Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions for any family. And when you’re exploring the best elementary schools in Florida, it’s natural to look for schools that offer a balance of academics, safety, nurturing staff, and strong parent involvement. Florida has a wide variety of high-performing charter and public elementary schools, each with its own strengths.
Why Florida’s Education Stands Out
Florida’s K-12 education system is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, particularly for academic achievement. This success is driven by the state’s rigorous A-F School Grading System and an emphasis on literacy and mathematical foundations (B.E.S.T. Standards).
- Florida’s Accountability: Every public school, including charters, is evaluated annually by the FLDOE and assigned an A-F grade based on criteria including student proficiency, learning gains, and acceleration. All schools on this list are proven, high-achieving institutions with consistent ‘A’ grades.
- The State Benchmark: For context, the average elementary student proficiency across Florida in core subjects is generally around 55%. The schools listed below significantly outperform this state average, demonstrating elite academic results.
This guide highlights your selected top 10 elementary schools in Florida, offering a quick look at what makes each one stand out, now enhanced with the latest performance statistics so you can make a confident and informed choice.
⭐ 1. Somerset Academy Miramar South Elementary – Miramar, FL
Address: 12425 SW 53rd St, Miramar, FL 33025
Ranking: #1 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~214 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Learn more about this school here
Somerset Academy Miramar South is one of Miramar’s top-performing charter schools, known for its strong academic track record and structured, student-centered environment. Families appreciate the school’s commitment to personalized learning and supportive classroom culture.
This school was awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School recognition by the U.S. Department of Education, one of the highest honors an American school can achieve for academic excellence. |
⭐ 2. Atlantic Montessori Charter School – Pembroke Pines, FL
Address: 9893 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Ranking: #2 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~77 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Explore full details about this school here
Atlantic Montessori Charter School offers a nurturing, authentic Montessori experience for students from Kindergarten through upper elementary grades. The school is well-regarded for its calm, hands-on learning environment and emphasis on independence.
⭐ 3. Somerset Academy Elementary South Campus – Pembroke Pines, FL
Address: 19620 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Ranking: #3 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~344 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
Discover more about this school here
This Somerset campus is recognized for providing a high-quality education to students in grades K–5. The school offers rigorous academics, structured classroom environments, and a strong focus on foundational skills.
⭐ 4. Beachside Montessori Village – Hollywood, FL
Address: 2230 Lincoln St, Hollywood, FL 33020
Ranking: #4 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~804 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
See more information about this school here
Beachside Montessori Village serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade and is known for its spacious campus, emphasis on independence, and Montessori-based learning model. Families love the balance between creativity and structure.
Beachside Montessori Village is frequently designated a Florida School of Excellence, an honor awarded by the state to high-performing public schools that achieve sustained high academic success. |
⭐ 5. Lakeland Montessori School House – Lakeland, FL
Address: 1124 Lake Parker Ave N, Lakeland, FL 33805
Ranking: #5 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~115 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Read the complete profile of this school here
Part of Polk County Public Schools, this Montessori charter school offers a calm, purposeful learning environment for grades K–6. With its low student–teacher ratio, students get plenty of individual support and hands-on learning.
⭐ 6. Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science – Hollywood, FL
Address: 1705 Van Buren St, Hollywood, FL 33020
Ranking: #6 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~463 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Find additional details about this school here
A tuition-free charter school, Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science blends academics with enrichment in arts and sciences. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum supported by dedicated faculty and strong community involvement.
Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science is recognized as a “Leader in Me” school, focusing on character development and student leadership based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This program is a major differentiator in its approach to whole-child education.
⭐ 7. Magnolia Montessori Academy – Lakeland, FL
Address: 815 S Central Ave, Lakeland, FL 33815
Ranking: #7 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~178 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Check the full school overview here
Serving grades K–8, Magnolia Montessori Academy is known for its peaceful classrooms, emphasis on student independence, and experienced faculty. Parents value its consistent academic performance and behavior standards.
⭐ 8. McKeel Academy Central – Lakeland, FL
Address: 411 Florida Ave N, Lakeland, FL 33801
Ranking: #8 Elementary School in FL
Students: ~610 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
View the school’s complete information here
Part of the Schools of McKeel Academy, this charter school serves students from Pre-K through 6th grade, offering strong academics and robust technology-supported learning environments.
McKeel Academy Central has been designated a High-Performing Charter School by the Florida Department of Education, a status granted for exceptional academic performance and financial viability, proving its long-term stability and excellence. |
⭐ 9. South McKeel Academy – Lakeland, FL
Address: 2222 Edgewood Dr S, Lakeland, FL 33803
Ranking: #9 Elementary School in FL
Students: 1,200 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Read more about this school here
South McKeel Academy is a widely respected public charter school serving Pre-K through 6th grade. With its large enrollment and strong academic structure, the school continues to attract families across Lakeland.
⭐ 10. Sunset Lakes Elementary School – Miramar, FL
Address: 18400 SW 25th St, Miramar, FL 33029
Ranking: #10 Elementary School in FL
Students: 775 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
See the full school summary here
Located in the upscale Sunset Lakes community, this public school is known for strong academics, highly engaged teachers, and a welcoming school culture that encourages students to do their best.
A former student of the Miramar school system, Dr. Valerie Smith Wanza, who attended Miramar Elementary School (in the same area), went on to become a distinguished leader in Broward County education, including being named the 2006 State of Florida Middle School Principal of the Year. This highlights the legacy of educational leadership fostered in the community. |
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Florida offers some of the most diverse and high-performing elementary schools in the country, and these top ten options represent a blend of Montessori schools, charter academies, and traditional public schools. The common factor is their high accountability and consistent ‘A’ performance ratings from the Florida Department of Education.
Whether you prefer a hands-on learning approach or a structured academic environment, each of these schools provides a supportive atmosphere where students are proven to thrive academically, achieving proficiency rates far above the state average. These schools stand out not only for strong statistics but for their nurturing cultures, dedicated staff, and commitment to helping every child reach their fullest potential.
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