South Walton High School

Q: Is South Walton High School a good school?

South Walton High School ranks 86 th of 807 Florida high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

South Walton High School is a public high school serving 1,235 students in grades 9-12 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, which is part of the highly-ranked Walton School District. This school consistently outperforms state and district averages on standardized tests, maintains an exceptional 98.9% four-year graduation rate, and has a relatively low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch compared to nearby schools.

Academically, Freeport Senior High School and Seaside Neighborhood School provide interesting points of comparison. While South Walton High School performs well above state and district averages, the public charter school Seaside Neighborhood School stands out with exceptional test scores, particularly in math and science. However, South Walton High School has maintained a strong 4- or 5-star rating from SchoolDigger over the years, indicating a stable and effective educational environment.

One area of concern is the recent increase in chronic absenteeism at South Walton High School, from 6.4% in 2019-2020 to 26.8% in 2022-2023. This is a trend the school and district should investigate and address, as it can have a significant impact on student learning and achievement. Additionally, it is important to monitor the academic progress and support for smaller subgroups of students, such as African American and Hispanic students, to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes.

Detail:

Public 9-12

645 Greenway Trl
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

(850) 622-5020

District: Walton

SchoolDigger Rank:
86^th of 807 Florida High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,652

Feeder schools for South Walton High School:

Elementary:	Dune Lakes Elementary School
	Freeport Elementary School
	Maude Saunders Elementary School
	Mossy Head School
	More...
	Van R. Butler Elementary School
	West Defuniak Elementary School
Middle:	Emerald Coast Middle School
	Freeport Middle School
	Walton Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 18.9

Number of students: 1,112

Racial breakdown:

White:

75.8%

Hispanic:

17.7%

Two or more races:

2.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 20.6%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details South Walton High School ranks better than 89.3% of high schools in Florida. It also ranks 2^nd among 5 ranked high schools in the Walton School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 76.96. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at South Walton High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details South Walton High School has the largest high school student body size in the Walton School District. Racial makeup is: White (75.8%), Hispanic (17.7%), two or more races (2.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 20.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Walton High School is 18.9. 6 high schools in the Walton School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare South Walton High School employs 58.8 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Walton High School is $10,652, which is the 4^th highest among 5 high schools in the Walton School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

South Walton High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks South Walton High School 86^th of 807 Florida public high schools. (See South Walton High School in the ranking list.)

Walton:

SchoolDigger ranks Walton 16^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for South Walton High School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	FL State Percentile
2004	75.25	105^th	484	78.3%
2005	71.78	129^th	487	73.5%
2006	72.88	111^th	477	76.7%
2007	81.52	85^th	563	84.9%
2008	79.93	98^th	577	83.0%
2009	80.31	94^th	587	84.0%
2010	78.79	115^th	620	81.5%
2011	73.29	157^th	622	74.8%
2012	62.37	143^rd	606	76.4%
2013	68.20	141^st	648	78.2%
2014	81.27	72^nd	687	89.5%
2016	64.69	148^th	693	78.6%
2017	74.37	85^th	714	88.1%
2018	71.93	109^th	716	84.8%
2019	76.54	77^th	734	89.5%
2021	77.95	70^th	746	90.6%
2022	77.74	81^st	774	89.5%
2023	79.82	73^rd	792	90.8%
2024	76.96	86^th	807	89.3%

See the entire list of Florida High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!

Enrollment information for South Walton High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2002	535	3	9	18	1	n/a	n/a	0	566
2003	535	3	9	18	1	n/a	n/a	0	566
2004	621	5	8	21	3	n/a	n/a	0	658
2005	698	3	9	23	3	n/a	n/a	0	736
2006	517	8	5	16	2	n/a	n/a	0	548
2007	470	5	5	22	2	n/a	n/a	6	510
2008	521	9	5	39	2	n/a	n/a	5	581
2009	508	7	9	40	2	n/a	n/a	2	568
2010	501	5	12	50	1	n/a	n/a	8	577
2011	494	4	9	68	2	0	17	0	594
2012	508	10	14	70	3	2	21	0	628
2013	441	11	8	64	3	1	19	0	547
2014	444	15	6	63	2	1	18	0	549
2015	469	20	9	59	5	1	20	0	583
2016	552	24	14	61	3	0	16	0	670
2017	633	26	12	67	4	0	22	0	764
2018	640	22	13	76	2	0	30	0	783
2019	689	25	13	101	1	1	29	0	859
2020	750	22	13	134	3	2	28	0	952
2021	792	21	11	147	5	2	24	0	1002
2022	908	25	22	186	5	2	34	0	1182
2023	949	26	22	193	6	1	38	0	1235
2024	843	20	14	197	6	0	32	0	1112

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at South Walton High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2002	566	28.0	20.2	0
2003	566	28.0	20.2	0
2004	658	33.0	19.9	24.2
2005	736	38.0	19.4	19
2006	548	32.0	17.1	19.9
2007	510	34.0	15.0	11.9
2008	581	37.5	15.5	14.1
2009	568	44.5	14.4	15.7
2010	577	36.5	15.8	22.1
2011	594	36.7	16.1	28.8
2012	628	34.0	18.4	28.2
2013	547	36.0	15.1	25.6
2014	549	35.0	15.6	25
2015	583	36.0	16.1	23.8
2016	670	37.0	18.1	30.4
2017	764	42.0	18.1	27.6
2018	783	46.0	17.0	25.4
2019	859	45.7	18.7	24.4
2020	952	52.6	18.0	19.2
2021	1002	55.9	17.9	19.1
2022	1182	57.2	20.6	14.6
2023	1235	62.9	19.6	19.9
2024	1112	58.8	18.9	20.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio South Walton High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2002	566	28.0	20.2	0
2003	566	28.0	20.2	0
2004	658	33.0	19.9	24.2
2005	736	38.0	19.4	19
2006	548	32.0	17.1	19.9
2007	510	34.0	15.0	11.9
2008	581	37.5	15.5	14.1
2009	568	44.5	14.4	15.7
2010	577	36.5	15.8	22.1
2011	594	36.7	16.1	28.8
2012	628	34.0	18.4	28.2
2013	547	36.0	15.1	25.6
2014	549	35.0	15.6	25
2015	583	36.0	16.1	23.8
2016	670	37.0	18.1	30.4
2017	764	42.0	18.1	27.6
2018	783	46.0	17.0	25.4
2019	859	45.7	18.7	24.4
2020	952	52.6	18.0	19.2
2021	1002	55.9	17.9	19.1
2022	1182	57.2	20.6	14.6
2023	1235	62.9	19.6	19.9
2024	1112	58.8	18.9	20.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for South Walton High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$114 (1.4%)	$7,984 (98.6%)	$8,098
2019	$123 (1.5%)	$7,928 (98.5%)	$8,051
2020	$153 (1.7%)	$8,634 (98.3%)	$8,786
2021	$508 (5.5%)	$8,653 (94.5%)	$9,161
2022	$627 (6.7%)	$8,671 (93.3%)	$9,298
2023	$1,035 (9.7%)	$9,618 (90.3%)	$10,652

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on South Walton High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 77^th of 734 High schools	Ranks 73^rd of 792 High schools	1.3%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
9th Grade English Language Arts (South Walton High School)	73	75	2%
9th Grade English Language Arts (Walton)	64	61	3%
9th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	55	51	4%
10th Grade English Language Arts (South Walton High School)	74	73	1%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Walton)	59	62	3%
10th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	53	49	4%
End of Course Biology 1 (South Walton High School)	91	93	2%
End of Course Biology 1 (Walton)	79	81	2%
End of Course Biology 1 (Florida)	67	63	4%
End of Course US History (South Walton High School)	87	84	3%
End of Course US History (Walton)	77	78	1%
End of Course US History (Florida)	70	63	7%
End of Course Algebra 1 (South Walton High School)	62	61	1%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Walton)	72	73	1%
End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)	62	54	8%
End of Course Geometry (South Walton High School)	80	69	11%
End of Course Geometry (Walton)	73	69	4%
End of Course Geometry (Florida)	57	50	7%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	859	1235	43.8%
African American	25	26	4%
American Indian	1	6	500%
Asian	13	22	69.2%
Hispanic	101	193	91.1%
Pacific Islander	1	1
White	689	949	37.7%
Two or More Races	29	38	31%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	24.4%	19.9%	4.5%

Schools Near South Walton High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)						FAST Math (2024)				Statewide Science Science (2024)		EOC Algebra 1 (2024)	EOC Geometry (2024)	EOC Biology 1 (2024)	EOC US History (2024)	EOC Civics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 9th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 10th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Geometry End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC US History End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
South Walton High School	Public	9-12	645 Greenway Trl	Santa Rosa Beach	32459	Walton County	Walton	No	No	No	No	(850) 622-5020	1,112	59	18.9	20.6%	843 (75.8%)	20 (1.8%)	197 (17.7%)	14 (1.3%)	6 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	32 (2.9%)	77	86^th of 807 public high schools	89.3%		79.8	73^rd of 792 public high schools	90.8%	13					70.0	66.0							67.0	77.0	88.0	91.0		$10,652	$1,035	$9,618
Seaside Neighborhood School	Public, Charter	5-12	10 Smolian Circle	Santa Rosa Beach	32459	Walton County	Walton	Yes	No	No	No	(850) 231-0396	440	25	17.6	7.7%	375 (85.2%)	6 (1.4%)	32 (7.3%)	13 (3.0%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (2.5%)	92.1	10^th of 807 public high schools	98.8%		91.9	16^th of 792 public high schools	98.0%	6	91.0	88.0	83.0	83.0	90.0	92.0	100.0	98.0	100.0	100.0	89.0	83.0	98.0	98.0	97.0	96.0	100.0	$11,672	$745	$10,927
Magnet Innovation Center	Public	9-12	133 South Watersound Parkway	Inlet Beach	32461	Walton County	Walton	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(850) 622-5020	135	9	15.0	7.4%	110 (81.5%)	1 (0.7%)	14 (10.4%)	3 (2.2%)	2 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (3.7%)								(n/a)
Freeport Senior High School	Public	9-12	12615 Us Highway 331 S	Freeport	32439	Walton County	Walton	No	No	No	No	(850) 892-1200	677	38	18.0	39.6%	511 (75.5%)	14 (2.1%)	121 (17.9%)	6 (0.9%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	22 (3.2%)	72.9	118^th of 807 public high schools	85.4%		74.7	103^rd of 792 public high schools	87.0%	15					59.0	61.0							74.0	80.0	86.0	89.0		$14,479	$1,404	$13,076
Destin High School	Public, Charter	9-12	4325 Commons Drive	Destin	32541	Okaloosa County	Okaloosa	Yes	No	No	No	(850) 424-1664	557	26	21.4	18.0%	426 (76.5%)	36 (6.5%)	58 (10.4%)	12 (2.2%)	4 (0.7%)	1 (0.2%)	20 (3.6%)	51.2	288^th of 807 public high schools	64.3%		53.8	248^th of 792 public high schools	68.7%	40					58.0	44.0							48.0	65.0	70.0	62.0		$10,474	$1,174	$9,300

Frequently Asked Questions about South Walton High School

What schools feed into South Walton High School?

South Walton High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Dune Lakes Elementary School
Elementary : Freeport Elementary School
Elementary : Maude Saunders Elementary School
Elementary : Mossy Head School
Elementary : Van R. Butler Elementary School
Elementary : West Defuniak Elementary School
Middle : Emerald Coast Middle School
Middle : Freeport Middle School
Middle : Walton Middle School

Is South Walton High School a good school?

South Walton High School ranks 86^th of 807 Florida high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend South Walton High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,112 students attended South Walton High School.

What is the racial makeup of South Walton High School?

Students at South Walton High School are 76% White, 18% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races, 2% African American, 1% Asian.

What district is South Walton High School in?

Walton

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.