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(Nexstar) – Three schools in Florida have made headlines by securing the top spots in the newest rankings of public elementary schools and K-12 institutions for 2026, according to Niche.com.
Niche.com, which is known for its educational research, releases these rankings annually. The data comes from various sources including the Department of Education and student reviews.
Pineview School, located in Osprey, Florida, has clinched the top rank as the best primary school, largely due to its outstanding scores in academics, teaching quality, and preparation for higher education. Established back in 1969, Pineview caters to students from second grade up to the 12th grade.
Luke Skurman, the CEO and founder of Niche, commented on the rankings saying, “Our K-12 rankings bring together rigorous data and real experiences from students, parents, and educators. This makes it clear that families prefer schools where children can flourish academically and socially, setting a solid groundwork for their future.”
The remainder of the top 25 schools, as per Niche’s rankings, includes:
- 1. Pine View School, Sarasota County, Florida
- 2. Rising Leader Academy, Bay County, Florida
- 3. Henderson University School & FAU High School, Palm Beach County, Florida
- 4. Basic Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 5. Success Academy Charter School – Hell’s Kitchen, New York County, New York
- 6. Great Hearts Academy – Archway Lincoln, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 7. Archway Classical Academy – Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 8. Science, Technology & Math School’s new research, New York County, New York
- 9. Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst, Kings County, New York
- 10. Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy North Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
- 11. Self-development Academy, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 12. Basic Scottsdale Primary East, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 13. Mohave Accelerated Elementary School, Mohave County, Arizona
- 14. Icahn Charter School 6, Bronx County, New York
- 15. Florida State University School, Leon County, Florida
- 16. IPREP Academy, Miami-Dade County, Florida
- 17. Success Academy Charter School – Bushwick, Kings County, New York
- 18. Archway Classical Academy – Chandler, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 19. Village Elementary School, Nassau County, New York
- 20. Success Academy Charter School – Hudson Yard, New York County, New York
- 21. Basic Flag Staff, Coconino County, Arizona
- 22. Base Chandler Primary North, Maricopa County, Arizona
- 23. Success Academy Charter School – Upper West, New York County, New York
- 24. Walt Whitman Elementary School, Nassau County, New York
- 25. Spring Branch Academic Institute, Harris County, Texas
In terms of top stand-alone public high schools, the rankings place the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics first, along with other schools like Davidson Academy in Nevada and the Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics.
Trends in School Enrollment
Recent data shows that from 2019 to 2023, enrollment in public schools decreased by more than 20% in about one out of every twelve schools. A report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute reveals that many of these were underperforming institutions located in economically disadvantaged areas.
Looking ahead, the National Center for Education Statistics forecasts a 5.5% decline in public school enrollment from 2022 to 2031, primarily attributed to demographic shifts and an increase in private schooling and homeschooling among families.
Despite federal funds helping some schools remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, the absence of these relief funds is raising concern among educators. Aaron Garth Smith, with the Reason Foundation, emphasizes that enrollment in public schools is in a downward trend and will likely continue.
“The takeaway is pretty clear,” Smith noted, “Public school enrollments are declining. This situation will persist for years, and state and local policymakers need to adapt to this new reality.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
