2024 Best Schools for the Arts in Florida

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  313 reviews

Senior: I was in the visual communications strand. My passion for graphic design developed exponentially through my time there, though my explorations were pretty self-directed. The teacher is leaving this year so it'll probably be different next year. I know that the architecture teacher is great. The workload is quite intense, and if you expect to have flawless grades, you'll have to work significantly harder than in some other schools, as you have to produce quality art for a decent grade regularly. There is ample opportunity for college connections though, and it really prepares you for the application process. DASH kids have little trouble getting into most art schools.... Read 313 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 487

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  325 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 325 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 473

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Palm Beach County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  617 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 617 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,380

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Osceola County School District, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  422 reviews

Freshman: It is an incredible experience to attend Osceola County School for the Arts. It's a place where creativity flourishes, friendships grow, and talents are nurtured. It's not just a school; it's a canvas where students paint their dreams and find their voice thanks to passionate teachers, diverse arts programs, and a supportive environment. By exposing students to a variety of artistic disciplines, they become well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on challenges. Besides academics, OCSA develops character, teaching resilience, teamwork, and self-expression. Learning isn't just about learning; it's about discovering one's identity and potential. From vibrant performances to collaborative projects, every day is a chance to grow and shine. Our school isn't just a school, it's a community that nurtures creativity, celebrates individuality, and prepares students for a future where their passions become a driving force.... Read 422 reviews

• grade A

• Students 961

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Duval County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  620 reviews

Freshman: This school is a great option for any high schoolers looking for an opportunity to further develop their artistic abilities while maintaining a rigorous academic workload. Every art area has amazing opportunities to further their talents, including: - specialized classes and schedule - master classes - showcase or performance opportunities and all students have access to academic enhancers such as: - lunch and learn - numerous AP classes - numerous clubs and activities - academic counselors Overall, DA is a fantastic opportunity for any high schooler willing to put for the effort and energy into becoming great artists AND scholars.... Read 620 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,111

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  245 reviews

Alum: Miami Arts Charter- MAC for short, will always be my home! I developed a love for theater, made awesome memories, and learned crucial life skills. I was able to take AP courses, free ACT/SAT prep, founded clubs, participated in main stage shows & thespian competitions, National Honor Society, Young Arts, Umatilla Youth camp, even took a "personal development" course that taught me how to manage credit, house hunt, file taxes, etc. These enriching experiences shaped me as an individual and helped me be better prepared for the real world. I have such positive things to say about MAC, that my younger sister recently followed in my foot steps & auditioned for the theater program as a 6th grader. MAC is very welcoming, organized, professional staff, stresses the importance of kindness, great lunch options (Chic-fil-a on Wednesdays!), wonderful college prep courses, exciting field trips, just overall 10/10. I wish every kid in the world could go to MAC and have this incredible education!... Read 245 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,084

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  543 reviews

Junior: Being apart of the magnet program is a unique experience that no other school in our county has. It is a conservatory-like environment that builds teamwork and personal skills. One of my best experiences is performing for a concert called Night of Jazz where I got to sing with a live band filled with people I had worked with the whole school year. Adding to this the chorus program that I am involved in often brings me great experience that make me feel like I have a school family. A downside is that as a Christian, I rarely meet others that have the same faith as me but instead have encounters with those who oppose my faith. Although I have had some trials because of this, I have been presented with many opportunities to share my faith with those that know nothing about it. Overall, something that I would like to see change is the depth of advising as I often feel like some of the counselors and teachers don't really put in the work to see their students succeed.... Read 543 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,528

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Broward County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  68 reviews

Alum: This school is one of a kind! It is very hard to leave once the time comes. There is such a close and tight-knit community. The conservatory has generated such talented individuals throughout the years. I highly recommend this school to everyone.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A

• Students 354

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Palm Beach County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  374 reviews

Senior: When I first enrolled into G-Star, I was online, but after I had started going in person, I thought that it was a really good school. There's much more diversity and community at this school than I've seen from other schools that I had gone to in the past. In my personal experience, the students and teachers are kind, and the clubs are entertaining. The majority of classes are taught well, and I've been able to understand subjects that are usually difficult for me. I haven't had any bad experiences at this school from the time I started, but others have made suggestions about the school that I agree with. For one, I believe that there should be more art classes that anybody can enjoy. At the moment, our main art course is only available for IB students, and many want to try this class out who don't have IB availability. Overall, my experience with G-Star High School of the Arts is great, and I've enjoyed my time here.... Read 374 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 758

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Sarasota, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: As an IB Senior reflecting on my experience at NewGate I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Because of the small class sizes, I was able to form a tight-knit group of close friends-- many of whom I grew up with from attending elementary school together. Additionally, the teachers care about every single student and I truly felt that each of my teachers went the extra mile to look out for my best interests and mental health. From the "unity trip" where students stay overnight at a retreat to bond with each other to other ice-breakers that happen at the beginning of each year, I found it very easy to assimilate and make friends quickly. Also, despite the school's small size, there are many options for clubs and ways to get involved. For instance, I worked in the school uniform store and also started my own club. Additionally, the Montessori approach to the IB diploma program made the whole process engaging and hands-on among IB's stressful deadlines and large final exams.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  338 reviews

Alum: Being in this school was really great, they were a lot of good teachers and administrators that I because close with and they were very warm, welcoming and overall just looking out for our well-being. The school had a lot of resources for their students which was not only beneficial to me but as well as a lot of others including staff as well. They have the food pantry filled with free food and a clothes boutique called the Grab and Go for students who want to stop by and get some free cool clothes or even some toiletries. I used to volunteer at the Grab and Go, it was always fun for me, I enjoyed helping out and telling other students about it. I encouraged a lot of people to stop by because they didn’t even know about it.I will always miss their great environment.... Read 338 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,080

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Sarasota County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  340 reviews

Senior: I was in the Visual Performing Arts Program, AICE Cambridge Program, and Dual Enrollment with UF which are the three "shining stars" of Booker, and though I might be a bit biased, I'd say Booker has provided me with one of the most enjoyable high school experiences anyone could ask for. There are occasional fights, threats, and questionable decisions made by administration, but never have I questioned my safety at this school. Especially as I initially entered emerging from Covid-19, they were very accommodating, and always prioritized the students' safety. My least favorite part about Booker would have to be the occasional burnout that the teachers experience, though that's a nation-wide problem, with the lack of pay in correlation to what teachers deserve. Otherwise, the passion our teachers have with their subject areas and towards teaching in general has made me truly enjoy the "high school experience." It's honestly inspired me to carry on that passion with my education as well!... Read 340 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,296

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  150 reviews

Junior: My school, an art magnet, stands out as the best choice for students who are passionate about the arts for several compelling reasons. Foremost, it is a haven for creativity, where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and express themselves through various art forms. The dedicated faculty and staff are not only educators but also mentors who wholeheartedly support and guide students on their artistic journeys, ensuring they reach their fullest potential. What truly sets our school apart is the close-knit artistic community it has cultivated. Students, teachers, and staff alike share a profound appreciation for the arts, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, collaboration, and mutual inspiration. It's not just an art magnet school; it's the preeminent institution for individuals seeking to cultivate their creativity and passion for the arts.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,756

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Manatee County School District, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  301 reviews

Senior: I would like to see student support more active in actually aiding victims of bullying/harassment rather than focusing on less relevant issues like minor dresscode violations. I was personally harassed by three students in the 2021-2022 school year based on having a disability, along with another student. The school allowed this ableism to continue for three months before issuing a no contact order. This was not helped by the fact that the students harassing me had a close relationship with a member of staff/student support, pointing towards favoritism. I do however think that the art aspect of the school is great. Several of the staff are patient and accomadating towards students with learning disabilities or other issues. Overall, I would recommend this school if you are interested in arts programs, but I would advise to avoid certain staff/teachers.... Read 301 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,902

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Leon County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: I love this school! The teachers are excellent at their job and connect with their students very well. While there aren't a whole lot of classes offered at SAIL due to its smaller nature, the classes they do have are well-taught and engaging. They put a lot of effort into their arts programs, as well as their science courses particularly. The sports are noticeably lacking, but there are still many good extracurriculars at SAIL. There are plenty of events that parents can get involved in as well. The food served at SAIL is pretty standard as far as high school food goes.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 365

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Orange County Public Schools, FL•

• PK, 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,169 reviews

Alum: Couldn't have asked for a better high school experience! DPHS was a very diverse school, enabling to make friends and interact with students from many different backgrounds. Also The athletics programs are fantastic, i really enjoyed my time playing soccer there. Teachers were really attentive and helpful for the most part, and there were plenty of extra resour\ces needed if I was struggling with any subjects. Go panthers!... Read 1,169 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 3,223

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  45 reviews

Alum: The best part about the school is I was given more opportunities than at my last school. The worst part is if your good at your craft there’s a lot of jealousy and envy from other students. I would like to see more student involvement and decisions from the student body rather than the adults. They want leadership, but don’t always accept leaders from the students. Overall great school.... Read 45 reviews

• grade B

• Students 526

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Jacksonville, FL•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: My children, who are now both in college, began their TFA journey as elementary and middle grade students. From the beginning, their teachers supported thier educational needs and provided them with critical learning skills that strengthened them and encouraged success based research as they progressed academically. They had opportunities to give back to the local community through service learning initiatives. They worked hard to achieve National Honor Society enrollment. They participated in the performing arts opportunities and loved the athletic tournaments. The atmosphere supports students to be themselves. The staff honors the Christian School ethos. The campus is vibrant! I would recommed TFA over and over to all families seeking an innovative, future preparatory school experience for thie children.... Read 10 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Boca Raton, FL•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: Was great growing up in a Jewish community, gaining a strong Judaic and secular education, and being guided to a top university, setting me up for the future.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 87

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Davie, FL•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Our first son, (22) was a student at AEF for 4 years and his experience from the first day trained him in an extraordinary way. He had an excellent academic performance during his stay at AEF and as well as today’s college journey. He also participated in some summer camps during those years and that helped him in several areas of his life. Also, today our son has a part-time job being an outstanding employee.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 195

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Holiday, FL•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: My experience at Web Of Wisdom has been amazing. At first when I toured the school I really wasn’t so sure about going because it was such a small school ... not many kids, and not slot of diversity. After a while I started to realize how much of a safe environment it is and how much time the teachers but into making sure your future is at its best potential. Going to a small private school also helped me focus on what’s really important .. my school work and my future!... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 102

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Longwood, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: I have a high schooler going into her 8th year at One School. What I really love about this school is the heart the teachers have for the scholars, they show genuine love and care for them individually, academically and spiritually, my daughter even calls one of her teachers her spiritual mentor. This school challenges her and provides different experiences to help her grow that can be used in the "real world" later in life. She is a theatre kid and loves the many stage opportunities she can participate in throughout the year whether it's an open mic performance or a musical/play. She absolutely loves her teachers as well, going to school isn't a chore like most places, there is always something new and exciting happening which makes every day an adventure!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• Students 552

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Inlet Beach, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: We've seen our son gain amazing personal growth and newfound confidence over the years of attending Ohana. They have a remarkable music program and his love of music and playing guitar, drums, the keyboard and more have really allowed him to express himself musically. From Robotics, to coding, to photography, to music, to debate, to cooking, to volunteering at local businesses, to community service, to exploration trips to places all over the U.S. and abroad - all of it is what makes Ohana unique and has allowed our son to grow educationally, socially and individually. We are thankful for Ohana.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 199

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Tallahassee, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Both of my kids attended through middle school and one through high school (the high school wasn’t started when the first kid was a freshman). Daily they were challenged spiritually, academically and physically. They had great teachers and we’re surrounded by great kids. Both of my kids excelled there. It’s a true partnership and community at CLA.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Pinellas County Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  310 reviews

Junior: Dixie M. Hollins High School has been a significant part of my educational journey. The best parts include the supportive community, passionate teachers, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. I have formed strong friendships, especially through my involvement in the swim team and chess club. However, challenges arise due to large class sizes and limited resources. To improve, reducing class sizes and investing in updated resources would enhance the educational experience. With commitment to growth, Dixie M. Hollins High School has the potential to offer an even more enriching environment.... Read 310 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,725

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1