From the award-winning St. Johns County School District to the high-achieving Nassau County School District, each district offers unique programs and a strong commitment to student success. Whether you are moving to Jacksonville, Orlando, or the Panhandle, you will find detailed information on what makes these districts stand out, including their number of schools, student population, and special programs.
9 Best School Districts in Florida
- St. Johns County School District
- Okaloosa County School District
- Seminole County Public Schools
- Clay County School District
- Collier County Public Schools
- Leon County Schools
- Alachua County Public Schools
- Martin County School District
- Nassau County School District
1. St. Johns County School District
The best school district in Florida is the St. Johns County School District. This school system is located in Jacksonville and is home to a total of 48 schools, including 18 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 8 high schools. As the largest school district in the county, St. Johns County Schools employs roughly 5,893 full and part-time employees, and over 800 of these employees have advanced degrees. This, combined with a relatively low number of enrolled students (50,566), makes St. Johns County School District a great place to find individually nuanced education. With an abundance of awards and outstanding achievements, this school district is considered the state's premier choice when it comes to education.
St. Johns is also the wealthiest county in Florida so it's no surprise to see the local schools ranked so well.
2. Okaloosa County School District
Located in the Panhandle of Florida, Okaloosa County School District has often been considered the second-best school system in the state. This district encompasses 930 square miles and is home to a total of 46 schools, including 19 elementary, 8 middle, and 4 high schools, as well as the Okaloosa Online School. One of the largest employers in Okaloosa County, this school district has roughly 3,399 employees – 752 of whom hold advanced degrees and 18 of whom hold National Board Certifications. All employees within this system are committed to maintaining a rigorous curriculum, which helps keep Okaloosa County School District a top-ranking district in Florida.
3. Seminole County Public Schools
The Seminole County Public School District is one of the top school districts near Orlando, Florida. Known for being the 12th largest school district in the state, this system is home to 64 schools, including 37 elementary, 12 middle, and nine high schools. Together, these schools have a growing student population of 66,500 learners, plus many more who utilize the Seminole Virtual School. Programs of emphasis within this school district include Bioscience Technology, Culinary Arts, Aviation Academy, and Forensic Science & Law Studies. With a consistent "A" rating from the Florida Department of Education, the Seminole County Public School District is an optimal choice for families just north of the Orlando area.
4. Clay County School District
Located in Northeast Florida, Clay County School District is another one of the best school systems in the state. This district encompasses roughly 601 square miles and includes Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, and Fleming Island. It is home to schools ranging from grades PK-12 and serves a student population of over 41,000 learners. With an average graduation rate of 93% and equally high standardized test scores, Clay County School District is not to be overlooked for families in the Northeast Florida area.
5. Collier County Public Schools
The Collier County Public School District is a top Florida school system for those living in the Naples area. It encompasses 63 schools, which include 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 8 high schools, and serves a student population of more than 48,000 learners. The system has over 6,927 employees and over 6,000 active volunteers within the community. Programs offered at schools within this district include art, music, band, orchestra, and chorus, as well as over 32 academic career pathways. With so much to offer, it's no wonder Collier County Public Schools are considered some of the best in the region.
6. Leon County Schools
The Leon County School District is one of the best school systems in Florida's state capitol, Tallahassee. This district is home to 57 schools, which include 27 preschools, 35 elementary schools, 26 middle schools, and 14 high schools. Together, these schools serve a bustling student population of roughly 32,845 learners and employ over 4,300 employees. This district is committed to providing specialty learning programs with a safe, caring, and positive learning environment. For those interested in a teaching community dedicated to fostering a well-rounded curriculum, be sure to check out Leon County Schools.
7. Alachua County Public Schools
Another high-performing district is the Alachua County Public School System. Located in Gainesville, Florida, this school system has consistently received high ratings from the Florida Department of Education for its commitment to student success. It is home to 64 schools and serves a highly diverse student population of about 28,300 students. Of the district's 4,000 employees, roughly 54% have advanced degrees, making this system an excellent educational opportunity for any Gainesville student.
8. Martin County School District
Martin County School District is a highly acclaimed Florida school system on the state's pristine Treasure Coast. It is home to a total of 29 education centers, which include 12 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 comprehensive high schools, 3 special centers, 4 preschools, and 2 adult education campuses. About 18,000 students are educated within the halls of these 29 schools, 97.1% of whom graduate on track for a bright future. With an abundance of rigorous curriculums and a team of experienced teachers, Martin County School District is an ideal situation for Florida learners.
9. Nassau County School District
Nassau County School District is a well-known school system serving the Bryceville, Callahan, Hilliard, Yulee, and Fernandina geographic areas. It consists of 16 fully accredited schools and the Nassau Adult High School, which offers an adult high school diploma at four satellite locations throughout the county. Roughly 12,000 students attend schools across the Nassau County School District, all of whom benefit from the system's commitment to maintaining high standards of education. Overall, Nassau County Schools are a top choice among families living in the suburbs of Jacksonville.
Best School Districts in Florida Takeaways
Choosing the right school district is crucial for your child's education and overall development. The nine districts highlighted in this article—ranging from St. Johns County School District to Nassau County School District—offer exceptional education, dedicated staff, and a variety of programs to cater to diverse interests and needs. Whether you prioritize advanced degree teachers, specialized programs, or high graduation rates, this list provides a comprehensive guide to help you find the best educational environment for your family in Florida.