High Schools in Escambia

The Escambia school district is home to 13 high schools serving grades 9-12, ranging from large traditional campuses to specialized alternative programs, and the district itself ranks in the 27th percentile statewide.

For parents, the standout schools are clear. Pensacola State Charter Academy is the top performer, ranking in the 96th percentile with a 100% graduation rate and the lowest chronic absenteeism (7.1%), though it serves a less economically diverse population. West Florida High School/Technical is the best traditional public school, ranking in the 87th percentile with a 99.7% graduation rate and strong test scores across all subjects, proving that a technical focus can drive success. J. M. Tate Senior High School is the largest school (2,169 students) and a solid middle-of-the-pack option, ranking in the 55th percentile with a 97.5% graduation rate and lower-than-average absenteeism (28.4%). On the other end, Success Academy and Escambia County Acceleration Academy struggle significantly, with very low test scores, high chronic absenteeism (over 50%), and low graduation rates, despite higher per-student spending at Success Academy.

Key takeaways for families: higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes—J. M. Tate spends the least per student ($8,154) yet achieves solid results. Chronic absenteeism is a critical red flag, as schools with the highest rates also have the lowest performance. The district shows a systemic weakness in Algebra 1 proficiency compared to other subjects, and the technical model at West Florida High School/Technical demonstrates that specialized pathways can engage students effectively. Overall, while socioeconomic factors play a role, schools like West Florida and Tate prove that strong outcomes are achievable across diverse student populations.