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GreatSchools Rating

Fort Walton Beach High School

Public | 9-12 | 1755 students

Academics, fine arts, and athletics
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 7 ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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18 reviews of this school


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Posted April 11, 2013

Would have been 5 stars but the guidance counselors have too many student to keep track of and my child will not be able to graduate with honors even with a 4.2 grade point because the correct classes were not recommended (that is what a guidance counselor is for) BIG dissappointment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 10, 2013

FWBHS is a winner! Excellent teachers and staff. Outstanding athletic programs and extracurricular activities. Go Vikings!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 17, 2013

Great School!! Excellent Staff!! After moving to destin we were concerned about the high school because our child is Autistic. I was so amazed at how involved the staff were compared to our previous high school. My child has the best classes to fit her needs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2013

There is a sense of trust amongst the students, teachers and staff at the high school. Everyone knows what is expected of each other. The teachers have high expectations of their students and it shows in the students performance
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2013

The school has strong leadership. The school leaders have high expectations of their students and teachers. Administration has a visible presence in the classroom, hallways and school functions. They help create a positive atmosphere at the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2013

Excellent opportunities for students to excel both academically and in athletics. The principal is exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2013

FWBHS is an excellent school with amazing teachers and administrators that truly care about the students and their families. The academics are challenging and the students are well-prepared for college upon graduation.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

Great determination of the teachers and the counselors in keeping the kids on track.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

What the school does for the kids is really great. The parents are involved and the teachers, it is like a big family.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2009

Best school in Florida, hands down. Maybe best in all of U.S.
—Submitted by a student


Posted March 11, 2008

This is school is absolutely amazing!! I just recently moved to another city, but even after i compare this school to the one I'm at now, FWBHS is STILL the greatest school i will EVER attend. GO VIKES!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 21, 2008

I was in an excellent position of preparation when I entered college.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 6, 2008

Great school! Wonderful teachers and staff! We love it! Go Vikings! Aura Esther Rodriguez & her triplets.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 12, 2007

My son attends this school for three years now. He and I have loved it. The school understands that friends are an important thing to these teenagers and give them many outlets to hang out. The school has many teachers with over 15 years of experience. This is a great school. If you are going to send you child to a high school, make it this one!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2006

The level of commitment presented by the staff coupled with an outstanding administration has made me feel my student is cared about academically and as an individual.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 24, 2006

My sons went to FWBHS and I was very happy with their educational experience. Dr. Tibbetts has really improved the appearance of the school, and the test scores have never been better. Great band program !!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 29, 2004

My son is a Senior and he has had a wonderful experience at FWBHS. The teachers have been involved and motivational. The Band program is excellent and the leaders have been very supportive. It has been a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2003

FWB is a military town and many students arrive here every year and from our experience this school treats students equally--which is a great attribute. Carry staffers are ready to help as needed. School is developing a 'respect everyone' environment which is a plus in today's world. Go Vikings!
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Reading

The state average for Reading was 52% in 2012.

424 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
70%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

415 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
67%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 84% in 2012.

420 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
98%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "A".

About the tests


Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 59% in 2012.

268 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
80%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1. The EOC is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The Algebra 1 EOC has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 74% 46%
Black 12% 23%
Hispanic 5% 25%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 2%
Multiracial 4% 4%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 15%N/A46%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Attendance and completion

  This school District averageState average
Graduation rate 88%N/A73%
Dropout rate 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school Bruner Middle School
Destin Middle School
Liza Jackson Prep or St Mary Catholic
Percentage of students going to 2-year college 35% (2013)
Percentage of students going to 4-year college 38% (2013)
Percentage of students going to the military 10% (2013)
Percentage of students going to vocational programs 2% (2013)
Percentage of students going directly into the workforce 15% (2013)
Colleges most students attend after graduation University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Alabama
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per teacher 19N/A15
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 64%N/A65%
Master's degree 34%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 0%N/A1%
Other degree 1%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Dance teacher(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff American sign language
Chinese (Mandarin)
French
Japanese
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Cognitive disability
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Medical
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Auto mechanics

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
  • Performing arts
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • American sign language
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Medical
Staff resources available to students
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:00 am
School end time
  • 1:55 pm
School Leader's name
  • Ms. Charlene Couvillon
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • No
Fax number
  • (850) 833-3311

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Advanced placement courses
  • College prep
  • Core knowledge
  • Direct instruction
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
  • STEM
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Medical
  • Performing arts
  • Service learning
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Cognitive disability
  • Other health impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • Auto mechanics
  • Construction / building
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • American sign language
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Ft Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • Destin Chamber of Commerce
School leaders can update this information here.

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How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Alabama
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
Community college courses
Students' post-graduation plans in 2013
2 year college - 35%
4 year college - 38%
Military - 10%
Vocational - 2%
Workforce - 15%
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

400 Hollywood Blvd SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Phone: (850) 833-3300

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