There can be a lot of confusion when first encountering the Florida public school system.

Even within the Orlando metropolitan area, the quality of school districts can vary greatly depending on the county, and there are differences among schools even within the same county.

Here are three public high schools in the Orlando metropolitan area that are highly rated based on practical metrics. I hope this information helps those choosing a residence for their children's education.

The first is Lake Mary High School.

Located in Seminole County, it consistently ranks among the top schools in Florida and nationwide. It offers a large number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the pass rate for AP exams is high. The college enrollment rate for graduates is also high, with students gaining admission to Ivy League and other prestigious universities. Seminole County Public Schools is known for its good financial status and high teacher treatment, which benefits Lake Mary High School. The surrounding city of Lake Mary is popular among families and immigrants for its quiet and safe living environment.

The second is Dr. Phillips High School.

Located in the Dr. Phillips area of Orange County, it is easily accessible from downtown Orlando. The performing arts program is particularly renowned, with records of winning national competitions in music, theater, and dance. It also offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. The IB program is an internationally recognized curriculum that allows students to complete college-level coursework in high school, making it suitable for those seeking a more structured academic challenge than AP. The Dr. Phillips area has a relatively high percentage of Korean residents, and there are well-established shopping and dining options nearby.

The third is Oviedo High School.

Located in Oviedo, Seminole County, it is a school with high academic achievement and extracurricular participation rates. Oviedo is a quiet suburban area located northeast of Orlando, with a low crime rate and a family-friendly environment. In the 2024 Florida Department of Education evaluation, the Seminole County school district received an A grade, and Oviedo High School is recognized as an excellent school within this district. It also offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, providing options for students pursuing both college and vocational training.

What these three schools have in common is that they are all rated A by the Florida Department of Education. Florida operates a School Grade system that grades schools from A to F, and this rating is directly linked to local real estate prices.

Homes within A-rated school districts can be hundreds of thousands of dollars more expensive than those in B-rated or lower districts within the same county. Checking the school grade of the designated school for a given address on GreatSchools.org or the Florida Department of Education website is not optional; it is essential when buying a home.

Magnet schools and charter schools should also be considered. Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) operates various magnet programs, and if you apply and are accepted into a magnet program outside your designated district, you can attend a school in another area. While there is competition for acceptance and no guarantees, pursuing magnet options can be a valid strategy if the local district schools are of low quality.

Charter schools are public schools but operate under separate organizations, providing options for families that prefer specific educational philosophies or curricula. Several charter schools operate in the Orlando metropolitan area, some of which have a high percentage of Korean students.

A common piece of practical advice among Korean parents is not to focus solely on school ratings but also to consider the number of AP/IB courses offered, the capabilities of counselors in supporting college admissions, and the percentage of Asian students and the competitive environment within the school.

Even if a school has a high rating, it may have few AP classes or lack adequate college admission support services, while conversely, a school with a slightly lower rating may excel in specific programs.