Education

There are more than 30 public elementary schools in the region, offering impeccable educational experiences for your children. In addition, the area offers countless programs, opportunities and sponsors that allow students to progress in their educational studies.

The region is also known for exceeding on the FCAT. We boast several Blue Ribbon Schools. The rich mix of public and private schools accommodate families of all sizes. With strong early learning programs, children are reading by kindergarten. An educational system on the forefront of learning, this region is renowned for inventing programs.

Higher Education

The University of West Florida, based in Pensacola since 1963, is the largest provider of higher education, offering a range of associate, bachelor's and masters degrees as well as doctoral programs to more than 12,000 students in its three colleges, and has awarded more than 59,000 associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. The West Florida Argonauts are composed of 13 NCAA sports teams which make up the athletic program for UWF.

Pensacola State College is one of 28 public colleges in the Florida College System committed to affordable, open access to educational opportunities. Pensacola State offers associate and baccalaureate degrees, career oriented certificates, college prep, recreation/leisure, adult education, GED prep, and standard high school diplomas. Pensacola State College services Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by providing convenient, accessible education at three campuses, three centers and online. Pensacola State was recently ranked in the nation's Top 50 producer of associate degrees in several disciplines.

Northwest Florida State College, based in Niceville has earned a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement, offering bachelor's degree programs, associate degrees, and certificates at several campuses and centers across the panhandle.

Pensacola Christian College is a large provider of private education with an enrollment of nearly 5,000.

Technical education is available at George Stone Technical Center and Locklin Technical Center. Troy University, Embry-Riddle, and Virginia College also operate branch campuses within the area.

The International Baccalaureate program at Pensacola High School is a magnet program administered by Escambia County at Pensacola High School. It is open to able learners who meet admissions qualifications based on GPA, national achievement test percentiles, and teacher recommendations.

Pensacola High School is the first and only school in the area to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Pensacola High School is consistently rated by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 40 high schools in America, making the rank of 22nd in 2010. PHS administers the largest number of Advanced Placement exams in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and PHS students go on to attend some of the most elite colleges in the country.

• University of West Florida
• Pensacola State College
• Pensacola Christian College
• Northwest Florida State College