Schools in Fort Lauderdale: A Guide to Broward County's Options

Schools in Fort Lauderdale matter to almost every family buying a home here, and the good news is that the options run deep. The city sits inside Broward County Public Schools, one of the largest and, lately, one of the highest-rated districts in Florida, and it is surrounded by well-known private academies and nearby colleges. Whether you lean public, magnet, or private, you have real choice. Here is a practical guide for buyers.

Key takeaways

• Broward County Public Schools is the sixth-largest district in the country and earned an A grade from the state for a third straight year.
• Magnet and choice programs let families apply outside their zoned school during an annual open-enrollment window.
• Fort Lauderdale is home to respected private schools like Pine Crest, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Cardinal Gibbons.
• Attendance boundaries change, so verify a home's zoned schools before you buy.

The public district behind schools in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale students are served by Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest system in the United States and the second-largest in Florida, with roughly 236,000 students as of the 2025 count. The district runs more than 300 schools across elementary, middle, high, and specialized levels, plus a large charter sector.

Performance has climbed. The state awarded Broward an A grade for the 2025-26 school year, its third consecutive A, with no district-operated schools rated D or F for the third straight year. That track record is one reason families relocating to the area put Broward on their shortlist. For the calendar side of school planning, our Palm Beach County school calendar guide covers the neighboring county's schedule.

Magnet and choice programs

One of the district's strengths is choice. Broward runs magnet and innovative programs in fields like STEAM, marine science, aviation technology, health and wellness, pre-law, and world languages, and qualified students can apply from across the county rather than being locked to a boundary school. Two well-regarded public high schools in the city are Fort Lauderdale High, which offers a Cambridge program, and Dillard High, known for its performing-arts magnet.

Families apply through the district's School Choice open-enrollment window, which for the 2026-27 year ran from early November 2025 into late January 2026. If a magnet or a different zoned school fits your child better, that window is when you request it.

Private schools in the city

Fort Lauderdale also has a strong independent and parochial sector. Pine Crest School, founded in 1934, is a college-preparatory institution with a wide slate of Advanced Placement courses. St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a Catholic school dating to 1936, is nationally recognized for both academics and athletics and earned National Blue Ribbon status in 2022. Cardinal Gibbons High School is another established Catholic college-prep option. Tuition at the top independent schools runs well into the tens of thousands per year, so budget accordingly if you go this route.

Colleges nearby

The area is not just K-12. Broward College, one of the largest institutions in the Florida College System, serves tens of thousands of students, and Nova Southeastern University runs its main campus a short drive west in Davie. Florida Atlantic University also maintains a Broward presence, giving families higher-education options close to home. As you weigh neighborhoods, our guide to the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale pairs well with school research, and you can browse homes on our Fort Lauderdale page.

Frequently asked questions

Are schools in Fort Lauderdale good?

Broadly, yes. The public district earned an A grade from the state for a third year running, with no D or F district-run schools, and the city has several respected magnet and private options. Quality still varies school to school, so check the specific zoned school for any home.

How do I find a home's zoned schools?

Use the Broward County Public Schools boundary locator or ask your agent to confirm the assigned elementary, middle, and high schools for the exact address. Boundaries and zones are adjusted periodically.

Can my child attend a school outside our neighborhood?

Often, yes. Broward's School Choice program lets families apply to magnet schools and other choice options during an annual open-enrollment window, subject to seat availability and program criteria.

Buying in Fort Lauderdale with schools in mind? Pure Equity Realty can match homes to the schools that fit your family. Talk to us, or explore the Broward County market.

Sources

• Broward County Public Schools, About Us
• BCPS Newsroom, A grade for a third year
• BCPS, Magnet & Innovative Programs
• GreatSchools, Best High Schools in Broward

School ratings, grades, and attendance boundaries change from year to year. Confirm current information with Broward County Public Schools before making a decision based on a specific school.