[compelled to reply]

Probably Brevard, St. Johns, Martin, Seminole counties...heard good things about Okaloosa County in the panhandle too. For urban districts, probably Palm Beach and Broward overall, at least compared to Hillsborough, Orange, Dade, etc. There are good and bad schools in all of the districts.

[kyle19125]

Pinellas County, specifically Oldsmar/East Lake, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. East Lake High School has received an "A" rating from the State for the past five years running and has the highest percent of students enrolled in AP classes in the state. Nearby Palm Harbor University High School has received an "A" four out of the past five years. Neighboring Clearwater Countryside High School has received a "B" and has been academically very strong for decades despite a more diversified student body than either East Lake or Palm Harbor. The Elementary and Middle Schools feeding these high schools are predominately "A" rated with a "B" rating here and there. For close proximity to an urban center you can't do any better than northern Pinellas County.

[ladyc2b]

I've read great things about this school too.However I've also read that to be accepted in this school the child must be a high achiever, teat well, and be accepted. You don't just get in because you live in the area. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

[ladyc2b]

41346]I've read great things about Pine View school too.However I've also read that to be accepted in this school the child must be a high achiever, test well, and be accepted. You don't just get in because you live in the area. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by ladyc2b

I've read great things about this school too.However I've also read that to be accepted in this school the child must be a high achiever, teat well, and be accepted. You don't just get in because you live in the area. Correct me if I'm mistaken.

Yes, you are correct. I have/had kids who attend Pine View. Your kid must have an IQ of 130 or more, have a certain GPA, pass and achievement test and get teacher recommendations. It's a very rigorous school where 99% of the graduating class goes to a 4 year college. Most/many get full ride scholarships. The school is a public school so there's no tuition cost. Pine View is ranked the number one school in the state of Florida and one of the top in the Nation.

I have a senior there right now and had a 7th grader there as well. We've been there for over then years. What I can tell you is that it's a great school and some kids thrive there and some don't. My high schooler is doing great but it wasn't a great fit for my middle schoolers.

Sarasota county not only has Pine View School but it has many other highly ranked schools as well.

[Dappleganger]

My old science/technology teacher has been teaching at Pine View for awhile, Chap Percival. You have to be a special kind of student to go there, and a special kind of teacher to teach in that school. I was not a student there but graduated from a private school in Hampton Roads.

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Yes, you are correct. I have/had kids who attend Pine View. Your kid must have an IQ of 130 or more, have a certain GPA, pass and achievement test and get teacher recommendations. It's a very rigorous school where 99% of the graduating class goes to a 4 year college. Most/many get full ride scholarships. The school is a public school so there's no tuition cost. Pine View is ranked the number one school in the state of Florida and one of the top in the Nation.

I have a senior there right now and had a 7th grader there as well. We've been there for over then years. What I can tell you is that it's a great school and some kids thrive there and some don't. My high schooler is doing great but it wasn't a great fit for my middle schoolers.

Sarasota county not only has Pine View School but it has many other highly ranked schools as well.

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Dappleganger

My old science/technology teacher has been teaching at Pine View for awhile, Chap Percival. You have to be a special kind of student to go there, and a special kind of teacher to teach in that school. I was not a student there but graduated from a private school in Hampton Roads.

My oldest daughter currently has Chap for a teacher. He teaches her astronomy. She thinks he's a decent teacher and likes to go hang out with him and the class on observation evenings. He's certainly "into" what he teaches.

Like I said before, I think PV is a great fit for some and not so great for others. I would recommend talking to other parents in the community in and out of PV. I would also recommend attending the parent tour in the beginning of each year. I've found that many parents/kids who don't attend PV are not fond of it and most/many who attend PV like it, for the most part.

Unlike the other Sarasota county schools, PV only allows entrance at a certain time of year. It's too difficult for kids to enter in the middle of a year and try to catch up.