful in College. My child has ADHD, and although very smart, he was failing in the other school he used to attend. Cortona Academy allowed him to get back on track, to develop method in a supportive and understanding environment. The cost is equal to most private schools in the area, but the investment is worth every penny! Before Cortona, my child was anxious and thought that he didn't have a future. In addition to a great education, Cortona Academy gave him back hope in his future!
    Read 10 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. New World School of the Arts

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 260
    13 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: New World School of the Arts has affected my life, for better and for worse. While the school may be lacking in the quality of academic teachers, the arts teachers are phenomenal. One issue I do have, however, is with administration. Students are constantly restricted from having their artistic freedom. The principal and vice principal are both hostile to their students and do not share the same love for the arts as the students and teachers do. It is obvious that they care more about the money they make from their jobs than they do about the students in their school.
    Read 260 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. McFatter Technical College and High School

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 364
    14 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: When I first came into this school, I was skeptical thinking I wasn't going to enjoy it. I didn't know anybody, however, as time went on I came to meet amazing friends and created a strong group that couldn't happen in any other high school. I'm glad to have chosen this with amazing teachers and a good but competitive student body. The communication could be a little better however, but overall a great high school experience!
    Read 364 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 606 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Plant High School

    • Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 371
    15 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: Plant High School is certainly a well represented and borderline prestigious school in the Tampa Bay area. Just to name a few of its features, there's a well structured Student Government, a rising AFJROTC Corps which exceeded standards, a strong female presence in nearly every sport including rowing, flag football, volleyball, basketball, water polo, softball, track, and cross country. This overall impression of Plant is an understatement. These activities, clubs, and programs not only gets you involved with service hours but it's also great fun. One of my highlights is cheering at every home football game as the Plant Panthers destroyed any neighborhood or state rivals. The only noticeable improvements the school could implement is a check and balances system to ensure the school funds are more evenly distributed to their respective departments. Although this practice is not integrated yet, the fewer funded clubs and sports host fundraisers and have willing boosters to support them.
    Read 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,330 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School

    • Brevard Public Schools, FL
    • 7-12
    • 299
    16 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: I had a great high school experience. My classes were challenging and my teachers did everything they could to help me succeed. I attended Edgewood from seventh to twelfth grade and am now pursuing a degree in biology as a premed student at Davidson College. My high school experience gave me the tools I need to now succeed in a top notch classroom. Although my pre-medicine classes are definitely a challenge, my high school eexperience prepared me to dive head first into difficulty in order to really push myself to succeed. The friends I made in high school also want to succeed and the academically rigorous environment taught me how to work through the difficult times and help others along the way. I encourage all those students attending Edgewood Junior/ Senior high school to do their best in all they do because they are in the environment to succeed to the best of their potential and beyond.
    Read 299 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 941 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Boca Raton Community High School

    • Palm Beach County School District, FL
    • 9-12
    • 739
    17 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: Boca Raton Community High School is absolutely the greatest school North of the South Pole! Being involved in Student Government, Varsity sports, and multiple clubs on campus, I have learned that this school is run with immense passion and endless support. Boca High makes it a priority that each student plays a part in the school community and is not left alone. Administration ensures confidence in their students body, along with their faculty. I am honored to call Boca High home.
    Read 739 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,136 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Design & Architecture Senior High School

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 229
    18 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: This year has been a challenge. College applications and the DASH workload can often be tiring. However, there is not a better high school in Miami to attend than my school. The faculty and environment are outstanding! All my teachers encourage me to push my work to the next level. The principal and counselor doors are open 24/7. I truly love how supportive everyone is including the generators.
    Read 229 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 520 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Pompano Beach High School

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 528
    19 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: I started at Pompano Beach High School in the fall of 2014. My whole freshman year I did not really go into the office at all for anything, so I did not know many staff members aside from my teachers. When sophomore year came along and I started applying for dual enrollment, I had a need to go into the office. Throughout sophomore year, junior year, and now senior year, I have come to know the staff of Pompano Beach High School extremely well and I could not be happier that I attend this school. Everyone is so kind and willing to help, and they truly know their students- many knew my name before I even knew theirs! Everyone is willing to do anything they can to help you succeed- whether it is trying to join a new club, apply for college, or write your resume, everyone does every they can for you.
    Read 528 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,206 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 11-12
    • 155
    20 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: School for Advanced Studies Wolfson is a high school located on the Miami Dade College Wolfson campus with the sole focus of college readiness. By providing beyond excellent resources and advisement, School for Advanced Studies (SAS) allows its students to get a head start on their college education. I am currently a junior at SAS Wolfson and I can proudfully say I have had nothing but the greatest experieces. The school is made up of an extremely diverse student body and some of the most knowledgeable and helpful teachers/administration members I've ever worked with. I've been able to grow both academically and personally while recieveing incredible assistance in getting the most out of my high school/college experience. Highly recommend SAS for any rising junior who believes they are ready to be challenged in the best way possible.
    Read 155 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 116 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Fort Myers High School

    • Lee County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 527
    21 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: Glad to have spent my four years of high school at FMHS. Seriously is an amazing school. Love the school spirit here, you definitely see that shown during sporting events. The staff is great here. Wonderful teachers, with much experience. My teachers have been caring, kind, and helpful. This is a great school for any student who desires good education, good experience, and will look back at these four years and can truly say they had a good time!
    Read 527 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,921 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College

    • Okaloosa County School District, FL
    • 10-12
    • 178
    22 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: Collegiate High School offers a unique opportunity to "try out" what college life feels like. The small size of the student body encourages strong bonds of friendships to be built, and perhaps more importantly, offers students the ability to connect with their teachers and faculty members. The faculty truly care about each individual student and their academic development. I encourage everyone in the area to apply to Collegiate. It is an amazing way to find your academic footing and save money on future education costs!
    Read 178 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 287 Students
    • 41:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Review Your School

  30. Eastside High School

    • Alachua County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 253
    23 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: Eastside High School was the best decision I could have possibly made when looking at high schools that will better my education and life style resources; therefore, preparing me for the college atmosphere, and all things that pertain to it, and real life scenarios. I commend the Alachua County School board for their steadily hard work to keep the students involved in extra curricular activities. Being a IB student can really take a toll on a personal life when there is no time for anything but studies, but at Eastside they bring it to a point that individuals must interact with each other through many activities and clubs throughout the school. Eastside was an amazing experience, especially if you got involved; the only downside for me was that the school was across time and sometimes it was a rough to even travel the distance, but I guess you cant complain when you are for certain you are getting great experience for life. Go Rams!
    Read 253 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,394 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. City of Pembroke Pines Charter High School

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 6-12
    • 706
    24 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: The pines charter community is a place where individuals are friendly and concerned for others and understand the severity of what is to mean to show school spirit and pride. The teachers at pines charter really caressssss for their students, willing to provide free tutoring after school or give the students the opportunity to increase their volunteer hours; also for the parents too! such an amazing school where the parents don't have to worry about dress code because the students must WEAR uniform. Pines charter is greatly known for giving back to charities or raise up money for awarenesses and foundations such as make a wish or feed the children, in the district of Broward county. Overall, Pines charter High School is a great school and who ever attends there is going to love it.
    Read 706 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,059 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Terra Environmental Research Institute

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 631
    25 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: I feel Terra meets my personal expectations of a high school experience. It is a safe modern school that focuses on the student’s academics and learning experience, while preserving the environment by using 40% less water in the restrooms, and conserving paper by using electronic devices. It has magnificent teachers, great reputation, and materials needed for a student to succeed. My years spent at Terra was truly memorable; from the teachers, to being Boys Golf district champions, to helping the environment, to the relations I created with students and teachers. Terra did offer all I needed for my experience, but failed to create the same experience for some of my fellow peers. Terra does not have football, wrestling, or lacrosse to name a few, and made many students miss out on opportunities to pursue their passion. So one thing I would have to change is to change the sports program for the better, including sports such as football, lacrosse, and wrestling. Go Wolves!
    Read 631 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,803 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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2018 Best Public High Schools in Florida
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