Difficulty Level of High Schools in FL

Hey there, I'm currently living in Florida and was curious about which high schools are considered the most challenging academically in this state. Anyone have insight on this?

There are quite a few high-performing high schools in Florida known for their rigorous academics, so it ultimately depends on what sources you're consulting and what factors you're considering.

For instance, an evaluation criterion could be based on the average number of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses taken by students.

1. Pine View School located in Osprey, FL is an example of a school deemed challenging for its emphasis on a gifted curriculum for 2nd through 12th graders, the array of AP courses, and a high college readiness index.

2. Design & Architecture Senior High (DASH) in Miami offers a robust academic program alongside specialized courses in fields such as architecture, industrial design, fashion design, and visual communications.

3. International Studies Charter High School also in Miami, offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program alongside its regular curriculum, which can be more challenging and may provide a good experience for college preparation.

4. Also, there is School for Advanced Studies (SAS) offering dual-enrollment high school and college curriculum where high school juniors and seniors complete their last two years of high school concurrently with their first two years of college.

5. The Stanton College Preparatory located in Jacksonville, offers many AP courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, which are vigorous and challenging.

6. Up the coast in Pensacola, the Pensacola Booker T. Washington High School features an IB and AP program, as well as a nationally recognized Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC).

Remember every school has its unique strengths so make sure the school aligns with your interests and needs. It might be helpful for you to visit these schools or learn more about their programs online. Start by looking at the coursework offered and checking how many of these courses are AP or IB, as this can indicate the high school's academic intensity. It is also advisable to check their average SAT/ACT scores and college matriculation rates.