2023 Best Public High Schools in Florida

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 2-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  356 reviews

Senior: I've attended Pine View School from 2nd grade through 12th grade. This place is great and offers many advanced classes for those who are consistently performing above their grade level. Once a student reaches high school, they have so much freedom in what classes they take and what path they want to go down with their academics. This school teaches kids to be independent and work hard. On the other hand, unfortunately, being gifted comes with its fair share of consequences as well. The levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses here is much higher than at other schools. Consistently pushing oneself to ace rigorous courses takes a toll on one's mental health. Pine View has good resources and understanding staff when it comes to this, but all I want to say is that it is NOT FOR EVERYONE. Just because you or your child are gifted does not mean you should attend. Be prepared to have your limits tested... I hope you have a good work ethic! Personally, I owe PV everything.... Read 356 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,818

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Boca Raton, FL•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  98 reviews

Senior: This is an amazing school! No other school gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in college curriculum while still being in high school. Students are able to join college clubs and participate in research on the college campus while still being enrolled in high school. The teachers and other staff members are very willing to help you and make your experience here as smooth as possible. You may struggle a bit in ninth grade but after that it will get easier. Although the coronavirus has not allowed me to fully appreciate my experience, I am still very grateful for the time that I have had here.... Read 98 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,273

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Duval County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  828 reviews

Sophomore: The school provides very rigorous but manageable academic instructions that challenges student to build up time management skills and work ethic for their success in their future career and college. The school has a supportive staff members and a very diverse and friendly student body! The teacher and guidance counselor are there for you if you have any problems dealing with academic work and at-home problems. Overall, this school is an excellent choice for a student to excel in academically and in their future careers!... Read 828 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,539

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  189 reviews

Junior: Being a student in such a small school has this huge advantage: Each student has a plethora of opportunities to meet with teachers and ask for some extra help! In the beginning, it seemed like such a unbearable challenge with the rigorous course loads and the many morning quizzes, but later in the year, that sense of preparedness and accomplishment made it all worthwhile. I was too busy focusing on the sheer amount of work to notice that I was improving and gaining confidence in my academic abilities at such a fast pace! I am forever grateful of my choice to become a White Tiger!... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 129

• Student-teacher ratio 32:1

• Palm Beach County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  690 reviews

Senior: Suncoast Community High School is an extremely rigorous school to attend depending on the program you chose to take but regardless of it’s hardships I loved it. The environment is welcoming, the teachers are great, it’s diverse, there’s plenty of activities and clubs to attend, and I’ve made some amazing friends over the past 4 years attending there. As an IB student, I do believe that Suncoast has prepared me enough for college in terms of the various types of assignments that were given, especially when it comes to having to complete research papers. It’s a great school in terms of being prepped for college.... Read 690 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,594

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Palm Beach County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  604 reviews

Senior: Good Academics and teachers. Fun school to be in even when academic wise it gets tough. Most teachers are friendly and ready to help. Dreyfoos encourages involvement of student group interaction therefore there is unity at least between kids inside specific departments. Outside of those departments sometimes kids feel the need have "rivalries" or almost pick on certain majors but if you love your art and make good friends despite the major they are, you can get around it. Admin encourages students to be proud of their school and to take advantage of the opportunities offered. There is a variety of activities during the school year to go to and enjoy like spirit week and open houses for parents. The school provides with lots of information about a variety of topics like scholarships. Boot camps outside of regular school hours to help with college apps are offered. I'm going to miss going here for sure. Came for the arts, stayed for the people and opportunities offered!... Read 604 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,363

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  153 reviews

Senior: School for Advanced Studies Homestead is an incredible school choice if you prioritize college readiness and want to get ahead in studies. SAS is for Juniors and Seniors who want to take dual enrollment in highschool to graduate with both a diploma and Associate of Arts degree. The SAS Homestead campus has on average around 150 students every year. Personally, this small school size allowed me to know the students and staff more than I did at any other school, and it allowed us to bond together like a large and close-knit family. SAS's student culture is one where we support, compete, and motivate each other into reaching for our highest potential. The coursework at SAS is very rigorous, however, with proper time management and discipline I had more than enough time to complete any assignments. SAS reserves 3 hours of the school day for college courses and independent study, I took advantage of these 3 hours which many times allowed me to finish my assignments before I even went home.... Read 153 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 138

• Student-teacher ratio 35:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: Going to SAS has been the best choice I have made during my high school years. It’s given me the opportunity to have a regular high school experience (dances, clubs, homecoming, prom, field trips, etc…) while earning my AA degree. My schedule has been flexible allowing me to achieve in all high school and college class. The accessibility and guidance from the SAS counselor is unparallel! It is the best school in all Miami-Dade county and 4th in the nation! It is an honor being a SAS and MDC Alumni.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 251

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• Orange County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: After switching from my old elementary school to this school, I found it to be a drastic change. There are different buildings for each category of students (elementary, middle, high) and they're not all that big, however, the intelligence and diversity of this school make up for it! I've made friends of many different cultures and I've never met so many people who are of the same culture as me. I take college classes in addition to my high school classes, and I'm even graduating a year early to get a headstart on college. This school is primarily A student, and 90% of the teachers actually care about their students and prioritize their education. I love my teachers, I could never ask for better ones. Overall, this school is very hard-working, diverse, and the extracurriculars focus on STEM-related activities, but they have cultural and even athletic clubs, too!... Read 178 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,219

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Broward County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  1,710 reviews

Senior: I have had such an amazing experience at Cypress Bay. First off, the student body is extremely diverse almost 5,000 kids from around the world. The different international perspectives brings a unique vibe to the school. Additionally, Cypress has over 100 different classes that they offer at all different levels. There is an elective for everyone and students' schedules are very flexible. One of the best things about the Bay is how many clubs they offer. I have been involved with at least 3-4 clubs every year and it has given me so many volunteer and service opportunities. The best part about my school are the traditions. Pep rally is one of my favorite events since all the classes where their color and go and and compete in games such as tug-o-war. For the past 2 years, the class of 2021 has won! Homecoming is also another favorite of mine. During the week of Homecoming, everyone dresses up in accordance to the theme of the day and it is so fun seeing what people come up with.... Read 1,710 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,659

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  220 reviews

Alum: My school and campus, specifically, had overwhelming support for its students. The school counselor and teachers wanted all of us to succeed and it was really important to receive such support, especially at a dual enrollment school. I truly believe that I would not have accomplished as many things as I had during my time there if I wasn't enrolled at SAS. The school culture is not toxic, and we are even encouraged to not share our grades or test scores with each other. I had so many more opportunities academically and socially. I'm very grateful for all of the memories I made and the people I met at SAS North.... Read 220 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 126

• Student-teacher ratio 42:1

• Broward County Public Schools, FL•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  935 reviews

Senior: Attending College Academy at Broward College was one of the best decisions I have ever made! It was difficult to choose to leave my original high school and move to this school, but ultimately it was worth it. College Academy gave me many opportunities to excel, learn, and improve academically. Through College Academy, you get a taste of college life, both academically and socially. Thanks to this, I feel sufficiently prepared for college. The staff and teachers are extremely welcoming and helpful and the environment was very enjoyable. Overall, it is a great school!... Read 935 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 451

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Brevard Public Schools, FL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  277 reviews

Senior: I have been connected to West Shore Jr./Sr. High school my whole life. My mother started teaching at West Shore when I was one years old, my sister and brother both graduated from here, and now I am a senior getting ready to graduate. I am highly satisfied with the school. They set high expectations for their students which fully prepares them for college. Their faculty is friendly and will go out of their way to be helpful. I would highly recommend this high school. I absolutely love it!... Read 277 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 967

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  345 reviews

Senior: The teachers in the school are amazing! I can't stress this enough! They are so interactive and often teaches in ways the students love! They build bonds with their students which makes the learning process more fun! Administration will try their very hardest to help you succeed and the security guards are the sweetest but not too sweet. The perfect balance. The school is right across the street from the beach so while in class you have a beautiful view of the ocean. The classrooms are cold, the hallways are clean, the teachers are creative and amazing, with an amazing view, what isn't there to like about Mast Academy.... Read 345 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,562

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  1,549 reviews

Senior: Coral Reef Senior High School is the best school in South Florida. The faculty and staff ensures that their students are in a safe environment at all times, and takes the safety of their students seriously. Academically Coral Reef has the best and diverse programs that is catered to every individual students different way of learning. There are many resources provided for the students in order to help them succeed academically which is one of my favorite things. Not only is academics something they support the students at Coral Reef with but they make sure to check on the students mental health. Coral Reef has amazing counselors that provide help to their students whenever they need it, and the administration is one of the most welcoming I know. The best part about Coral Reef is the experience of it all, being apart of a magnet program, learning material that interests you, being in a learning environment that is fun and innovative, and most importantly knowing that you matter!... Read 1,549 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,467

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  316 reviews

Senior: Basically you are a college student. You take college courses that suit your career path. These are college courses that give actual college credit. This means when you graduate you get a high school diploma and an Associates degree. Since SPC is a relatively small college, the classes are tinier, making it easier to establish a connection with your professors. There are plenty of clubs around the high school you can join, and much more college clubs when you become a senior. There are classes that suit just about every major, so its okay to reconsider your classes. The high school has these weekly seminars that are all about college readiness. They talk about financial aid, SAT & ACT, and the college application process. The campus has a Nature's Table cafe. Its genuinely the most delicious and healthiest food I've ever had. The only perceivable downside is the lack of diversity. The majority of the students and staff are Caucasian, but it doesn't bother me. Best high school NA.... Read 316 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 234

• Student-teacher ratio 47:1

• Tallahassee, FL•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  768 reviews

Sophomore: Florida State is a great University if you want to meet people with similar interests who want to get the most out of there college experience while also focusing heavily on academics. There are so many wonderful clubs to enjoy: if you want to be politically active on campus a great organization is Students for a Democratic Society! They organize protests every month if not more often and everyone there is compassionate and welcoming. Greek life is a pretty big part of FSU's student life, but you do not have to be involved if you don't want to be! There are so many other ways to have fun like attending Club Downunder events on Landis Green right in the middle of campus, watching movies on Friday nights at the Student Life Cinema, and of course attending sports events! You absolutely cannot miss a football gameday in the fall, the energy and school spirit is unmatched. Everyone on campus is so friendly, from peers to professors, who will always give you great career and life advice.... Read 768 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,830

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  314 reviews

Junior: I have thus far enjoyed my time at New World very thoroughly! It is a place in which allows students to express themselves and their passion with no boundaries. Though it must be noted, that better ways of communications should introduce themselves into the school for the good of the students and teachers. Otherwise, it is a very accepting and humble environment, that holds excellent standards for their students and their methods of study. Very fun too!... Read 314 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 485

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  116 reviews

Junior: Overall, iPrep Academy is a STEM focused school that does not offer a lot of options for those seeking a career in the arts or sports. There also aren't many afterschool activities and the school lacks in spirit (fundraisers are super challenging). However, its strong suit is that it is a relatively small school, so there is a good opportunity for building up a personalized teacher-student relationship. Regarding the teachers, most of the teachers are excellent and try their best to accommodate the student's needs.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 899

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Osceola County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: Being a part of the first graduating class of this school has been such a wonderful experience! I was even lucky enough to witness the state of the art institution being built from the ground up. With college level laboratories and a maker space that has tons of equipment, going to this school has been a great experience! While the school has an undeniably rigorous course load, this has made me feel extremely prepared for any college I may pursue in the future. Clubs and organizations are also a huge part of school life with every club being student run. If you have the opportunity to attend this school, you will find an amazing campus culture that feels like a second home. Teachers and administration alike are always ready to lend a hand to students in both their academic and even personal life. Overall, if you have any interest in the realm of science, technology, engineering, or math, this school is the perfect place for you!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 460

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Broward County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  445 reviews

Senior: McFatter was a wonderful school that I'm proud to say I attended. Teachers and Staff were willing to help you out if you ever asked and there were plenty of tutoring opportunities. Although we may not have a sports team or a proper band, we make up for it with plentiful clubs. The P.E. course was also very fun. They offer many AP courses that will all help complete your GEP requirements for college, as well as offer Dula Enrollment. The technical programs really are the star of the show. I'm coming out of high school already as a nurse! How cool is that? Anyone can go in and come out with many different certifications that can help you immediately find a better-paying job. Despite also being a college campus, the school takes extra precautions to keep the high school students and the college students separated and have plenty of officers on site if anything were to happen. And lastly, our fires and patty melts are to die for!... Read 445 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 603

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Brevard Public Schools, FL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  334 reviews

Parent: Edgewood Junior/Senior High School is a "school-of-choice" in Brevard County Florida. Only two schools in the county are designated schools of choice, where students are selected by a lottery system to attend the 7 through 12th grade school. As a school of choice, Edgewood faculty and academics focus on preparing the students to excel in their classes, sports, arts, SATs and college admissions. Small class sizes contribute to the personal one on one relationship with the teachers and administration. Students are encouraged to participate in sports, clubs or in the arts as well as a requirement to volunteer hours within the community. The school does not provide busing and that creates a "privilege culture" that limits the diversity on campus. Currently, Edgewood has recognized that their mascot, The Indians, may be offensive and has decided to replace the mascot.... Read 334 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 937

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Broward County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  649 reviews

Sophomore: Pompano Beach High is unique in it's devotion to cultural inclusiveness and appreciation, something that is very important to me in a school. From exchange student opportunities to cultural celebrations every month, there are so many opportunities to develop a global vision. Additionally, the programs and teachers are dedicated to see students succeed, offering several afterschool tutoring programs and unlimited resources to broaden your horizon. The staff and students are there to help you, and are constantly waving and smiling, creating such a positive atmosphere to learn in. The only downside is that there are several clubs, such as Model UN and DECA, that are not currently in place. It can be difficult to begin a club, especially finding advisors and members, but the existing clubs are truly amazing and a great way to meet new people. Overall, Pompano takes every student's needs into consideration with each educational and social aspect, so I'm glad I get to call myself an alumni!... Read 649 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,213

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  800 reviews

Senior: Great experience. Recommended to all students serious about education and attending college. Parents can be assured that their kids will get a great education and will be challenged to be better. All the classes are Honor, at least. Several AP options as well. Terra professors will make sure that students will be ready to apply for Florida Bright Futures scholarships. Class of 2022 achieved 78% of Bright futures scholarships. School is very safe and facilities are only 10-15 year old. Several clubs options and sports teams. However, education takes precedence above all those extracurricular activities. Staff is very involved and motivated to have all the students succeed. Terra has achieved 100% graduation rate since it was established.... Read 800 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,737

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  83 reviews

Senior: This school is quite strict when it comes to uniforms and we moved into our new building this year and it is quite small. There is only 500 students so you are pretty much seeing the same faces everyday. There are also no sports. I am however grateful for the opportunity of being able to take dual enrollment classes at the FIU BBC campus for college credit. If you meet the requirements you can also qualify for full-time dual enrollment which may be beneficial if you wish to graduate with your Associates. If you are looking strictly for a STEM career then this is the school for you. I think that even though it is primarily focused on marine science there should be some more creative outlets. We have a journalism class but that is about it. At times the office is also a bit unorganized so it can be frustrating to get the information or documents you need. Overall it's a decent school.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 443

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1