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The 25 best Florida high schools for athletes in 2026
TL;DR
Florida consistently produces top high school athletes, with a new ranking for 2026 highlighting the best schools. The list is based on student feedback and athletic performance metrics.
Key points
- Florida produces some of the best high school athletes in the country.
- The ranking for 2026 highlights the top schools for athletes.
- Niche conducted a study based on student and parent feedback.
- Factors include athletic reviews, state championships, and sports participation.
Year in and year out, some of the best high school athletes in the country seem to come out of Florida.
From legends of the past like Deion Sanders and Emmitt Smith to modern-day superstars like Jeremiah Smith, they all got their starts playing for one of the state’s premier high schools.
VOTE NOW: Who is the all-time best Florida high school football player?
The Sunshine State yearly produces elite athletes and national championship-caliber teams. Looking at 2026, what schools in the state are currently the best for athletes?
According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Lake Mary High School
- Total number of sports: 30
24. Gulliver Preparatory School (Pinecrest)
- Total number of sports: 19
Lake Highland Preparatory School's Cadence Sorensen looks over her shoulder as Gulliver Prep's Paulina Guerra attempted to clear the bar during the pole vault competition Thursday afternoon, May 18, 2023, during the FHSAA Class 2A State Track and Field Championships.
23. The Benjamin School (North Palm Beach)
- Total number of sports: 18
22. The King's Academy (West Palm Beach)
- Total number of sports: 28
21. Madison County High School (Madison)
- Total number of sports: 16
20. Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater)
- Total number of sports: 24
19. Naples High School (Naples)
- Total number of sports: 26
18. Bishop Verot Catholic High School (Fort Myers)
- Total number of sports: 26
17. North Broward Preparatory School (Coconut Creek)
- Total number of sports: 25
16. Niceville Senior High School (Niceville)
- Total number of sports: 32
15. Venice High School (Venice)
- Total number of sports: 28
14. Ponte Vedra High School (Ponte Vedra Beach)
- Total number of sports: 35
13. Berkeley Preparatory School (Tampa)
- Total number of sports: 17
12. Tampa Catholic High School (Tampa)
- Total number of sports: 37
J'Nia Simpson (1725) of Tampa Catholic prepares to throw in the girls shot put during the FHSAA Class 2A high school track and field meet in Jacksonville on May 16, 2024.
11. Calvary Christian High School (Clearwater)
- Total number of sports: 23
10. Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale)
- Total number of sports: 22
9. American Heritage (Plantation)
- Total number of sports: 20
8. Cardinal Gibbons High School (Fort Lauderdale)
- Total number of sports: 27
7. Montverde Academy (Montverde)
- Total number of sports: 21
6. Our Lady of Lourdes Academy (Miami)
- Total number of sports: 27
5. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School (Miami)
- Total number of sports: 16
4. Jesuit High School (Tampa)
- Total number of sports: 12
3. The Bolles School (Jacksonville)
- Total number of sports: 21
2. Christopher Columbus High School (Miami)
- Total number of sports: 15
1. St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale)
- Total number of sports: 30
St. Thomas Aquinas leads the heat in the girls 4x100 relay during the FHSAA Class 4A high school track and field championships on May 10, 2025.
Data via Niche survey statistics
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Top Florida high schools for athletes revealed
Q&A
What are the top high schools for athletes in Florida for 2026?
The top high schools for athletes in Florida for 2026 are determined by a study from Niche, which evaluates various athletic performance metrics.
How is the ranking of Florida high schools for athletes determined?
The ranking is based on student and parent feedback, including reviews of athletics, state championships, student participation, and the number of sports offered.
Who are some famous athletes that attended Florida high schools?
Notable athletes from Florida high schools include Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Jeremiah Smith, who are recognized for their contributions to sports.
Why is Florida known for producing elite high school athletes?
Florida's warm climate, diverse athletic programs, and competitive sports culture contribute to its reputation for producing elite high school athletes.
