Education

Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community

Academic Excellence in Florida's Capital

Tallahassee offers physician families one of Florida's strongest educational environments, combining high-performing public schools, nationally recognized magnet programs, elite private school options, and three institutions of higher learning. The presence of Florida State University and Florida A&M University creates an academic culture that permeates the entire community, elevating expectations for K-12 education while providing dual enrollment opportunities, cultural programming, and eventual college options for your children. Leon County Schools has earned a "B" district rating from the Florida Department of Education, with 91% of schools receiving A, B, or C grades. For families seeking accelerated academics, the district offers International Baccalaureate programs spanning elementary through high school, along with specialty magnet schools in arts, science, technology, and pre-law.

Leon County Schools: B-rated district; 60 public schools serving 34,219 students
Florida State University Schools (FSUS): A-rated K-12 lab school; ranked 14th among Florida public schools
International Baccalaureate: Full IB pathway from elementary through diploma program
Magnet Programs: Arts, science/technology, pre-law, aviation, and IB options
Private Schools: 43 private schools serving 6,267 students; 17% private school enrollment (above state average)
Higher Education: FSU (44,000+ students), FAMU (9,000+ students), Tallahassee State College (14,000+ students)

Public Schools

Leon County Schools

Leon County Schools serves over 34,000 students across 60 schools. The district has shown consistent improvement, with significant gains in middle-grade literacy and accelerated mathematics. In the 2024-25 school year, the district was just three points from earning an A rating.

Notable district performance highlights:

Grade 8 Algebra 1: 85% proficiency (exceptional accelerated math performance)
Grade 6 ELA: Increased from 53% to 58% proficiency
Grade 7 ELA: Improved from 49% to 55% proficiency
Buck Lake Elementary: 78% proficiency in Grade 3 Math
Raa Middle and Fairview Middle: Both exceeded 80% proficiency in Algebra 1

Florida State University Schools (FSUS)

The crown jewel of Tallahassee public education is Florida State University Schools, a K-12 laboratory school sponsored by FSU's College of Education. FSUS maintains an "A" rating and achieved a significant performance leap in 2024-25, increasing total points from 884 to 939 and rising from 23rd to 14th in Florida's public school rankings.

Students: 1,875 (K-12)
State Ranking: 14th in Florida public schools
Math Proficiency: 77% (well above state average of 52%)
Reading Proficiency: 72% (well above state average of 50%)
Graduation Rate: 99.4%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
AP Participation: 64%
Minority Enrollment: 47%

FSUS serves as a demonstration school for FSU's College of Education, incorporating research-based teaching methods and innovative practices. Admission is through lottery, and families throughout Leon County seek placement in this consistently high-performing school. The school is located in Southwood, providing convenient access for families in southeast Tallahassee.

Top-Performing Elementary Schools

Leon County's strongest elementary schools consistently rank among the best in the region:

Gilchrist Elementary School: Top-ranked public elementary in Leon County
Hawks Rise Elementary School: High-performing school serving the Killearn area
Buck Lake Elementary School: 78% math proficiency; serves the southeast area
Roberts Elementary School: 76% Grade 4 math proficiency
DeSoto Trail Elementary School: Serves Killearn Estates; consistently high-performing
Chaires Elementary School: Serves Chaires/Southwood area
Pineview Elementary: Dramatic improvement from F to A rating in four years
Sabal Palm Elementary: 2024-25 improvement from D to A (first A rating in nearly 20 years)

Top-Performing Middle Schools

Montford Middle School: Strong math performance; serves northwest Tallahassee
Deerlake Middle School: High-performing; serves the northeast/Killearn area
Fairview Middle School: International Baccalaureate Preparatory Magnet; IB Middle Years Programme
Raa Middle School: Arts Magnet; exceeded 80% Algebra 1 proficiency
Cobb Middle School: Applied Science and Technology Magnet

Top-Performing High Schools

Lawton Chiles High School: Serves northeast Tallahassee (Killearn area); consistently ranks among top high schools in Florida; notable for being a non-selective neighborhood school that achieves elite results; strong parent involvement; implemented Anonymous Alerts safety app
Leon High School: Historic high school located near downtown; serves midtown Tallahassee; strong academic and athletic traditions
Lincoln High School: Serves the Killearn Lakes area; comprehensive programming
James S. Rickards High School: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; seven 2024-25 National Merit Semifinalists (more than any other Tallahassee high school)

Magnet and Choice Programs

Leon County Schools offers an extensive array of magnet and choice programs, providing specialized educational pathways for students with diverse interests and abilities.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs

Tallahassee offers a complete K-12 IB pathway:

Hartsfield Elementary School: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); became an IB World School in 2024; one of fewer than 3,000 schools worldwide offering PYP
Fairview Middle School: IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Preparatory Magnet; comprehensive international curriculum for grades 6-8
James S. Rickards High School: IB Diploma Programme; seven National Merit Semifinalists in 2024-25; rigorous preparation for international university admission; courses in six subject groups including two languages

The IB curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, intercultural awareness, and inquiry-based learning. IB graduates receive recognition from universities worldwide and often earn advanced standing.

SAIL High School

SAIL (School for Arts and Innovative Learning) is Tallahassee's premier arts magnet high school, offering a creative and personalized education for students passionate about the arts.

Highly rated by students for accepting, welcoming environment
Focus on artistic and social opportunities
Strong sense of community among students with similar creative interests
Ranked #5 among public high schools in Leon County

Additional Magnet Programs

Cobb Middle School: Applied Science and Technology Magnet; STEM-focused curriculum with hands-on learning
Nims Middle School: Pre-Law Magnet; prepares students for legal and civic careers; historic improvement to B rating
Raa Middle School: Arts Magnet; creative and critical arts development
Godby High School: Academy of Aviation; Practical Nursing Program; Welding Technology
Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts (ATMSA): Leon County's first magnet school, established 1999
Griffin Middle School: Information Technology Academy; college and career-ready education

Gifted and Talented Programs

Leon County Schools offers gifted programs throughout the district, with identification and services beginning in elementary school. Programs provide enrichment and acceleration for students demonstrating high intellectual ability.

Private Schools

With 43 private schools serving 6,267 students, Tallahassee offers diverse private education options. At 17% private school enrollment, the city exceeds Florida's state average of 14%, reflecting families' investment in educational choice.

Maclay School

Maclay School is Tallahassee's premier independent college preparatory school, consistently ranked among the top private schools in Florida.

Grades: Pre-K through 12
Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 (among the lowest in the region)
Tuition: Approximately $18,700 (high school)
Acceptance Rate: 31% (highly selective)
College Attendance: 98% of graduates attend four-year colleges
Niche Rating: A+

Academic Excellence:

Rigorous college preparatory curriculum
Strong AP course offerings (ranked top 20% in Florida for AP courses)
100% graduation rate
Personalized attention with small class sizes

Athletics:

36 state athletic championships
Named Sunshine State Top 3A/4A Private School Athletic Program 10 times
17 interscholastic sports offered
Notable alumni include PGA Tour golfer Hudson Swafford

Campus and Culture:

Beautiful campus adjacent to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Founded 1968; non-sectarian
Strong parent reviews emphasizing safe, encouraging learning environment
Motto: "Be Inspired. Be Determined. Be Unstoppable."

North Florida Christian School (NFC)

A comprehensive Christian school serving Pre-K through 12th grade.

Grades: Pre-K through 12
Enrollment: Approximately 600 students
Niche Rating: B+
Athletics: Strong competitive programs

John Paul II Catholic High School

A Catholic high school in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Tuition: Approximately $14,000
55% of graduates attend four-year colleges

Students praise the school for its involved administration, personalized attention, and opportunities to participate in multiple sports and clubs due to smaller school size.

Holy Comforter Episcopal School

An Episcopal school serving younger students with a focus on character development.

Inspiring children to "Be the Difference" for over 60 years
Strong reputation for early childhood and elementary education
Episcopal tradition with welcoming environment

Trinity Catholic School

The Catholic elementary and middle school connected to Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Grades: Pre-K through 8th grade
Enrollment: Over 500 students
Part of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Established when Blessed Sacrament opened its current location in 1952

Additional Private Schools

Robert F. Munroe Day School: Pre-K through 12; 277 students; college preparatory
Christ Classical Academy: Classical Christian education
Aucilla Christian Academy: Located in nearby Monticello; Pre-K through 12
Community Leadership Academy: Pre-K through 12; highly rated
Cornerstone Learning Community: IB World School offering Middle Years Programme
Betton Hills Preparatory School: Early childhood and elementary

Higher Education

Tallahassee's identity as a college town provides exceptional advantages for families, including cultural programming, athletic events, dual enrollment opportunities, and eventual college options close to home.

Florida State University (FSU)

Florida State University is a major public research university and one of the premier institutions in the Southeast.

Enrollment: 44,308 students
National Ranking: Among top public universities nationally
Classification: R1 Research University (highest research activity)
Notable Programs: Business, Engineering, Criminology, Music, Film, Education, Law, Medicine

FSU operates the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the only national laboratory in Florida and the largest and highest-powered magnet laboratory in the world. The university's College of Music is nationally recognized, and its film school has produced numerous Academy Award-winning alumni.

For physician families, FSU offers:

Cultural events through Opening Nights performing arts series
Athletic events (SEC football, basketball, baseball)
Dual enrollment opportunities for high school students
Continuing education and professional development
Research collaboration opportunities

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Florida A&M University is a historically Black university (HBCU) with a proud tradition of excellence.

Enrollment: Approximately 9,000 students
Notable Programs: Pharmacy (top-ranked), Journalism, Business, Engineering, Nursing
Distinction: One of the nation's top HBCUs

FAMU's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences consistently ranks among the best in the nation. The university's Marching 100 band is internationally renowned.

Tallahassee State College (TSC)

Formerly Tallahassee Community College, TSC provides accessible higher education and workforce training.

Enrollment: Over 14,000 students
Programs: 120+ degree, certificate, and continuing education programs
Transfer Success: #1 transfer school to FSU and FAMU; 75% of A.A. graduates transfer to universities
Bachelor's Degrees: Education, Business, Nursing
Tuition: Approximately $100 per credit hour (among lowest in Florida)

Transfer Programs:

TCC2FSU (Aspire): Guaranteed admission to FSU upon meeting requirements
TCC2FAMU (Ignite): Structured transfer pathway to FAMU
Over 1,500 graduates transfer to FSU and FAMU annually

TSC also operates the Florida Public Safety Institute, one of the largest and most highly regarded public safety training centers in the nation.

Dual Enrollment Opportunities

High school students in Leon County can earn college credit through dual enrollment programs:

FSU Dual Enrollment: Advanced students can take university courses
FAMU Dual Enrollment: Partnership programs available
TSC Dual Enrollment: Most accessible option; courses count toward both high school and college credit

Many Tallahassee high school students graduate with significant college credits, reducing time to degree completion and college costs.

Educational Resources

Libraries

LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System: Multiple branches throughout the county
FSU Strozier Library: Major research library; community borrowing available
FAMU Coleman Library: Research resources available

Educational Centers

Challenger Learning Center: 32,000-square-foot STEM facility with IMAX theater and planetarium
Tallahassee Museum: 52-acre outdoor museum with nature and history education
Museum of Florida History: State history education resources

Tallahassee offers physician families exceptional educational opportunities at every level. Whether you prefer public neighborhood schools, specialized magnet programs, elite private academies, or a combination, you will find options that challenge your children academically while nurturing their individual talents and interests. The university presence ensures that education remains central to the community's identity, creating an environment where academic achievement is celebrated and supported.