For the 2026 school year, there are 18 public schools serving 9,830 students in Putnam County, FL (there are 6 private schools, serving 745 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Putnam County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in Putnam County, FL are Q.i. Roberts Jr. - Sr. High School, The Children's Reading Center and Putnam Virtual Franchise. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Putnam County, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Putnam County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Putnam County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Q.i. Roberts Jr. - Sr. High School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
901 State Road 100
Florahome, FL 32140
(386) 659-1737
Florahome, FL 32140
(386) 659-1737
Gr: 7-12 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
Melrose Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
401 State Road 26
Melrose, FL 32666
(352) 475-2060
Melrose, FL 32666
(352) 475-2060
Gr: PK-6 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
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: #66.
Robert H. Jenkins Jr Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
251 S State Road 315
Interlachen, FL 32148
(386) 684-2130
Interlachen, FL 32148
(386) 684-2130
Gr: PK-6 | 844 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
Browning-pearce Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
100 Bear Blvd
San Mateo, FL 32187
(386) 329-0557
San Mateo, FL 32187
(386) 329-0557
Gr: K-6 | 679 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #1010.
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: #1111.
Middleton-burney Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1020 Huntington Rd
Crescent City, FL 32112
(386) 698-1238
Crescent City, FL 32112
(386) 698-1238
Gr: PK-6 | 1,056 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1212.
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: #1313.
Interlachen Jr-sr High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
126 N State Rd 315
Interlachen, FL 32148
(386) 684-2115
Interlachen, FL 32148
(386) 684-2115
Gr: 7-12 | 999 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #1414.
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: #1515.
Crescent City Jr-sr High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2201 S Us Highway 17
Crescent City, FL 32112
(386) 698-1629
Crescent City, FL 32112
(386) 698-1629
Gr: 7-12 | 945 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #1616.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Putnam County, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Putnam County, FL include Q.i. Roberts Jr. - Sr. High School, The Children's Reading Center and Putnam Virtual Franchise.
How many public schools are located in Putnam County?
19 public schools are located in Putnam County.
What percentage of students in Putnam County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Putnam County are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Putnam County?
Putnam County public schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Putnam County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Putnam County include: Crescent City Jr-sr High School vs. Palatka Jr - Sr High School, Middleton-burney Elementary School vs. Browning-pearce Elementary School, Interlachen Jr-sr High School vs. Palatka Jr - Sr High School
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.
