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A Guide to Public and Private Schools in Palm Beach County

By
November 08, 2024

The Public and Private Schools in Palm Beach County more in depth

Palm Beach County, located in sunny South Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural richness, and vibrant communities. One of the county’s most significant draws for families is its diverse educational landscape, which offers a range of top-rated public and private schools. Whether you're moving to the area or exploring options for your child’s education, it's important to understand the differences, opportunities, and rankings of Palm Beach County's schools.

Public Schools in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County School District, one of the largest in Florida, serves over 190,000 students across 179 schools. The district consistently performs well in state rankings, offering a variety of specialized programs including International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and dual enrollment opportunities. These programs provide students with the chance to earn college credits and prepare for higher education while still in high school.

Top Public Schools in Palm Beach County

  1. Suncoast Community High School (Riviera Beach)
    • Ranking: Regularly ranked as one of the best high schools in the state and country, Suncoast is known for its rigorous IB and AP programs.
    • Special Programs: IB Diploma Program, Math, Science, and Engineering (MSE) program, and Computer Science program.
    • U.S. News Ranking: #10 in Florida, #128 nationally.
  2. Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts (West Palm Beach)
    • Ranking: Recognized for both academic excellence and specialized arts programs.
    • Special Programs: Offers an intensive arts curriculum in addition to standard academic classes.
    • U.S. News Ranking: #20 in Florida, #228 nationally.
  3. Boca Raton Community High School (Boca Raton)
    • Ranking: Known for high graduation rates, academic achievement, and its wide range of extracurriculars.
    • Special Programs: AP Capstone Diploma Program, Dual Enrollment, and Career Academies.
    • U.S. News Ranking: #52 in Florida, #727 nationally.
  4. Spanish River Community High School (Boca Raton)
    • Ranking: Recognized for high test scores and strong community involvement.
    • Special Programs: Biotechnology Academy, AP courses, and a variety of clubs and sports.
    • U.S. News Ranking: #56 in Florida, #785 nationally.

Magnet and Charter Schools

In addition to traditional public schools, Palm Beach County offers magnet programs and charter schools. Bak Middle School of the Arts and Morikami Park Elementary are examples of highly sought-after magnet schools. These schools offer specialized programs in areas such as the arts, sciences, and technology, designed to engage students in focused, innovative learning environments.

Private Schools in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County is also home to a wide range of private schools, offering both religious and non-religious educational environments. These schools often provide smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and specialized programs that cater to diverse learning styles.

Top Private Schools in Palm Beach County

  1. The Benjamin School (Palm Beach Gardens and North Palm Beach)
    • Overview: A prestigious college preparatory school serving PreK through 12th grade. The school is known for its academic rigor, athletic programs, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
    • Average SAT Score: 1340
    • Tuition: Approximately $33,000 per year for upper school.
  2. Saint Andrew’s School (Boca Raton)
    • Overview: A top private, Episcopal school offering a day and boarding program. Known for strong academics, athletics, and an international student body.
    • Average SAT Score: 1300
    • Tuition: $35,000–$66,000 per year depending on day or boarding enrollment.
  3. Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach)
    • Overview: Founded by billionaire William Koch, Oxbridge offers a forward-thinking curriculum with a focus on STEM and liberal arts. The school emphasizes experiential learning and community involvement.
    • Average SAT Score: 1300
    • Tuition: $35,000 per year.
  4. American Heritage School (Delray Beach)
    • Overview: Ranked as one of the top private schools in the U.S., American Heritage offers a strong academic curriculum, AP courses, and has a notable STEM program.
    • Average SAT Score: 1400
    • Tuition: Approximately $30,000 per year.

Faith-Based Private Schools

Palm Beach County also has a variety of faith-based schools, including Rosarian Academy, a Catholic school in West Palm Beach, and The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, which offers a Christian-centered education from preschool through high school. Both schools emphasize strong academic foundations while integrating faith and community values.