Public Schools in Tallahassee, part of the Leon County School District, service 33,000 pupils in 48 different schools which include pre-school, elementary, middle, charter, magnet and high schools.
High schools in Tallahassee average about 1200 students per school—or 400 per grade. Middle schools average at 370 per grade and elementary level schools have around 460. The state of Florida spends about $6400 per student each year, and those at charter schools and magnet schools also receive these funds.
Lawton Chiles High School and Leon High School are typically the two highest-ranked public high schools in the area. Deerlake Middle, Swift Creek Middle, and William J. Montford Middle School are well-revered public middle schools in Tallahassee. Notable public elementary schools include Kilearn Lakes, Gilcrhist, and Desoto Trail Elementary Schools.
Overall, the school system has an A rating, which means--in terms of rankings--that most students scored very well on the FCAT, or Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test. This is Florida's standardized testing tool for students in grade schools, middle schools, and high schools. The test is also given at the county's charter schools and magnet schools because all public schools in Tallahassee must administer these tests each year. The rankings of the public schools in Tallahassee are quite superior and among the best in Florida.
Opened in 1999, The School of Arts and Sciences is a highly-reputable charter school in Tallahassee. It offers learning opportunities to students in Kindergarten through Eighth grade. In addition, Tallahassee has the Imagine Charter School, part of a national charter school organization that promotes shared values, parent choice, academic achievement and character development.
Whichever you choose, make sure to look thoroughly, research diligently, and consider you child's needs when looking for a great public school in Tallahasee.
