Within Greater Gainesville are the 64 public institutions responsible for nurturing and educating the future generation. These elementary, middle and high schools currently serve more than 29,000 beautiful minds with high-quality instruction, innovative educational programs and varying levels of support and guidance.
The Alachua County School District truly embraces their vision: for students to graduate with the knowledge, skills and qualities to be lifelong learners and independent thinkers.
Why We Shine
- The Alachua County Public Schools system is one of the top ranked in Florida and deemed a high-performing district by the Florida Department of Education
- 90% graduation rate in 2020-21
- On track with statewide average of 90.1%
- Niche ranks the Alachua school district
- 3 Most Diverse School District
- 9 Best School District in Florida
- SAT averages for 2020-21 school year
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- 1192 Alachua County Public Schools
- 1072 State of Florida
- 1158 National
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- 39 National Merit Scholars
- 2,400 national career certifications in subjects ranging from IT to health to culinary arts earned by middle and high school students
- Winners of state and national recognition in STEM competitions including:
- State Science and Engineering Fair
- International Science and Engineering Fair
- Regeneron Science Talent Search
- Science Bowl
- Science Olympiad
- Climate Science Olympiad
- USA BIOlympiad
- One of only 11 districts in Florida earning Exemplary Status from the Florida Education Commissioner’s African American History Task Force for excellence in providing African and African American education
Alachua County’s school district joined 56 other counties in Florida to opt out of receiving a grade for standardized testing for 202-=21, due to challenges students faced during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. However, prior to COVID-19, ACPS boasted an A rating for 2019 and a B for the preceding three years.
ACPS provides numerous extracurricular opportunities for their students in athletics, the arts, various subjects in academics and community service. With the outstanding support from the community including local arts-focused organizations and the University of Florida partnerships, elementary and middle schools boast robust arts education programs.
ACPS’ tutoring, community outreach and support to guide students and their families along their academic journeys. One of these programs is the recently launched Transformation in Progress initiative. Through the initiative, the district is seeking input and engaging the community in the academic landscape of the future. The voices of the community will guide the district to continue to foster a healthy learning environment of equity, safety and creativity.
There are ample opportunities for academic enrichment. In high school, with the successful completion of Advanced Placement courses and exams, students can earn college credit. The district boasts a passing rate in Advanced Placement that consistently surpasses the state and national rates.
From elementary to high school, ACPS offers more than 20 academic magnet programs to foster innovation and the educational achievement of their students. Academic programs like language immersion, STEAM, technology, fine arts and advanced studies found in the elementary and middle schools harness students’ innate curiosity and fosters a love of learning. The industry-focused programs found in high schools like criminal justice, entrepreneurship, agriscience and graphic art and design pique students’ individual interests and inspire potential career paths.
Choosing a High School
All rankings and letter grades are according to review site Niche.com as of 2022.
Eastside High School (A)
No. 1 Niche Standout High School in Alachua County
No. 20 Best College Prep Public High School in Florida
- Director of the Academy of Culinary Arts, Chef Pam Bedford, was named the Educator of the Year by the American Culinary Foundation.
- 92% IB diploma rate in 2021 from the International Baccalaureate program
Buchholz High School (A)
No. 2 Best Public High School in Alachua County
- Math team is 15-time winner of state championship and defending national title
- 13-time National Mu Alpha Theta Championship
Gainesville High School (A)
No. 1 Most Diverse Public High School in Alachua County
- One of the largest and most successful Cambridge programs in the world
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School (A)
No. 1 Best Public High Schools in Alachua County
Loften High School (A-)
No. 36 Best Magnet High School in Florida
Newberry High School (B+)
Santa Fe High School (B)
- SFHS’ Institute of Biotechnology is a model for similar magnets around Florida. The school is located in the City of Alachua, home to a booming bioscience industry, which partner with the school’s magnet to bring students the most up-to-date industry knowledge.
Hawthorne Middle High School (C)
Virtual School
In 2012, Alachua County launched the Alachua eSchool. The virtual landscape of the program not only allows students flexibility but promotes self-discipline, motivation and independence.
Alachua eSchool is highly rated and follows the same quality curriculum found in an in-person school setting. The program caters to a variety of learning styles and assesses students based on the same standardized testing in the Alachua County School District and State of Florida.
Students are encouraged to meet with instructors periodically as well as with their academic counselor for advisement as they progress toward graduation.
By Paola Lunier