For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public middle schools serving 4,039 students in Walton County, FL.
The top ranked public middle schools in Walton County, FL are Seaside Neighborhood School, Emerald Coast Middle 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Florida public middle school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 52% statewide average). Middle schools in Walton County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Florida public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public middle school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Walton County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Seaside Neighborhood School
Charter School
(Math: 97% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
10 Smolian Circle
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-0396
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-0396
Grades: 5-12
| 440 students
Rank: #22.
Emerald Coast Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4019 Us Highway 98e
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-5025
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-5025
Grades: 6-8
| 872 students
Rank: #33.
Paxton School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
21893 Us Highway 331 N
Paxton, FL 32538
(850) 892-1230
Paxton, FL 32538
(850) 892-1230
Grades: PK-12
| 795 students
Rank: #44.
Freeport Middle School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
360 Kylea Laird Dr
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 892-1220
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 892-1220
Grades: 5-8
| 678 students
Rank: #55.
Walton Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
605 Bruce Ave
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1281
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1281
Grades: 6-8
| 775 students
Rank: #66.
Walton Virtual School Wcsd
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: K-12
| 7 students
Rank: #77.
Walton Virtual Franchise
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: 6-12
| 21 students
Rank: #88.
Walton Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
286 Gene Hurley Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 520-4656
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:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
555 Walton Rd, Wise Campus
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1111
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1111
Grades: PK-12
| 247 students
Rank: #1010.
Walton Academy Inc.
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
389 Dorsey Ave
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-3999
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
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(850) 863-4160
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Walton County Jail Program
Alternative School
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
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
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1100
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Walton County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Chautauqua Learn And Serve At The Arc Of Walton County Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1408 A Highway 83 N
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-5013
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-5013
Grades: 12
| 5 students
Non-enrolled Prek Elementary School (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
145 S Park St
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1161
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-1161
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Walton County Superintendent's Office (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
0145 Park Street, Suite #2
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-110
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-110
Grades: PK-5
| 9 students
Wlc Intensive Halfway House (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
286 Gene Hurley Rd
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-8580
Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-8580
Grades: 6-12
| 15 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Walton County, FL?
The top ranked public middle schools in Walton County, FL include Seaside Neighborhood School, Emerald Coast Middle School and Paxton School.
How many public middle schools are located in Walton County?
13 public middle schools are located in Walton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Walton County?
Walton County public middle schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public middle schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Walton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Walton County include: Walton Middle School vs. Freeport Middle School, Freeport Middle School vs. Walton Middle School, Freeport Middle School vs. Emerald Coast Middle School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe 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.
