P.K. Yonge ranks as top public high school in North Central Florida
Press release from P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School has been recognized among the top public high schools in Florida in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. P.K. Yonge ranks as the No. 1 high school in north central Florida, No. 49 among 1,267 Florida public high schools, and No. 655 nationally among 17,945 high schools.
The recognition highlights P.K. Yonge’s continued commitment to academic excellence, college and career readiness, and providing students with opportunities to succeed in a challenging and supportive learning environment.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates high schools nationwide using a methodology that considers multiple measures of academic performance and preparation for postsecondary success. Factors include college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rate.
As a developmental research school, P.K. Yonge provides a distinctive setting where research and practice inform one another. The school serves a representative group of students that reflects the state of Florida student population, creating an environment in which innovative educational approaches can be explored with learners who reflect the public-school population, making the research relevant across the state.
P.K. Yonge teachers also play an active role in broader educational research and inquiry, working alongside University of Florida and other education professionals to examine effective teaching practices, student learning, and approaches that can improve outcomes for learners. This connection between classroom practice and faculty inquiry allows educators to contribute to the development and study of innovative practices while bringing research-informed strategies directly into their classrooms.
“Our students continue to rise to the high expectations we set for them,” said Dr. Carrie Geiger, P.K. Yonge director. “I am grateful for the dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators who consistently seek ways to improve outcomes for all learners.”
The latest ranking reflects the collective efforts of P.K. Yonge students, educators, staff, administrators, and families. The school continues to build on its commitment to developing engaged, capable, and confident learners while contributing to the broader field of education.
P.K. Yonge’s recognition in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings underscores the school’s strong academic performance and its ongoing commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Please no Frazer-like ranking chest thumping
Rankings are the bane of education. PKY is an outstanding experience regardless of the ranking metric.
“Bottom line on academic quality effects: There’s little evidence the rankings improve teaching or learning directly. Instead, the main documented effects are schools chasing AP/IB participation numbers (sometimes pushing unprepared students into exams just to boost the metric), reputational harm to schools serving disadvantaged populations regardless of teaching quality, and real estate/enrollment pressure tied to rank rather than actual classroom experience.”