Top 15 Best Public Schools In Florida 2023

Florida is known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and an active nightlife. In addition, the state is home to some of the top public institutions in the country, such as Coral Reef Senior High School, Cypress Bay High School, and Florida State University. With an emphasis on academic performance, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a dedication to developing well-rounded pupils. The best public schools in Florida provide an extraordinary education that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Similarly, the cost of living in Florida is reasonably affordable. Therefore, if you are a parent looking for the best education for your child or a student searching for the right school to attend, then this piece is for you. This post covers why you should consider studying in Florida as well as the best public schools in Florida. 

Read on to learn all you need to know about the best public schools in Florida.

Why Should I Consider Studying In Florida?

Studying in Florida comes with many perks, and it’s a great choice for anyone seeking a quality education, a diverse student body, beautiful weather and scenery, and a low cost of living. Here are more reasons why you should consider studying in Florida:

#1. Quality Education 

Florida has some of the best universities in the United States, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Miami. These universities provide high-quality education and are well-regarded by employers on a national and worldwide scale. Therefore, studying in Florida will improve your job prospect.

#2. Diverse Student Body 

The universities in Florida represent the state’s diversity. You will be able to engage with people from other cultures and backgrounds, which will broaden your horizons and improve your learning experience.

#3. Beautiful Weather and Cultural Attractions 

Florida is home to many cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and music venues. Additionally, Florida is known for its warm and sunny weather, as well as its various cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, and music venues. Hence, you can visit these great destinations in your spare time.

#4. Affordable Cost of Living 

Florida offers a lower cost of living than other popular study destinations in the United States, such as New York or California. This means you’ll be able to save money on housing, food, and transportation while still receiving a good education.

Top 15 Best Public Schools In Florida 

Below are our top picks of the best public schools in Florida: 

#1. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School

Edgewood Junior/Senior High School is the first on our list of best public schools in Florida.

This School is a public elementary school in Merritt Island, Florida. Edgewood Junior/Senior High School is an excellent choice for students looking for a challenging and rewarding educational experience. It has a dedicated faculty, a supportive community, and a commitment to excellence. The school has around 1,200 pupils and teaches kids in grades 7-12.

Similarly, Edgewood Junior/Senior High School provides a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, including calculus, biology, psychology, and English literature. In addition, the school provides honors courses in a variety of topics, including math, science, social studies, and language arts.

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#2. Coral Reef Senior High School 

Coral Reef Senior High School is a public high school in Miami, Florida that serves students in grades 9 through 12. The school boasts a varied student body and a welcoming culture that enables students to pursue their interests and grow as individuals. Likewise, it’s renowned for its strong academic programs, dynamic student culture, and dedication to preparing students for college and professional success.

Coral Reef Senior High School provides a variety of advanced courses. Also, it offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate program that provides students with a demanding and well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and worldwide awareness.

Furthermore, Coral Reef Senior High School has received numerous accolades for its academic and extracurricular programs, including being named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in the United States.

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#3. Orlando Gifted Academy 

Orlando Gifted Academy also ranks on the list of best public schools in Florida. The school is noted for its emphasis on gifted education, offering an advanced academic program and a rigorous environment tailored to satisfy the requirements of exceptional and high-achieving children.

Furthermore, the academic program at Orlando Gifted School stresses critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. The school provides a wide array of advanced courses in these subjects, as well as language arts, social studies, and the arts. Enrichment possibilities such as robotics, chess, and coding are also available at the school.

Orlando Gifted School is a friendly and nurturing environment that encourages students to pursue their passions and develop their skills in addition to its academic program. As a result, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports teams, and opportunities for community service.

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#4. Hillsborough County School District 

Hillsborough County School District is yet another excellent public school system in Tampa, Florida. It serves over 200,000 students in grades K-12 and is the eighth-largest school system in the United States and the third-largest in Florida. There are 237 schools in the district, including 157 elementary schools, 42 middle schools, 27 high schools, and 11 alternative and charter schools. Similarly, the district employs over 24,000 people, including over 14,000 teachers, making it one of Tampa Bay’s top employers.

Additionally, the district provides a diverse range of academic programs, such as advanced placement courses, vocational and technical education programs, and gifted education programs. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and clubs.

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#5. Florida State University 

Florida State University (FSU) is another renowned institution among the best public schools in Florida. This is a public research institution in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU is a member of the Florida State University System and is designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a research university with very high research activity. It is also known as a “Public Ivy,” providing a high-quality education comparable to those of Ivy League colleges.

The university’s 16 colleges and schools provide over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Commerce, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, and College of Law. Similarly, FSU boasts a varied student body, with over 41,000 students representing all 50 states and over 130 countries. The institution is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded education that includes research opportunities, internships, study abroad programs, and extracurricular activities.

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#6. Cypress Bay High School 

Cypress Bay High School is a public high school in Weston, Florida, located in the United States. It was founded in 2002 as part of the Broward County Public Schools system. The school serves students in grades 9-12 and has approximately 4,000 students enrolled, making it one of the largest and best public schools in Florida. It is well-known for its challenging academic programs, robust extracurricular activities, and varied student body.

Furthermore, Cypress Bay High School provides a large range of Advanced Placement classes, as well as honors and dual-enrollment programs. The school also offers specialty programs in the performing arts, journalism, and athletics. Conversely, Cypress Bay High School features a comprehensive student support system that includes academic counseling, mental health services, and academic intervention programs.

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#7. International Studies Charter High School 

International Studies Charter High School (ISCHS) is well-known for its academic brilliance and is frequently regarded as one of the best public schools in Florida. The school has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School and a U.S. News & World Report Best High School.

The ISCHS curriculum emphasizes international studies, with courses in foreign languages, global economics, and cultural studies. Furthermore, ISCHS boasts a diverse student body, with students from over 40 different nations.

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#8. Henry S West Laboratory School 

Henry S. West Laboratory School, popularly known as West Lab, is a public K-8 laboratory school in Coral Gables, Florida. It is part of the University of Miami’s School of Education and Human Development and acts as a research and training center for educators.

Similarly, West Lab allows student teachers, researchers, and other education professionals to observe and participate in the school’s educational programs. West Lab also provides a full curriculum that includes art, music, physical education, and foreign language instruction.

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#9. Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School 

Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School (AUC) is renowned for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked as one of the best public schools in Florida. AUC is a Miami, Florida-based public charter high school. It offers a challenging academic program with a focus on mathematics, science, and technology. Furthermore, the school provides a variety of Advanced Placement courses, as well as dual-enrollment programs with area colleges and universities.

AUC offers a diverse student body, with students from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school is committed to providing a multicultural and inclusive learning environment for all children. As a result, AUC has received numerous awards, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School and a U.S. News & World Report Best High School.

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#10. St. Petersburg Collegiate High School 

St. Petersburg Collegiate High School also ranks among the best public schools in Florida. SPCHS is a public charter high school located on the campus of St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was founded in 2004 and serves students in grades 10-12.

Thankfully, SPCHS offers a rigorous academic program that permits students to acquire both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. Students at SPCHS have access to a variety of academic resources, including academic counseling, tutoring, and college readiness programs. 

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#11. True North Classical Academy 

True North Classical Academy (TNCA) is a Miami, Florida-based public charter school.

TNCA emphasizes character education and strives to develop students who are responsible, respectful, and engaged citizens of their communities. As a result, it offers a classical education with a core curriculum of literature, mathematics, science, history, and foreign languages. Furthermore, TNCA employs the Socratic technique to promote critical thinking and dialogue among students and teachers. The school also provides a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, art, and clubs.

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#12. Sunset Elementary School 

Sunset Elementary School offers a well-rounded education that emphasizes reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies, and the arts. The School is known for its innovative education, varied student body, and dedication to providing a secure and inclusive learning environment for all students. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and clubs. 

Similarly, Sunset Elementary has been recognized for academic success and is frequently named one of Florida’s top primary schools. Many medals and distinctions have been bestowed upon the school, including the designation as a National Blue Ribbon School.

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#13. Pine View School 

Pine View School was established in 1969 and serves students in grades 2 through 12. The School provides a rigorous academic program designed to challenge and engage gifted and talented pupils. The school provides a variety of Advanced Placement courses as well as dual enrollment options with area colleges and universities.

Pine View retains stringent entrance requirements as a full-time gifted program. As a result, children may be referred for admission by administrators, instructors, staff members, or parents. Also, prospective students are admitted based on the Florida Department of Education’s gifted identification standards.

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#14. West Shore Junior/Senior High School 

West Shore Junior/Senior High School is another renowned institution among the best public schools in Florida. Established in 1973, the school has a strong history of academic distinction, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Also, West Shore accepts any student who has met the school’s minimum academic and social objectives.

The Maximum school enrollment for all grades is capped at 950 students, to keep class sizes small. West Shore Junior/Senior High School also provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as athletics, clubs, and fine arts programs. Likewise, students can engage in the school’s music and theater programs, which offer a variety of performances and shows throughout the academic year.

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#15. Stanton College Preparatory School 

Stanton College Preparatory School is the last on the list of best public schools in Florida. The institution, which was founded in 1868, has a strong reputation of academic distinction, with a demanding curriculum emphasizing college preparation and advanced studies. Similarly, Stanton College Preparatory School is a highly selective institution that offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. It is part of the Duval County Public Schools district and educates students in grades nine through twelve.

Moreover, Stanton College Prep features a diverse student body with students from a variety of backgrounds and interests. The school is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment and provides a variety of student support services such as counseling, tutoring, and academic enrichment activities.

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FAQs About Best Public Schools In Florida

Is Florida a good place to study?

Florida is home to some prestigious educational institutions. It also features a low cost of living, a diverse student body, lovely weather and landscape, and good employment opportunities. As a result, Florida is an excellent location to study.

Which city in Florida has the best public schools?

Wakulla County School District is Florida’s best public school system. WCSD has four elementary schools, two middle schools, one charter school, and one high school.

Are public schools in Florida good?

The U.S. News ranked Florida the third-best state for education in 2021. The state is also doing more to increase literacy among younger kids, particularly in communities where reading levels have been historically low. Therefore, the public schools in Florida are excellent.

Conclusion 

Florida is a great location for students looking for quality education, with a blend of beautiful outdoor and extracurricular activities. The best public schools in Florida have professional teachers who are dedicated to ensuring that students receive the best education that’ll make them thrive in life. Therefore, if you’ve been wondering if Florida is a good area to study, as well as the best public high schools in Florida. We hope this post provides an answer to your questions.

Cheers!

Editor’s Recommendations

Reference  

usnews.com  

studyusa.com

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