For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,219 students in Washington County, FL (there are , serving 376 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Washington County, FL are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Washington County, FL are Washington Academy Of Varying Exceptionalities (Wave), Roulhac Middle School and Kate M. Smith Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washington County, FL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the Florida public school average of 52%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 52% statewide average). Schools in Washington County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Florida public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Washington County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Washington Academy Of Varying Exceptionalities (Wave)
Special Education School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
934 Tiger Loop
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6170
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6170
Grades: PK-12
| 68 students
Rank: #22.
Roulhac Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1535 Brickyard Rd
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6170
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6170
Grades: 6-8
| 408 students
Rank: #33.
Kate M. Smith Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1447 South Blvd
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6220
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6220
Grades: PK-5
| 964 students
Rank: #44.
Vernon Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3665 Roche Ave
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-2486
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-2486
Grades: PK-5
| 604 students
Rank: #55.
Washington Virtual Instruction Program
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
652 3rd St
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6222
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6222
Grades: K-12
| 15 students
Rank: #66.
Chipley High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1545 Brickyard Rd
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6100
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6100
Grades: 9-12
| 555 students
Rank: #77.
Vernon Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3190 Moss Hill Rd
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-2807
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-2807
Grades: 6-8
| 258 students
Rank: #88.
Vernon High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3232 Moss Hill Rd
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-2046
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-2046
Grades: 9-12
| 331 students
Rank: #99.
Washington Institute For Specialized Education
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
680 2nd St
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6020
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6020
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
753 West Blvd
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6222
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-6222
Grades: 1-12
| 16 students
Washington County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Florida Panhandle Technical College (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
757 Hoyt St
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-1180
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-1180
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
The Vernon Place High School (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
3242 Moss Hill Rd
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-1264
Vernon, FL 32462
(850) 535-1264
Grades: 7-12
| 39 students
Washington Couty Superintendent's Office (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
2652 Third Street
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-622
Chipley, FL 32428
(850) 638-622
Grades: PK-12
| 8 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Washington County, FL?
The top ranked public schools in Washington County, FL include Washington Academy Of Varying Exceptionalities (Wave), Roulhac Middle School and Kate M. Smith Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Washington County?
10 public schools are located in Washington County.
What percentage of students in Washington County go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Washington County are educated in public schools (compared to the FL state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington County?
Washington County public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Florida public schools average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Washington County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington County include: Chipley High School vs. Vernon High School, Vernon High School vs. Chipley High School, Vernon Middle School vs. Roulhac Middle School
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.