For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,831 students in Walton County, FL.
The top ranked public preschools in Walton County, FL are Mossy Head School, Paxton School and Freeport Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Walton County, FL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Florida public pre school average of 57%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 54% statewide average). Pre schools in Walton County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Florida public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public preschool average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Walton County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Mossy Head School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
13270 Us Highway 90 W
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1290
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-1290
Grades: PK-5
| 504 students
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
Freeport Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
15381 Us Highway 331 S
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 892-1210
Freeport, FL 32439
(850) 892-1210
Grades: PK-4
| 1,161 students
Rank: #44.
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: n/an/a
118 Gilmore St
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-5050
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-5050
Grades: PK
| 124 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 preschools in Walton County, FL?
The top ranked public preschools in Walton County, FL include Mossy Head School, Paxton School and Freeport Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Walton County?
5 public preschools are located in Walton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Walton County?
Walton County public preschools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public preschools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

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
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.

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.