Top 10 Best Walton County Public High Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 15 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 67% (versus the Florida public high school average of 42%), 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 87%.
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 65% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Walton County (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Seaside Neighborhood School
Charter School
(Math: 97% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
10 Smolian Circle
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-0396
Grades: 5-12
| 440 students
Rank: #22.
South Walton High School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
645 Greenway Trl
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-5020
Grades: 9-12
| 1,112 students
Rank: #33.
Paxton School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
21893 Us Highway 331 N
Paxton, FL 32538
(850) 892-1230
Grades: PK-12
| 795 students
Rank: #44.
Freeport Senior High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
12615 Us Highway 331 S
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 892-1200
Grades: 9-12
| 677 students
Rank: #55.
Walton High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
449 Walton Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1270
Grades: 9-12
| 898 students
Rank: #66.
Walton Virtual School Wcsd
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: K-12
| 7 students
Rank: #77.
Walton Virtual Franchise
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: 6-12
| 21 students
Rank: #88.
Walton Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
286 Gene Hurley Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 520-4656
Grades: 6-12
| 34 students
Rank: #99.
Walton Initiative For Success In Education (Wise)
Alternative School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
555 Walton Rd, Wise Campus
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1111
Grades: PK-12
| 247 students
Rank: #1010.
Walton Academy Inc.
Alternative School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
389 Dorsey Ave
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-3999
Grades: 5-12
| 170 students
Rank: n/an/a
Contracted Residential Services
Special Education School
101 A Business Center Dr
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(850) 863-4160
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Emerald Coast Technical College
Vocational School
761 N 20th St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1240
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Magnet Innovation Center
Magnet School
133 South Watersound Parkway
Inlet Beach, FL 32461
(850) 622-5020
Grades: 9-12
| 135 students
Rank: n/an/a
Walton County Jail Program
Alternative School
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Walton County, FL

Walton County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
1408 A Highway 83 N
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-5013
Grades: 12
| 5 students
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1161
Grades: PK
| n/a students
0145 Park Street, Suite #2
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-110
Grades: PK-5
| 9 students
286 Gene Hurley Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-8580
Grades: 6-12
| 15 students

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 65% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Walton County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.
How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.