For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 3,209 students in Niceville, FL. The top-ranked public elementary schools in Niceville, FL are Bluewater Elementary School, James E Plew Elementary School and C. W. Ruckel Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Niceville, FL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 81% (versus the Florida public elementary school average of 56%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 53% statewide average). Elementary schools in Niceville have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Florida public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public elementary school average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Niceville, FL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bluewater Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4545 Range Rd
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4240
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4240
Gr: PK-5 | 885 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
James E Plew Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
220 Pine Ave
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4100
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4100
Gr: PK-5 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
C. W. Ruckel Middle School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
201 Partin Dr N
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4142
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4142
Gr: 6-8 | 1,061 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #44.
Lula J. Edge Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
300 Highway 85 N
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4138
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 833-4138
Gr: PK-5 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Niceville, FL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Niceville, FL include Bluewater Elementary School, James E Plew Elementary School and C. W. Ruckel Middle School. Niceville has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Florida.
How many public elementary schools are located in Niceville?
4 public elementary schools are located in Niceville.
What is the racial composition of students in Niceville?
Niceville public elementary schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public elementary schools average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Niceville are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Niceville include: Lula J. Edge Elementary School vs. James E Plew Elementary School, James E Plew Elementary School vs. Lula J. Edge Elementary School, Bluewater Elementary School vs. James E Plew Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.