For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 5,752 students in 32578, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,054 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in 32578, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in 32578, FL are Collegiate High School At Northwest Florida State College, Bluewater Elementary School and James E Plew Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 32578 have an average math proficiency score of 80% (versus the Florida public school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in 32578, FL have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best 32578, FL Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Collegiate High School At Northwest Florida State College
Charter School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
100 College Blvd E
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4949
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4949
Gr: 9-12 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 42:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Bluewater Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4545 Range Rd
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4240
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4240
Gr: PK-5 | 914 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
James E Plew Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
220 Pine Ave
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4100
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4100
Gr: PK-5 | 820 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
C. W. Ruckel Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
201 Partin Dr N
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4142
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4142
Gr: 6-8 | 1,054 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #55.
Niceville Senior High School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 John Sims Pkwy E
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4114
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4114
Gr: 9-12 | 1,998 student Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #66.
Lula J. Edge Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 Highway 85 N
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4138
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4138
Gr: PK-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
32578, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Owcc Collegiate Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
100 College Boulevard
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4949
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4949
Gr: 1-12 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 60:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 32578, FL?
The top ranked public schools in 32578, FL include Collegiate High School At Northwest Florida State College, Bluewater Elementary School and James E Plew Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 32578?
6 public schools are located in 32578.
What percentage of students in 32578 go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in 32578 are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 32578?
32578 public schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.