Best High Schools
in Jacksonville, Florida
We ranked the 37 high schools in Jacksonville with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.0 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Florida education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Jacksonville for 2026 are Stanton College Preparatory (9.1/10), Samuel W. Wolfson High School (8.7/10), and River City Science Academy (7.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 37 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Jacksonville?
Every high school in Jacksonville is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Stanton College Preparatory
Jacksonville, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Samuel W. Wolfson High School
Jacksonville, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
River City Science Academy
Jacksonville, FL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Jacksonville's 33 ranked high schools span a wide performance range, with an average composite score of 4.7/10 — but a small group of schools pulls well above that mark. Samuel W. Wolfson High School leads the metro at 8.0/10, followed closely by Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center and Stanton College Preparatory. Only 4 schools, or 12% of those ranked, clear the 7.0 threshold, making that upper tier meaningfully selective. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the right fit. Whether you're prioritizing academic rigor, specialized programming, or proximity, the data tells the story clearly. Schools clustered near the metro average offer solid options worth a closer look, while the top performers set a high bar for what's achievable in the Jacksonville area.
Stanton College Preparatory
Samuel W. Wolfson High School
River City Science Academy
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Jacksonville's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Florida so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 37 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Florida education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Florida. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in Jacksonville
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Jacksonville's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Jacksonville
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Jacksonville's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Florida, with 45 schools spanning 4 school districts, plus 8 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in Jacksonville, Florida?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Stanton College Preparatory is the top-rated high school in Jacksonville with a composite score of 9.1/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Jacksonville, Florida?
Jacksonville has 45 high schools, including 8 charter schools. Of these, 37 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Jacksonville?
The average composite score for Jacksonville high schools is 5.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Florida).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Florida, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Florida, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Jacksonville high school rankings?
Yes. Jacksonville has 8 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.