U.S. News & World Report released its 2027 rankings of Florida’s public K‑8 schools last week, placing twelve Palm Beach County schools inside the state’s top‑100 list. The honors include six elementary schools and six middle schools, highlighting the district’s academic performance for West Palm Beach residents and neighboring communities.
Elementary schools in the top‑100 are:
- Morikami Park Elementary School in Boca Raton – #5
- Waters Edge Elementary School in Boca Raton – #15
- Marsh Pointe Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens – #63
- Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Wellington – #68
- Panther Run Elementary School in Lake Worth Beach – #85
- Beacon Cove Intermediate School in Jupiter – #90
Middle schools earning a spot are:
- Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach – #7
- Don Estridge High Tech Middle School in Boca Raton – #16
- Addison Mizner School in Boca Raton – #30
- North Grade K‑8 in Lake Worth Beach – #31
- Verde K‑8 in Boca Raton – #48
- West Boynton Middle School – #87
The rankings are based on four equally weighted metrics: math proficiency, math performance, reading proficiency, and reading performance. The list does not include charter schools, and the only non‑county school in the top‑100 was Lincoln Park Academy, a public magnet high school in Fort Pierce, ranked #83.
Superintendent Mike Burke praised the achievement, saying, “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. This level of performance is driven by the everyday dedication of our teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, and families.” He added that the district remains focused on delivering a top‑tier education as an “A”‑rated, “Academically High‑Performing” district.
In addition to the rankings, West Palm Beach voters will decide on a school‑funding referendum on the Nov. 3 general election. The measure would renew the existing 1 mill tax—$1 for every $1,000 of taxable home value—originally approved in 2018 and renewed in 2022. For a home assessed at $500,000, the tax would generate $500 annually. The 1 mill funds teacher salary increases averaging $8,000 per year, supports 900 teacher positions, and finances student safety and security initiatives.
What’s next: Residents should review the referendum details before heading to the polls on Nov. 3. The outcome will determine whether the district can continue its current level of teacher compensation and safety funding, which many attribute to the strong academic results reflected in the new rankings.
Sources: wpbf.com
