How Do Parkland Florida Schools Rank
A Local State and National Comparison
Parkland is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, parks, open spaces and family-oriented atmosphere. Its highly regarded schools add another important dimension to the city's appeal.
For families considering a move to Parkland, one question frequently rises to the top of the list: How good are the schools?
Parkland is home to a strong group of public schools whose students frequently outperform Broward County and Florida averages. The city's primary public high school also ranks among the better public high schools in the nation.
A closer look at test scores, graduation rates, college preparation and national rankings helps explain why education remains one of Parkland's greatest attractions.
Strong Public Schools From Elementary Through High School
One of Parkland's greatest educational advantages is that strong academic performance is not limited to one school.
Parkland students are served by several highly regarded public schools, including:
Riverglades Elementary School
Park Trails Elementary School
Heron Heights Elementary School
Westglades Middle School
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Families may also consider Somerset Parkland Academy, a local charter school option.
Parkland Elementary School Performance
Parkland's elementary schools perform particularly well on Florida's standardized assessments.
On the 2025-2026 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking FAST third-grade mathematics assessment, the percentage of students achieving Levels 3-5 was:
Each of the Parkland schools listed above exceeded both the Broward County and statewide proficiency rates. These results reflect a
broader pattern of strong performance across all Parkland schools and academic subjects.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
At the high-school level, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is an important part of Parkland's educational story.
Niche gives the school an overall grade of A+ and lists it among the leading public and college-preparatory high schools in Florida and throughout the country.
In Niche's 2026 rankings, Marjory Stoneman Douglas was ranked:
No. 52 of 731 Best Public High Schools in Florida
No. 51 of 602 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Florida
No. 644 of 20,162 Best Public High Schools in America
No. 462 of 16,956 Best College Prep Public High Schools in America
This national ranking places the school within approximately the top 3% of public high schools.
This distinction is especially noteworthy because Marjory Stoneman Douglas is a comprehensive public high school serving the local community rather than a small, selective-admission magnet school.
Graduation and College Preparation
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School also performs strongly in graduation and college preparation. Students have access to a comprehensive offering of Advanced Placement classes and other rigorous academic programs designed to prepare them for college-level work.
Niche reports:
A 99% average graduation rate
77% reading proficiency
73% math proficiency
For families relocating from other parts of Florida or the country, the availability of strong educational opportunities throughout a child's K-12 years can be an important consideration.
Parkland offers well-performing elementary schools, a highly regarded middle school and a nationally competitive public high school within one residential community.
How Do Parkland Schools Compare Nationally
National school comparisons require some caution because states use different academic assessments and proficiency standards. A score on Florida's FAST assessment cannot be directly compared with a test score from another state.
National rankings provide another useful perspective. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's ranking of No. 644 among more than 20,000 public high schools places it at approximately the 97th percentile of the schools included in Niche's 2026 rankings.
Together, the state assessment results and national rankings show that Parkland students frequently outperform county and Florida benchmarks, while the community's primary public high school remains nationally competitive.
What Makes Parkland Schools Stand Out
Test scores and rankings tell only part of the story.
Parkland has developed a community culture in which education is highly valued. Parental involvement, strong academic expectations, extracurricular activities and access to advanced coursework all contribute to the educational environment.
Children also have opportunities beyond the classroom. Parkland's parks, recreation programs, sports leagues, community events and family-oriented neighborhoods complement the traditional school experience.
For many families, this combination of academics, recreation and community involvement is just as important as an individual test score.
Parkland Compared With Other South Florida Communities
South Florida is home to many excellent public, charter, magnet and private schools. Highly regarded options can be found in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
However, what makes Parkland especially attractive is its concentration of highly regarded neighborhood public schools within one small, residential community.
Students may progress from a Parkland elementary school to Westglades Middle School and then to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School without depending on admission to a selective magnet program.
That consistency is an important distinction for families choosing where to make their home.
Education Is Part of the Parkland Lifestyle
Parkland's schools are an important part of what makes the city such a desirable place to live, raise a family and put down roots.
For parents considering a move to South Florida, Parkland offers a compelling combination of highly regarded schools, beautiful neighborhoods, recreational amenities and a strong sense of community.
Thinking About Moving to Parkland
For more information about Parkland, its communities and homes for sale, visit Bill Sohl Sells Parkland.
Whether you are relocating to South Florida or considering a move within the area, the Bill Sohl Luxury Homes Team can help you learn more about Parkland's neighborhoods, communities, schools and real estate market.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or for help with your real estate needs at 954-655-5097. If you’re curious about what your home may be worth in today’s market, I would be happy to provide a complimentary, no-obligation market analysis.
School boundaries, assignments, programs, ratings and test results are subject to change. Buyers should independently verify current school assignments and educational information with Broward County Public Schools and other appropriate sources.
