Public, Private and Parochial

AMONG THE SCHOOL options available here, Palm Beach County has 180 school district-operated public schools, 40 charter schools and 110 private and faith-based. These include alternative schools, schools with religious affiliation, academic academies, prep schools, independent schools, music- and art-oriented academies, Montessori education, and many others.

The School District of Palm Beach County is the 10th-largest school district in the country, with enrollment of more than 170,000 students and an annual budget of $3.8 billion. Not only is the district one of only two large Florida school districts to receive the coveted “A” rating, it has no schools on the state’s list of Persistently Low Performing Schools, said Superintendent Mike Burke, who also is a member of the national Council of Great City Schools.

For career-focused students, the district offers more than 330 choice and career programs that align with current and future workforce needs. “As Palm Beach County’s business community thrives and expands, the School District works collaboratively with local industries to ensure that our A-rated District creates career pathways that are beneficial to students and employers alike,” he said.

“The educational system in Florida, especially South Florida, sets a shining national example,” said Dr. Douglas R. Laurie, President of American Heritage Schools. “When students matriculate to college, there are amazing in-state choices.... Florida will continue to be innovative and progressive without political or social agendas, and strive towards continuing to focus on pure academic achievements.

Superintendent Mike Burke, School District of Palm Beach County

Superintendent Mike Burke School District of Palm Beach County