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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Walton County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public high schools serving 4,536 students in Walton County, FL.
The top-ranked public high schools in Walton County, FL are Seaside Neighborhood School, South Walton High School and Paxton School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Walton County, FL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the Florida public high school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Walton County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Florida public high schools.
Walton County, FL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the Florida average of 88%.
The school with highest graduation rate is South Walton High School, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Florida or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public high school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Walton County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Seaside Neighborhood School
Charter School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
10 Smolian Circle
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-0396
Gr: 5-12 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
South Walton High School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
645 Greenway Trl
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-5020
Gr: 9-12 | 1,127 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Paxton School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
21893 Us Highway 331 N
Paxton, FL 32538
(850) 892-1230
Gr: PK-12 | 783 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Freeport Senior High School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
12615 Us Highway 331 S
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 892-1200
Gr: 9-12 | 677 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
Walton High School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
449 Walton Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1270
Gr: 9-12 | 969 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #66.
Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)
Alternative School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
555 Walton Rd, Wise Campus
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1111
Gr: PK-12 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #77.
Walton Academy Inc.
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
389 Dorsey Ave
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-3999
Gr: 5-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: n/an/a
Contracted Residential Services
Special Education School
101a Business Center Dr
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(850) 863-4160
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Emerald Coast Technical College
Vocational School
761 N 20th St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1240
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Magnet Innovation Center
Magnet School
133 South Watersound Pkwy
Inlet Beach, FL 32461
(850) 622-5020
Gr: 9-12 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Walton County Jail Program
Alternative School
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Gr: 6-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Walton County, FL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Walton County, FL include Seaside Neighborhood School, South Walton High School and Paxton School.
How many public high schools are located in Walton County?
15 public high schools are located in Walton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Walton County?
Walton County public high schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public high schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Walton County are often viewed compared to one another?

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