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2020 Best Public High Schools in FloridaAbout this List

The 2020 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.

1 – 25 of 1,017
Best Schools
1,017 results

  1. Pine View School

    • Sarasota County Schools, FL
    • 2-12
    • 314 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Parent: this is an amazing school, and the most challenging environment imaginable! The open campus, the friendly teachers, and incredible friendships with other students makes our school very different from others. Students can focus on math, science, or even performing arts of they want to, but no matter what- it will be intense!
    Read 314 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School

    • Public School
    • Boca Raton, FL
    • K-12
    • 67 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Freshman: I've never been so happy in any place. Not only is everyone (students, teachers, staff, everyone!) there extremely supportive, they're inclusive and make sure you're okay and not struggling with anything. I'm in 3 clubs and planning to do a sport, which should be a lot to handle with the work, but I just leave with a smile each day. If you're considering this school definitely go for it! You won't regret it :)
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,135 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. School for Advanced Studies - South

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

    Senior: School for Advanced Studies South is the biggest one out of all the campuses. Most of the activities happen here. The academics are amazing since you graduate with your Associate's Degree and your high school diploma. The teachers are super accessible since it is such a small school. They get to know you on a personal basis as well as an academic basis, which is very good when it comes to college recommendations because they are able to write well.
    Read 237 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 233 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Suncoast Community High School

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

    Junior: I love being in Suncoast High. I feel so connected to and accepted by everyone there. My class of 2020 is like one big family and I am so grateful that I have that. The teachers and administration are always here to help and they make us all feel included. The academics are impeccable. My sister is now a student at MIT because of this school. I have learned so much in Suncoast and I feel so prepared for college. I would not have wanted to go anywhere else, Suncoast is the best of the best!
    Read 597 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,562 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Stanton College Preparatory

    • Duval County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 730 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: Amazing, but difficult, experience! Stanton College Preparatory School is an academically renowned public high school in Jacksonville, Florida. The school's history dates to the 1860s when it was begun as an elementary school serving the African-American population under the then-segregated education system. It now serves secondary students within the Duval County Public Schools of Duval County, Florida. The school offers special curricula which include Honors courses, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses.
    Read 730 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,578 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Cypress Bay High School

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 1,437 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: Cypress Bay is an amazing high school in almost every aspect. The teachers and staff are always extremely helpful and close to the students, treating everyone with kindness. The school is closed with fences and every student must wear an ID, reassuring everyone of the high level of security. There are different booths in the cafeteria with several options for students to enjoy the food of their choice. The academics are excellent, preparing the students for their future paths in college, work, and their futures. I see the diversity of friend groups and overall friendliness daily. When it comes to sports, the school does amazingly and every student is extremely dedicated and passionate about the teams! The school offers many clubs for everyone to join and/or take charge with officer positions. Cypress Bay has the most school spirit I have ever seen and never stops to amaze me with its new activities and spirit weeks!
    Read 1,437 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4,712 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts

    • Palm Beach County School District, FL
    • 9-12
    • 508 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: Dreyfoos has a spot for every type of student. Of course, being in the name, a primary focus is on the arts. If you like making films, public speaking, and journalism, audition for Communications. If you like sculpting and drawing, audition for visual. If you like photography and printmaking audition for Digital. If you like dancing audition for dancing. The school also has an excellent theater program and a band program that consistently performs at the nationally renowned Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Overall, the school experience is quite solid. In terms of academics, Dreyfoos offers a huge array of AP classes as well as AICE classes for students looking to challenge themselves. Every year, the school sends dozens of kids to the nations top colleges like Cornell, Yale, Columbia, and Harvard
    Read 508 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,419 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. West Shore Junior/Senior High School

    • Brevard Public Schools, FL
    • 7-12
    • 241 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: This previous schoolyear, my advanced topics teacher who would go up and down the rows asking homework or review questions we were expected to know like a dictionary, and were openly criticized if you didn't know the answer to the question. This same teacher was my homeroom teacher, but was a completely nice person during homeroom (Ironic, isn't it?).

    The lunchroom was completely renovated in my 9th grade year, but there was limited seating, and the 7th graders would sprint to the lunchroom and take up half of the available seats. I am one of the people who always sat inside, so I would be one of the upper-classmen who would have to deal with this. Actually, believe it or not, I only had about three overcrowding problems this previous school year.

    My five years at this school has so far been better than OK. My time here has had a lot of events which I disliked, but they were tolerable. I'll miss all my friends and the things I did when I go off to college.
    Read 241 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 955 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. School for Advanced Studies - North

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 11-12
    • 193 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: This school is actually a very good school. You take college classes and highschool classes but the counselor there is very helpful(there's literally a full class period just for counseling). The teachers are also available way more often during office hours because there are less students and they provide tutoring and aid with your homework for free! We also have events with the other campuses like SAS Olympics(which our campus won)!
    Read 193 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 119 Students
    • 40:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Archimedean Upper Conservatory (AUC)

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 97 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: Archimedean is definitely not a school for everyone, but this is exactly what makes it special. Archimedean is a school where faculty members truly care about your future, and their tireless work is highly evident of this. Students learn to manage their time and receive excellent college preparation. In regards to the classes, the Archimedean curriculum is definitely different than most, which is exactly what makes it an effective and engaging curriculum. From Euclidean Geometry to Political Philosophy to Logic to Discrete Math to Greek Language the classes offered at Archimedean ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. At times, the workload might seem unbearable, but this is for our own good- we learn to manage our time wisely and to pace ourselves accordingly. As a junior, I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 312 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 11-12
    • 169 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: SAS has one of the best environments, teachers, and opportunities for high-achieving students. In this cool, it is shown that with hard work, passion, and faith you can get anywhere you want! The teachers and a staff are very helpful and supportive of the students, especially as they go through the process of getting really to go to college.
    Read 169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 114 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Mast Academy

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 6-12
    • 275 reviews
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: Mast Academy is a one of a kind school. It's located right on the beach with the most beautiful views and amazing location. It is very interactive and you are likely to go kayaking, paddleboarding, and even snorkeling in the beach! Most teachers are very helpful and informative, wanting their students to pass the class and understand what is being taught. You will definitely be prepared for college. One of my favorite things about the school is that we don't have uniform so I can express myself through fashion! There are many clubs and groups to join tailored to all interests. I've had a wonderful time learning at Mast Academy.
    Read 275 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,418 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Coral Reef Senior High School

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 8-12
    • 1,383 reviews
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: Coral Reef allowed me to learn and blossom as a student. I had incredible teachers and grew in a tight knit community in the International Baccalaureate Programme. However, I do not think that the school promotes club involvement enough or opens it to students in an inviting way. I regret not being more involved in high school. My lack thereof however, was not just my own doing but I feel in part a failure of the school in regards to the offerings of clubs and the overall sense of exclusivity. Nonetheless, Coral Reef was a great place to be!
    Read 1,383 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,362 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School

    • Brevard Public Schools, FL
    • 7-12
    • 309 reviews
    #14 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: Edgewood is an amazing school that has really prepared me for college. All of the teachers want the best for you and push you to do your best in all of your classes. The teachers will also work with you to make sure you are prepared for every test and fully understand the material. The sports teams are not the best, but some of my closest friends have come from the sports I have played! It is very easy to become involved with clubs and sports, because everyone is so welcoming. I am so thankful for the experience that I have had at Edgewood Jr Sr High School.
    Read 309 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 948 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. College Academy at Broward College

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 793 reviews
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: College Academy at Broward College is an outstanding institution. They provide a diverse range of students with various resources to succeed in college while they are still in high school! The teachers and faculty are always willing to assist their students in order to make the rigorous courses manageable. Overall, I have genuinely enjoyed my experience at College Academy and I would recommend it to anyone.
    Read 793 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 455 Students
    • 38:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. New World School of the Arts

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 280 reviews
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: I was in the vocal performance program at NWSA and I couldn't be prouder to have been a fighting pigeon! New World is not your typical high school, there are so many talented individuals with so many different passions every corner you turn. The teachers there really care about you, your talents, your ambitions and at the end of the day, they want you to succeed. Before I attended high school I had such a hard time with being bullied and being made fun of. I use to hate going to school. I would try anything and everything to excuse myself out of school. Luckily, New World NEVER had any of that! I not once experienced anything but love and happiness from every single individual at that school, even from the people I didn't know! I will always speak highly of my high school because they truly made going to school and incredible experience!
    Read 280 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 486 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. School for Advanced Studies - Homestead

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • 11-12
    • 121 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: SAS was definitely the best investment I made in high school. The teachers are great and they REALLY prepare us for the exams. I did almost all the work assigned and I did well on all my AP tests. The opportunity to do that many college classes was also a huge blessing. Almost everyone in my graduating class got their college degree before their high school diploma! Also, thanks to SAS, I did all my college chemistry classes and aced them. This helped me greatly once I transferred to FIU. What I will say is that SAS is a LOT of hard work and it requires dedication, but, if you stick through it, you will reap great rewards!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 113 Students
    • 38:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. iPrep Academy

    • Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
    • PK, K-12
    • 96 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Parent: My son goes to Iprep Academy and he is now on 9th grade. It has been the best decision that I made regarding my son education. He is learning so much at Iprep. The teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful. They really love teaching is helping their student enjoying to learn. Iprep also makes sure all student have the proper equipment needed to learn. I will definitely send my other kids at Iprep.
    However, it would been nice to have a more affordable aftercare program.
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 780 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. St. Petersburg Collegiate High School

    • Pinellas County Schools, FL
    • 10-12
    • 282 reviews
    #19 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: St. Petersburg Collegiate High School provides the great opportunity to graduate high school with your A.A. degree. On the high school side, the faculty invests their time in getting to know you, ensuring that you are passing, and teaching you life skills for post-graduation -- this is a major highlight of this school that is (from what I've noticed) absent from nearby public high schools. In the past two years, we learned proper professional attire/eating habits/greetings, how to craft a resume, leadership skills, and more.
    On the college side, since all of your classes are college courses, you eventually learn how to interact with professors (about grades, assignments, etc.) and how to adapt to college coursework/expectations. You definitely cultivate independence and time management since all responsibilities are placed on you, the student (no direct parent communication allowed with the professors!). Transferring here has been my best major life decision!
    Read 282 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 234 Students
    • 47:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Boca Raton Community High School

    • Palm Beach County School District, FL
    • 9-12
    • 787 reviews
    #20 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Alum: I recently graduated from Boca Raton High School and I am currently enrolled at Florida Atlantic University. I attended Boca High my four years of high school and all four years were great. I met many friends and memorable teachers. When I graduated from Boca High, I was extremely happy to start a new chapter in my life but I didn’t expect to miss the school so much. The environment of the school was welcoming and very alive. As for the facility and staff they were always happy to address any questions or concerns a student had about their schedule, testing, or even general questions about the school. The deans at the school, I would say, were the greatest help. They made sure the transitions between classes ran smoothly, they monitored lunch, and assisted students when leaving school. Overall, Boca High stands out from other high schools in the county for their superior academic accomplishments, sports accomplishments, and the students and staff that make the school complete.
    Read 787 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,396 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Florida State University School

    • Public School
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • K-12
    • 554 reviews
    #21 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Senior: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Florida State! Between the professors and the advisors in each college, I feel prepared for my future, and equipped with all of the tools I need to succeed. Throughout the years, I have felt that FSU has only pushed for me to strive for academic success and success in extracurricular actives - like clubs, jobs, or internships. There has always been someone to help and match you with resources. Our student life and culture is not only fun, but encouraging. I have always felt safe - and our facilities are always in mind in terms of renovation in order to give students a positive experience. I genuinely believe there is a place for everyone at Florida State - as there is something for everybody!
    Read 554 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,740 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. McFatter Technical College and High School

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 398 reviews
    #22 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: I am currently a Junior at Mcfatter and I absolutely love it! First of all, their food is amazing! They have tons of options from Papa Johns Pizza, diner style burger and fries, to gormet dishes made by their very own culinary students! Here at Mcfatter the teachers all share a positive attitude and in general see happy to be there. I've established relationships with several teachers and always feel important and cared about, never dismissed or ignored. Mfatter is definetely a smaller high school but I find that I really enjoy that aspect. They offer several AP classes and all the non-AP classes are honors which boost my GPA and I always feel prepared by my teachers. The administration makes us aware of scholarship oppurtunites. We have dozens of clubs and I will say there is definetely something for everyone. I only wih the sports aspect was more developed. I understand this is a Technical school but more sports and activites tht bring unity among the students would be awesome.
    Read 398 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School

    • Orange County Public Schools, FL
    • 6-12
    • 84 reviews
    #23 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Sophomore: This school is amazing academically. They have a variety of AP classes . The teachers are very passionate and very knowledgeable on their subject, and dedicated to teaching. Since it is a small school, everyone knows everyone, and the teachers and administration will know you personally. We have a variety of academic extracurriculars that are very successful, such as our Science Olympiad team, Competition Math team, Physics Bowl, and more. Also, the students are very welcoming and nonjudgmental. A drawback is the lack or arts and sports. We have a band, but it isn't as active as it is in other schools. We have a slowly improving basketball, soccer, and fencing team.
    Read 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 571 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Pompano Beach Institute of International Studies

    • Broward County Public Schools, FL
    • 9-12
    • 570 reviews
    #24 Best Public High Schools in Florida

    Junior: I dreamed of attending Pompano Beach High ever since I found out about the school when I was 13 years old. I excelled my freshman and sophmore year. Being a student athlete, involved in the soccer and track and field program, a straight-A-student, a mentor, and a member of the Humane Society Club, my plate was full!
    Read 570 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,205 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Design & Architecture Senior High School

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

    Senior: DASH provides us with a supportive and welcoming environment that beams with creative energy, unlike any other. Its given me so many opportunities, like a 3 week all expense paid trip to NYC for a pre college program, and the chance to bond with people who are passionate about the same artistic field. I've had a wonderful experience at DASH, but I do feel the need to caution that it is definitely a huge commitment. DASH requires long hours of work, a genuine passion for art, and an understanding that you may sacrifice your academics for art (ex. no advanced math classes are taught after AP Calculus AB, physics and AP Environmental Science are not offered and have to be taken online). The school prepares you to pursue art in college, but I'm not sure if it prepares you well enough for an academic college career, hence the sacrifice. Despite this, there is no other school I would rather go to!
    Read 261 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 504 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Trinity Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Winter Park, FL
    • 6-12
    • 140 reviews

    Alum: Trinity was a fantastic place to be involved in an academic setting. While the instruction and class offerings were beyond excellent and prepared me extremely well for college, the culture and social environment can be toxic at times. There is not too much diversity among the students and staff, and that created a rather uniform experience. For some reason, the mediocre sports programs seemed to be heavily prioritized and rewarded far more than the exceptional arts and academic programs at the school. For a school that attracts the best in the area, I expected some more emphasis on academic success. Considering this, though, Trinity is a place I look back on with fond memories and gratitude for the abilities I was given to attend and learn.
    Read 140 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 865 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Shorecrest Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • St. Petersburg, FL
    • PK, K-12
    • 60 reviews

    Senior: I've loved my time at Shorecrest! The faculty is outstanding and I have a plethora of opportunities. I am very involved in the musical theater program and in some of the many clubs offered. There's a great sense of community, and there's a college counciling office that helps us with the college application process.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 974 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    American Heritage School - Plantation Campus

    • Private School
    • Plantation, FL
    • PK, K-12
    • 517 reviews

    Junior: The school is superior to every other school in the entire South Eastern United States. Heritage provides the most extensive extracurricular programs in Florida with nationally recognized programs such as their Math Competition, Model UN, Science Research, and Robotics programs plus even more. Furthermore, the sports programs for basketball, soccer, football, and more are also really good, hence, the multitude of state/local championships that the school has. As a student, it can be stressful since all of the students are clearly top-notch kids that are very smart; however, the benefits from going to the school far outweigh the stress and hard work that comes with it. Moreover, if you look at any other school in competitions such as Science Bowl, Quiz Bowl, MUN, Mu Alpha Theta, and more, Heritage consistently receives top placing, while many of the "acclaimed" schools such as Pine Crest and Ransom Everglades don't even participate or they cannot even compare to Heritage.
    Read 517 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,785 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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