BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The School District of Palm Beach County is celebrating that 12 district schools (six elementary schools and six middle schools) have been recognized among the top 100 public K-8 schools in the state of Florida in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Morikami Park Elementary led the district, landing at No. 5 in the state among elementary schools. Bak Middle School of the Arts came in at No. 7 on the middle school list.
“We are proud to have six of our elementary schools and six of our middle schools ranked among the top 100 K-8 public schools in Florida by U.S. News & World Report,” said Superintendent Mike Burke. “This level of performance is driven by the everyday dedication of our teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, and families. As an ‘A’ rated and ‘Academically High-Performing’ school district, we remain focused on delivering a top-tier education right here in our community. Congratulations to these 12 schools for setting a high bar and demonstrating why Palm Beach County public schools are Your Best Choice for education.”
The state rankings weigh four metrics equally, at 25% each: math proficiency, math performance, reading proficiency and reading performance.
Top 100 Elementary Schools in Florida
- Morikami Park Elementary School – No. 5
- Waters Edge Elementary School – No. 15
- Marsh Pointe Elementary School – No. 63
- Equestrian Trails Elementary School – No. 68
- Panther Run Elementary School – No. 85
- Beacon Cove Intermediate School – No. 90
Top 100 Middle Schools in Florida
- Bak Middle School of the Arts – No. 7
- Don Estridge High Tech Middle School – No. 16
- Addison Mizner School – No. 30
- North Grade K-8 – No. 31
- Verde K-8 – No. 48
- West Boynton Middle School – No. 87
The 12 schools join five district high schools that U.S. News placed in Florida’s top 100 back in August.
Top 100 High Schools in Florida
- Suncoast Community High School – No. 8
- Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts – No. 15
- Spanish River Community High School – No. 50
- Boca Raton Community High School – No. 73
- West Boca Raton Community High School – No. 100
The Florida Department of Education recently named the district “Academically High-Performing” again — one of only 18 districts statewide to earn the label. The state also recognized 45 Palm Beach County public schools as “Schools of Excellence” for sustained academic performance over multiple years.
Families can enroll at their neighborhood school, apply to any district school with open seats, or apply to more than 330 specialized choice programs. Details are at PalmBeachSchools.org/Enroll, or through the Office of Admissions and Family Experience at admissions@palmbeachschools.org or 561-434-8197.
The district also pointed to the 1 Mill for Schools, which gives teachers an average $8,000 annual salary boost, funds 900 teacher positions and supports student safety and security. Voters approved it in 2018 and renewed it in 2022. A question to continue it is on the 2026 general election ballot. Official ballot language is posted at StrongSchoolsPBC.org.
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