2024 Best School Districts in Florida

• Sarasota, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: My experience of attending schools in Sarasota County for 13 years was a roller coaster! As the years went by, school was getting harder each time. There're days where I was stressed of having a spelling test to having a 100-question exam. I had loops going in my head with all this craziness happening, but all the help came from the best teachers in Sarasota County. Thanks to them for giving me the right education I needed.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 62

• Students 43,896

• St Augustine, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  146 reviews

Senior: My overall experience with the St. Johns County School District has been enjoyable, and I particularly like the fact that the district cares about the arts at the school. For instance, when my school, Beachside High School, first opened this past year, the county bought all of our instruments and equipment for us. Additionally, they built for us an incredible band room and arts building with multiple backstage access points and ramps for moving larger items. Though I love the care and attention that my district put into the arts, I did not care for some of the ways they ran the academic side of school. Specifically, I found it frustrating how the district would curve grades on midterms, finals, and EOCs. Although this curve worked my benefit, as I am not much of a test taker, I found it gave me almost no motive to study as I knew that I was almost guaranteed to pass the test. Therefore, I would change the district to do away with the curve.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 54

• Students 48,032

• Sanford, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  263 reviews

Junior: Seminole is a great school! It excels in terms of diversity and numerous opportunities. There are many great clubs, sports teams, volunteering chances and ways to get involved. The school has lacked some safety in the past year; going forward I know the administration team have hired more police on campus and use an app campus-wide to keep students and staff safe by preventing situations before they can escalate. IB, Health Academy and PSI high are great opportunities for many of the students to not only find future careers of interest but also meet kids with similar hobbies, learning styles, and peaks of curiosity. When it comes to academics there are good and bad teachers like every school. The plus side of Seminole, there are courses everyone will like whether it is web designing, tech for theater, tennis electives, ASL, many Ap classes to choose from and a few Dual Enrollment classes. The teachers truly care about their students. We love Seminole and it’s amazing spirit.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 78

• Students 66,729

• Fort Walton Beach, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  95 reviews

Alum: Overall my stay at Crestview high school was a good one teachers really care about their students and are involved. The only thing I could say I would like to see changes is the middle school and the high school sharing buses I think this brings a lot of problems the highschoolers are to mature to be intermingling with the middle schoolers and there's been issues with younger kids getting into illegal substances through sharing the bus with the high school students.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 52

• Students 32,340

• Naples, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: Collier County is a great school district with high alumni support for our schools. What this means is that alumni play a significant role in the funding of sports equipment, extracurricular programs, and club needs. This isn't present in all of our schools, and a reason for this is the lack of morale among staff and students. This is because the unfair wages provided by the local government make teachers who are passionate about their jobs miserable and short-tempered. This affects student morale by making many obedient students targeted by negative attitudes and disallowing for students to feel connected to the staff. This results in a larger abundance of students who skip class and have very low morale. This low morale makes students embarrassed and reluctant to support school pride and makes the students feel less connected.... Read 158 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 73

• Students 47,617

• Green Cove Springs, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  109 reviews

Sophomore: Clay County exhibits a refreshing change in pace from all the other counties in the state of Florida’s public school system. They prioritize the teachers and their students, and always strive to make sure all their schools are well supplied with adequate resources and facilities. They take special care in how they educate and treat children on the spectrum and disabled, and always make sure every child regardless of their circumstances feel included. They have also shown their readiness to get involved in any cases of possible bullying and never tolerate any mistreatment from a teacher, admin, or fellow student. Every time a teacher’s integrity and intentions have ever been brought into question they are quick to start a respectful investigation and make sure that their students aren’t being mistreated. The district always brings attention to Black History, and celebrates the cultures of nations other than our own. They are an exemplary district that I am proud to be a member of.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 51

• Students 38,593

• Stuart, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  87 reviews

Senior: I loved my time at Clark Advanced Learning Center (a Martin County School). The small school environment and personal attention from teachers and staff help promote an atmosphere that makes learning fun! The fact that Clark is located on the campus of Indian River State College makes it easy to take dual enrollment classes, and many of the Clark students graduate from high school with their AA degree. Clark has many clubs to choose from, and students can participate in intramural sports at other Martin County high schools. Every student is involved in an internship program during their Senior year which enables the student to gain essential job experience in fields that match his or her academic and personal interests. Clark is an amazing school, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 35

• Students 18,542

• Mayo, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: Amazing district! Wonderful teachers, the curriculum makes learning fun and easy to understand. Definitely an A+ school!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,143

• Gainesville, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  97 reviews

Alum: For the most part I enjoyed my time going to various schools within this district growing up, and there aren't too many things I'm unhappy with. The thing I dislike most is the dissolution of programs that I was able to take, while younger generations won't be able to take them because they're gone, for example a significant part of the technology program (adobe, Microsoft, coding certifications) at Oak View Middle were rid of after I had left.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 64

• Students 28,808

• Defuniak Springs, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  39 reviews

Senior: The schools in this area are highly remarked, for this district contains some of the best schools out of the entire state of Florida. Other than a few exceptions, most of the schools in this district have a nice and friendly staff whose main goal is to help your child achieve at the highest level and to protect them at all costs in case of a threat. The sports teams around the area are great at all levels. All very competitive and have amazing coaches!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 23

• Students 11,066

• Vero Beach, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  121 reviews

Senior: I go to an arts school in this district, I absolutely love the school itself. Most of the teachers and staff are amazing and really nice. This school is definitely geared towards students heavily interested in arts, but it also has a good academic program. There are plenty of options for students to learn at any level, even offering AP, dual enrollment, and honors classes. The only thing I would wish to change is a wider variety of spots and academic classes.... Read 121 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 28

• Students 17,366

• Port Charlotte, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  36 reviews

Parent: So far my interactions and communications with Charlotte Technical College have been very easy and informative. Our initial tour and interactions with school staff have been pleasant.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 26

• Students 16,400

• Fernandina Beach, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: I had a great experience! I loved the teachers and the variety of classes the school offers. The student body is full of school spirit. Fernandina Beach High School is a great place for any student, because clubs like Friendly Fernandina are sure make all students fell welcomed. Speaking of clubs, there is also a large selection of extracurriculars.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 20

• Students 12,380

• Bushnell, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: I've had a wonderful experience within the Sumter School District. I am currently attending The Villages Charter High School and couldn't be any happier. The opportunities that this school provides are impeccable. As a senior, I am on track not only to graduate with my high school diploma but also my AA from Lake Sumter State College. The dual enrollment program has taken a huge financial burden off of my back and better prepared me for my future. The one suggestion that I would suggest to the school district is a more readily available staff of counselors and psychologists. Although the school system may be extremely strong, kids and teenagers face many difficulties growing up. Most of these individuals do not feel comfortable going to their families or don't have a support system within their homes. By offering private therapy and guidance, I believe the school would become stronger, not only academically, but also emotionally.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 12

• Students 8,912

• Largo, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  257 reviews

Senior: I am now a high school senior and have been attending pinellas county schools my whole life. I’ve had a relatively good experience and I feel as though things have been improving in some aspects and becoming worse in others. The high school curriculum is good, although some teachers may differ in their teaching styles. The elementary curriculum seems to be making turns for the worse in several ways, I’m surprised that it doesn’t seem like they are doing the spelling tests or cursive that I did in elementary school. I especially enjoyed my middle school experience at DHMS! great things to say about everyone there.... Read 257 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 155

• Students 95,446

• Tallahassee, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: Leon Country has been very helpful for my overall educational experience. Last year, during the pandemic I attended online classes in hopes of preventing the spread of Coronavirus, and the school provided a wide range of classes for me to take that were interactive and continued to promote learning, even through difficulties. I love the diversity of the schools and how all ranges of people are embraced. There are many clubs and extracurricular activities for students to participate in that allow them to openly express their passions. Lincoln High School has provided students with a large variety of college preparation classes, however I wish there were a few more, especially directed towards the medical field. I also wish the teachers would be more personal with their students, nevertheless, I have had wonderful experiences with most all of my teachers.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 56

• Students 32,562

• Orlando, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  671 reviews

Senior: Orange county is truly special, the diversity within this district is genuinely unique! With this diversity, I was able to not only meet, but learn about so many cultures and backgrounds that I was unintentionally blind to before! Through Orange County, I was able to grow and mature not only as a young man, but as a student alike. There's not many changes I would make to Orange County as I feel that they are doing a great job with students now, I would only recommend more chances for the diverse cultures and communities to be recognized. Maybe a culture day or something of that sort, I feel that learning about these cultures and practices will open the minds of so many students that were oblivious to them before.... Read 671 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 274

• Students 203,224

• Lake City, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  31 reviews

Alum: Columbia county school system has taught me many life lessons. Although from a nostalgic point of view I enjoyed my time in band and in the classroom, I think there are a lot of things to be improved. Teachers taught well but sometimes didn't give students the push they need. Student engagement between teachers only happens when a student seems successful in a field that isn't mundane or the student has high popularity. The quiet students as well as the students who want to be "regular joes" need the same level of engagement. Success doesn't have to be defined by how many zeros and commas are on your check. Success can be getting your child food, to school every day. Continuing to work hard and trying to get a new job. Every day is successful depending on how you choose to view it. I always went to band competitions and saw the other bands who worked hard and had the shiniest rims on their drums and would wish that we could afford to have that and dedicate the time to be that great.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 19

• Students 9,923

• Bunnell, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  36 reviews

Parent: Flagler schools provide electronic devices to all students from 3rd grades to high school seniors. During This corona virus situation, That helps students a lot!... Read 36 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 13

• Students 13,131

• Blountstown, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: A good school district, but there can be room for improvement. The teachers and staff are nice (from my experience) and they care about the students at the school to succeed in the future.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,103

• Miami, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,481 reviews

Alum: Graduated high school with gold seal of billeteracy. Great schools and great educators. Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) stands as a beacon of excellence, exemplifying why it is a truly exceptional educational institution. With a steadfast commitment to academic achievement, MDCPS fosters a rich learning environment that cultivates success. The district offers a diverse range of programs, including rigorous academic courses, specialized magnet schools, and career-focused academies. MDCPS prioritizes student well-being, providing comprehensive support services and innovative initiatives to address individual needs. Moreover, the district boasts highly qualified educators who engage students through dynamic teaching methods. MDCPS embraces cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity and global awareness. With an emphasis on technology integration, MDCPS prepares students for the future, ensuring they become well-rounded, adaptable, and great!... Read 1,481 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 522

• Students 328,589

• Milton, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  87 reviews

Senior: My experience is specifically with being a student at Milton High School. The teachers there are passionate about their work and give the best one can get from basics to several AP/Dual Enrollment classes. The facilities are good given what teenagers can do to them (someone stole a toilet at one point). Milton does offer unique programs that you can't really find in other schools, such as culinary, aeronautical engineering, pilot's training, game design, and a manufacturing certification. Milton also allows students to attend the local community college during school hours for trades like welding. The school culture (if there even is one) isn't the best. Throughout my entire time there, many students repeatedly don't care about their work and there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of fights there (from 0-5 in a semester). Still, it's a good school to send your kids and I am glad my parents sent me here instead of private school.... Read 87 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 41

• Students 30,576

• Tampa, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  927 reviews

Freshman: Ever since I came to Hillsborough county, It was love at first sight. Since, elementary I was surrounded by amazing teachers that supported me all the way. I definitely improved in my academic skills. My English improved tremendously. I have the Hillsborough public schools to thank, especially, the schools who welcomed me in and taught me how to become a better person. Thank you!... Read 927 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 304

• Students 224,149

• West Palm Beach, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  783 reviews

Senior: I have attended Palm Beach County Schools for thirteen years (kindergarten through high school) and I believe this county is generally very good. My elementary school, Sunrise Park Elementary, was wonderful; the staff and administration were hardworking and organized. My Middle School was nice too. While my high school, Olympic Heights High School, has offered me great opportunities and resources, the administration at the school is very poor. Funds were spent on golf carts for administrators rather than our broken and poorly functioning toilets and campus- at times throughout the years, there would only be two bathrooms (one girls and one boys) open for the 3,000 student population to use. Besides administrative issues like these, the teachers are great and extremely caring.... Read 783 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 235

• Students 187,943

• Viera, FL•

• School District

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  216 reviews

Senior: Good schools overall, but they truly need to pay those employees more. So many teachers are leaving because the pay is just as good as a management position at McDonald’s or Walmart. This greatly affects the education the students are receiving. I have a list of other good and bad qualities. Good are teachers and administration staff. Bad are policies implemented by the board that encourage politicized agendas. An example is books removed from libraries and the former policy allowing any gender to choose which bathroom or locker room they “identify with”!... Read 216 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 111

• Students 72,497