For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 3,331 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 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public elementary school average of 66% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Niceville, FL (2025)
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 | 914 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
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 | 820 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
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 | 1,054 student Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
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 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Niceville, Florida 51±¬ÁÏs (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Owcc Collegiate Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
100 College Boulevard
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4949
Niceville, FL 32578
(850) 729-4949
Gr: 1-12 | 239 students Student-teacher ratio: 60:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
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 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Florida public elementary schools average of 66% (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

Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.