For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 5,708 students in 32578, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 1,054 private students). 84% 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 53%), 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 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best 32578, FL Public Schools (2026)
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 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 116:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
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 | 885 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
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 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
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 | 1,061 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
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 | 2,036 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
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 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
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?
84% 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 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
