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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Manatee County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 84 public schools serving 51,619 students in Manatee County, FL (there are 35 private schools, serving 4,237 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Manatee County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Manatee County, FL are Palmetto Charter School, Robert Willis Elementary School and Gene Witt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Manatee County, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Manatee County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Manatee County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmetto Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1607 17th St W
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-3711
Gr: K-8 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Robert Willis Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
14705 The Masters Ave
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 316-8245
Gr: PK-5 | 785 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Gene Witt Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
200 Rye Rd E
Bradenton, FL 34212
(941) 741-3628
Gr: PK-5 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Anna Maria Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
4700 Gulf Dr
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
(941) 708-5525
Gr: PK-5 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Ida M. Stewart Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
7905 15th Ave Nw
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 741-3176
Gr: PK-5 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Gilbert W Mcneal Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
6325 Lorraine Rd
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 751-8165
Gr: PK-5 | 672 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
State College Of Florida Collegiate School
Charter School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
5840 26th St W
Bradenton, FL 34207
(941) 752-5491
Gr: 6-12 | 485 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #88.
B.d. Gullett Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
12125 44th Ave E
Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 727-2607
Gr: PK-5 | 1,314 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #99.
R. Dan Nolan Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
6615 Greenbrook Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 751-8200
Gr: 6-8 | 787 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #1010.
Tara Elementary School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
6950 Linger Lodge Rd E
Bradenton, FL 34203
(941) 751-7660
Gr: PK-5 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1111.
Freedom Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
9515 E State Road 64
Bradenton, FL 34212
(941) 708-4990
Gr: PK-5 | 736 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1212.
Braden River Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
6125 River Club Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 751-7012
Gr: PK-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1313.
Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
3404 Fort Hamer Rd
Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 776-4040
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1414.
Palma Sola Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
6806 5th Ave Nw
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 741-3179
Gr: PK-5 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1515.
Dr Mona Jain Middle School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
12205 44th Ave E
Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 727-4747
Gr: 6-8 | 933 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1616.
Rowlett Middle Academy
Charter School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
400 30th Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 462-4100
Gr: 6-8 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1717.
Barbara A Harvey Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
8610 115th Ave E
Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 803-9340
Gr: K-5 | 1,356 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #1818.
Louise R Johnson K-8 School Of International Studies
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2121 26th Ave E
Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 741-3344
Gr: PK-8 | 844 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #1919.
Virgil Mills Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
7200 69th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-2140
Gr: PK-5 | 863 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #2020.
William Monroe Rowlett Academy For Arts And Communication
Magnet School
Charter School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3500 9th St E
Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 708-6100
Gr: K-5 | 917 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #2121.
Carlos E. Haile Middle School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
9501 Fl 64
Bradenton, FL 34212
(941) 714-7240
Gr: 6-8 | 715 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2222.
Lakewood Ranch High School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 727-6100
Gr: 9-12 | 2,422 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #2323.
Oasis Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6417 3rd Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 749-1979
Gr: 6-8 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #2424.
Manatee Virtual Instruction Program
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1400 1st Ave E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-4971
Gr: K-12 | 151 students Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #2525.
Buffalo Creek Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
7320 69th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-2260
Gr: 6-8 | 1,171 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #2626.
Marjorie G. Kinnan Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3415 Tallevast Rd
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 358-2888
Gr: PK-5 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #2727.
Parrish Community High School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
11601 Erie Rd
Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 803-9330
Gr: 9-12 | 2,266 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #2828.
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1415 29th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4833
Gr: PK-5 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #2929.
Braden River Middle School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
6215 River Club Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 751-7080
Gr: 6-8 | 797 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #3030.
Myakka City Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
37205 Manatee Ave
Myakka City, FL 34251
(941) 708-5515
Gr: PK-5 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #3131.
Parrish Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
8605 Erie Rd
Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 545-6380
Gr: K-8 | 891 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #3232.
Imagine Charter School At North Manatee
Charter School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
9275 49th Ave E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 981-5345
Gr: PK-8 | 853 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #3333.
Team Success A School Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
202 13th Ave E
Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 714-7260
Gr: K-12 | 1,441 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #3434.
The Port Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
14470 Harlee Rd
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 747-3011
Gr: 9-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Rank: #3535.
Manatee Virtual School ( Virtual Franchise)
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1400 1st Ave E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-4971
Gr: 1-12 | 38 students Minority enrollment: 40%
Show 49 more public schools in Manatee County, FL (out of 84 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Manatee County, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Manatee County, FL include Palmetto Charter School, Robert Willis Elementary School and Gene Witt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Manatee County?
80 public schools are located in Manatee County.
What percentage of students in Manatee County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Manatee County are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Manatee County?
Manatee County public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Manatee County are often viewed compared to one another?

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