Best Public Schools in Pensacola, FL

The Pensacola, Florida school district serves 58 schools, including 31 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 13 high schools, and 6 alternative schools. The district faces significant disparities in performance and outcomes, with high-poverty, high-minority schools generally struggling with lower graduation rates, higher chronic absenteeism, and weaker academic achievement compared to more affluent, whiter schools.

A few standout schools in the district include West Florida High School/Technical, which is the highest-performing high school, ranking 89th out of 807 statewide and earning a 4-star rating. It has an exceptional 98.4% four-year graduation rate and strong test scores, with 78-89% of students proficient in English Language Arts and Math. Brown Barge Middle School is also a top performer, ranking 98th out of 1,196 middle schools statewide and earning a 5-star rating, with 74-92% of students scoring proficient or better on state assessments. At the elementary level, N.B. Cook Elementary School stands out, ranking 158th out of 2,256 elementary schools statewide and earning a 5-star rating, with 69-91% of students proficient in English Language Arts and Math.

However, the district also faces significant challenges, particularly at its alternative and specialized schools, which struggle with very low graduation rates, extremely high chronic absenteeism, and poor academic outcomes. Understanding the factors that contribute to the success of the highest-performing schools could provide valuable insights for improving equity and achievement across the Escambia school district.