The Florida Department of Education has named 45 Palm Beach County public schools to its 2026 School of Excellence list, a designation for schools that rank near the top of the state over several years. Several Boca Raton-area schools made the list, including Boca Raton Community High, Spanish River Community High, West Boca Raton Community High, Addison Mizner, Calusa Elementary, Del Prado Elementary, Omni Middle and Verde K-8.
Whispering Pines Elementary in West Boca Raton was not on the list. The school serves many of the newer G.L. Homes communities, including parts of The Bridges, Seven Bridges and Boca Bridges, where many families moved during the pandemic. Local educators had expected the influx of higher-income families seeking strong academics to help the school’s standing, according to BocaNewsNow.com.
To qualify, a school must rank at or above the 80th percentile among its peers statewide in at least two of the last three school years. Superintendent Mike Burke said sustaining that performance year after year is what sets these schools apart. He credited students, families, teachers, staff and school leaders.
The School District of Palm Beach County holds an “A” rating from the state and is designated an Academically High-Performing District.
Families can attend their zoned school, apply to any district school with open seats, or apply to more than 330 specialized choice programs. Details are at PalmBeachSchools.org/Enroll, or by calling 561-434-8197.
“
