For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 10,981 students in Palmetto, FL (there are 3 private schools, serving 118 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Palmetto, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Palmetto, FL are Palmetto Charter School, Virgil Mills Elementary School and Manatee Virtual Instruction Program. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palmetto, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Florida public school average of 53%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Palmetto have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palmetto, FL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Palmetto Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1607 17th St W
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-3711
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-3711
Gr: K-8 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Virgil Mills Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7200 69th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-2140
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-2140
Gr: PK-5 | 863 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Manatee Virtual Instruction Program
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1400 1st Ave E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-4971
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-4971
Gr: K-12 | 151 students Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #44.
Buffalo Creek Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7320 69th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-2260
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-2260
Gr: 6-8 | 1,171 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #55.
James Tillman Elementary Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1415 29th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4833
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4833
Gr: PK-5 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #66.
Imagine Charter School At North Manatee
Charter School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9275 49th Ave E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 981-5345
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 981-5345
Gr: PK-8 | 853 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #77.
The Port Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
14470 Harlee Rd
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 747-3011
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 747-3011
Gr: 9-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Rank: #88.
Manatee Virtual School ( Virtual Franchise)
(Math: <50% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1400 1st Ave E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-4971
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-4971
Gr: 1-12 | 38 students Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #99.
Blackburn Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3904 17th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4800
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4800
Gr: PK-5 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #1010.
Manatee School For The Arts
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Haben Blvd
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-6800
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 721-6800
Gr: 6-12 | 2,051 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #1111.
Palmetto Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1540 10th St W
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4822
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4822
Gr: PK-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #1212.
Palm View K-8 School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6025 Bayshore Rd
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4812
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4812
Gr: PK-8 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1313.
Palmetto High School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1200 17th St W
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4848
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 723-4848
Gr: 8-12 | 2,185 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #1414.
Lincoln Memorial Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
305 17th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-8770
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-8770
Gr: 6-8 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: n/an/a
Hola! Elementary Msa
Charter School
700 Haben Blvd, Elementary Bui
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-8770
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 708-8770
Gr: PK-5 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Palmetto, FL?
The top-ranked public schools in Palmetto, FL include Palmetto Charter School, Virgil Mills Elementary School and Manatee Virtual Instruction Program.
How many public schools are located in Palmetto?
15 public schools are located in Palmetto.
What percentage of students in Palmetto go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Palmetto are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palmetto?
Palmetto public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Palmetto are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Palmetto include: Manatee Virtual School ( Virtual Franchise) vs. Palmetto Charter School, Palm View K-8 School vs. Palmetto Charter School, James Tillman Elementary Magnet School vs. Virgil Mills Elementary School
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