Relocating to Central Florida often comes with big decisions, especially if you’re moving with school-aged children. One of the most important factors for many families is access to high-quality education. Whether you’re looking at public or private options, Orlando and the surrounding areas offer a variety of school districts that excel in academics, extracurriculars, and student support. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top-performing districts, highlight what makes each unique, and help you feel confident in your move to the Sunshine State.
Table of Contents
Seminole County School District
The Seminole County School District is the leader in many education categories in Central Florida. It has some of the best elementary schools in Orlando, Florida, serving over 60,000 students with a staff of 7,000 employees.
Not only are Seminole County schools considered among the best in the Orlando area, but they also exhibit the most diversity, with a student body comprising just over 40% White and 30% Hispanic, African American, or Asian. It’s also a great school district for athletes, ranking third in the state.
Location
Seminole County schools are primarily located in Sanford, FL, just north of Orlando. However, the entire district features 37 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and nine high schools within the county, perfectly commutable for families with children of all ages.
Academics
As a Florida school district leader, Seminole County Public Schools boasts a fantastic 96% graduation rate. The Florida Department of Education recognizes the district as an “A”-rated school, with top state rankings in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Seminole County public schools also have a higher state and global pass rate for Advanced Placement (AP) exams at 69%, excelling in calculus, physics, and chemistry.
Fun Fact
Graduating seniors have earned more than $110 million in verified scholarships, underlining the high-achieving reputation of the Seminole County School District.
Orange County School District
The district is located in Orange County, meaning that if you and your family plan to move to the city itself, you’ll be part of the Orange County School District. There are some of the best middle schools in Orlando, Florida, offering education from pre-kindergarten (PK) through 12th grade (K-12).
If you have athletic children, Orange County public schools take pride in being the number-one ranked district for athletes in Florida. There is a great deal of diversity among the 208,000 students enrolled in the region, with 44.4% Hispanic, 23.8% White, and 23.7% African American.
Location
You can find the Orange County School District in the heart of Central Florida, with Orlando serving as the county seat.
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Academics
Orange County is home to 10 K-8 schools, 131 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, and 22 high schools, making it the fourth-largest school district in Florida. It boasts an overall “A-” grade, excelling in college preparation and extracurricular activities.
Graduation rates are high at 95.5%, producing high achievers, with hundreds of graduates accepted to the top 20 universities in the United States.
Fun Fact
The school district was co-winner of the 2014 Broad Prize, awarded to Orange County public schools for making the most progress in student achievements and closing gaps.
Okaloosa County School District
Okaloosa County School District is in the panhandle of Florida, adjacent to the well-known Eglin Air Force Base. There are a total of 46 schools in the area, including 19 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and four high schools, which serve just under 30,000 students.
The 5,000-strong military family community fuels recognition as one of the top school districts in Florida, ranking seventh.
Location
Okaloosa County is located in northwestern Florida, covering a lush area that ranges from sandy beaches to scenic countryside. Most schools in the region are located on the coast and near the military bases.
Academics
The average graduation rate for schools in Okaloosa County is 92%, where students have a respectable proficiency in reading and math. Its educational success led the district to receive an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education.
Okaloosa County school district is a significant employer in the area, offering a 22:1 student-teacher ratio to ensure dedication to student welfare. The state of Florida has also awarded it a Purple Star for its commitment to educating military families in the area.
Fun Fact
Okaloosa County School District has been a pioneer in Florida’s “tobacco-free” program, launching a student anti-vaping campaign and adopting cutting-edge vape detectors for schools.
Best Private Schools in Orlando, FL
The Orlando area offers numerous excellent private schools to consider when relocating to the city, ranging from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. The Windermere School is the area’s most celebrated institution, renowned for excellence across the board.
Following closely in terms of high academic achievement are the Montverde Academy and Lakeland High Preparatory School, all with beautiful campuses and reputable student welfare.
Conclusion
Choosing the right school district is one of the most important decisions families face when relocating, and Orlando offers no shortage of excellent options. From the high-achieving and diverse Seminole County School District to the expansive and well-rounded Orange County system, each district brings unique strengths to the table.
Even beyond the immediate Orlando area, places like Okaloosa County show Florida’s broader commitment to quality education, especially for military families. For those exploring private education, Orlando’s top institutions, such as Windermere and Montverde Academy, offer strong academics in supportive environments.
No matter where you decide to settle in Central Florida, this region is home to schools that prioritize student success academically, athletically, and socially, making it a wonderful place to build your family’s next chapter.
Ashlyn is a homegrown Iowan (go Cyclones!). She graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2023 with a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications. Now, she serves as UniMovers' Director of Operations. In her free time, she loves to try new restaurants, travel, watch football, and spend time with her dog!
To get in contact with her regarding blog partnerships at UniMovers please email blog@unimovers.com.
