Alachua County Schools & Education
Alachua County, Florida
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
90.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,871
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,118
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#45
of 67 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Alachua County, Florida
A Growing Academic Hub in Alachua
Alachua County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 64 public schools serving 30,203 students across two districts. The system includes 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 16 high schools, plus seven specialized facilities. Most students attend schools within the primary Alachua district, which manages 62 of the county's locations.
Strong Graduation Rates Exceed National Averages
The county boasts a 90.4% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the Florida state average of 89.8%. While per-pupil expenditure of $5,871 remains below the $13,000 national benchmark, the county maintains a 51.3 composite school score. These results suggest efficient use of resources to produce high-achieving graduates.
University Influence and Charter Diversity
The Alachua district is the dominant provider with 28,916 students, while the UF Lab School serves 1,287 students in a specialized research environment. Charter schools play a major role here, making up 20.3% of the total landscape with 13 different options. This variety provides families with diverse pedagogical choices from traditional public to laboratory settings.
Urban Centers Meet Rural Classrooms
The school environment is split between 30 city-based schools and 15 rural campuses, reflecting the county's varied geography. The average school size is 530 students, ranging from small rural outposts to massive campuses like F. W. Buchholz High School, which enrolls 2,540 students. This mix ensures that families can find both intimate learning environments and large-scale academic centers.
Education-First Living in Alachua
With graduation rates hitting the 90% mark, Alachua County is a top choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Exploring homes near high-performing campuses like Gainesville High or Eastside High can secure a spot in some of the region's most established zones. Use school quality as your guide to finding the perfect neighborhood in this research-focused community.
School Overview
Total Schools
64
in Alachua County
Total Enrollment
30,203
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
13
20% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Alachua County
ALACHUA
UF LAB SCH
64 Public Schools in Alachua County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F. W. BUCHHOLZ HIGH SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 5–12 | High | 2,540 |
| GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 9–12 | High | 1,873 |
| P.K. YONGE DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH SCHOOL | UF LAB SCH | KG–12 | Other | 1,287 |
| EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 9–12 | High | 1,220 |
| SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 9–12 | High | 1,154 |
| KANAPAHA MIDDLE SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 6–8 | Middle | 1,094 |
| HIGH SPRINGS COMMUNITY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–8 | Primary | 974 |
| OAK VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 5–8 | Middle | 964 |
| FORT CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 6–8 | Middle | 961 |
| KIMBALL WILES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–5 | Primary | 862 |
| MEADOWBROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | KG–5 | Primary | 848 |
| WESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 6–8 | Middle | 847 |
| HOWARD W. BISHOP MIDDLE SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 6–8 | Middle | 823 |
| HIDDEN OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–5 | Primary | 775 |
| LAWTON M. CHILES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–5 | Primary | 749 |
| NEWBERRY HIGH SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 9–12 | High | 728 |
| ABRAHAM LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL | ALACHUA | 6–8 | Middle | 709 |
| LITTLEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–5 | Primary | 706 |
| NEWBERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–4 | Primary | 661 |
| WILLIAM S. TALBOT ELEM SCHOOL | ALACHUA | PK–5 | Primary | 631 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,871
State avg $6,118
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Alachua County, Florida — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Alachua County, Florida?
Alachua County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 64 public schools serving 30,203 students across two districts. The system includes 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 16 high schools, plus seven specialized facilities. Most students attend schools within the primary Alachua district, which manages 62 of the county's locations.
How do schools in Alachua County perform academically?
The county boasts a 90.4% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the Florida state average of 89.8%. While per-pupil expenditure of $5,871 remains below the $13,000 national benchmark, the county maintains a 51.3 composite school score. These results suggest efficient use of resources to produce high-achieving graduates.
What are the major school districts in Alachua County, Florida?
The Alachua district is the dominant provider with 28,916 students, while the UF Lab School serves 1,287 students in a specialized research environment. Charter schools play a major role here, making up 20.3% of the total landscape with 13 different options. This variety provides families with diverse pedagogical choices from traditional public to laboratory settings.
What is the school experience like in Alachua County?
The school environment is split between 30 city-based schools and 15 rural campuses, reflecting the county's varied geography. The average school size is 530 students, ranging from small rural outposts to massive campuses like F. W. Buchholz High School, which enrolls 2,540 students. This mix ensures that families can find both intimate learning environments and large-scale academic centers.
How can I find homes near good schools in Alachua County, Florida?
With graduation rates hitting the 90% mark, Alachua County is a top choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Exploring homes near high-performing campuses like Gainesville High or Eastside High can secure a spot in some of the region's most established zones. Use school quality as your guide to finding the perfect neighborhood in this research-focused community.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.