For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,281 students in Palatka, FL (there are 4 private schools, serving 556 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Palatka, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Palatka, FL are The Children's Reading Center, Putnam Virtual Franchise and Kelley Smith Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palatka, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Palatka have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palatka, FL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
The Children's Reading Center
Charter School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7901 Saint Johns Ave
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 326-2762
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 326-2762
Gr: K-6 | 275 students Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #22.
Putnam Virtual Franchise
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
200 Reid St
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0536
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0536
Gr: K-12 | 22 students Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #33.
Kelley Smith Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
141 Kelley Smith School Rd
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0568
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0568
Gr: K-6 | 776 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Putnam Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided)
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 Reid St
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0532
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0532
Gr: K-12 | 26 students Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #55.
James A. Long Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Old Jacksonville Rd
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0575
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0575
Gr: K-6 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #66.
Putnam Academy Of Arts And Sciences
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
310 South Palm Ave
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 326-4212
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 326-4212
Gr: 6-8 | 192 students Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #77.
William D. Moseley Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1100 Husson Ave
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0562
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0562
Gr: K-6 | 558 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #88.
Mellon Learning Center
Special Education School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Mellon Road
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0593
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0593
Gr: PK-12 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #99.
Palatka Jr - Sr High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
302 Mellon Rd
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0577
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0577
Gr: 7-12 | 1,568 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: n/an/a
200 Reid St
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0536
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0536
Gr: PK | 2 students Minority enrollment: 50%
Palatka, Florida Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Alternatives Unlimited High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
1414 Bronson St
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4937
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4937
Gr: 9-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
1100 S 18th St
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0569
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0569
Gr: 6 | 340 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
301 Mellon Rd
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0593
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0593
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
200 South 7th St Campbell Adm
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0635
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0635
Putnam County Exceptional Education (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
156 Horseman Club Rd
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0530
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0530
Gr: 5-12
Putnam County Superintendent's Office (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
0200 S 7th Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-051
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-051
1100 N 19th St
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0588
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 329-0588
Gr: 7-8 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Palatka, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Palatka, FL include The Children's Reading Center, Putnam Virtual Franchise and Kelley Smith Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Palatka?
11 public schools are located in Palatka.
What percentage of students in Palatka go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Palatka are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palatka?
Palatka public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Palatka are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Palatka include: Putnam Academy Of Arts And Sciences vs. William D. Moseley Elementary School, James A. Long Elementary School vs. Kelley Smith Elementary School, The Children's Reading Center vs. Kelley Smith Elementary School
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