Over the last two decades, parents have become increasingly concerned with their children's education. Because of this fact, many depend on testimonials and rankings for public grade, middle, and high schools. To meet the increasing demand for higher education, charter schools and Montessori schools have become more available to all children as well. Public schools in Clearwater, Florida offer choices of grade schools for all levels as well as charter schools, magnet schools, and even Montessori schools for the growing number of students.

For children interested in a unique specialized education, charter and magnet schools are a great option. Plato Academy Charter School is rated as the top charter school in Clearwater. If a charter school is not an option, one should not overlook Clearwater Fundamental Middle School. This magnet school is considered the best of its kind in the Clearwater district. Although both schools are available to all applicants, parents should consider applying as early as possible to either of these Clearwater schools as their rankings create a large applicant pool of potential students.

There are many public schools in Clearwater that do not require an application nor high test scores but do provide a quality education. Leila Davis Elementary School is a highly rated grade school that has proven its success with student pass rates and grade graduation. After elementary school, Oak Grove Middle School should not be overlooked as it rates just as well as some of the area charter schools. For a top notch public education that prepares students for the college and working world, Countryside High School ranks above all others in the public realm.

Although there are not many institutions in the grand scheme of things that follow Montessori's methods, Safety Harbor Montessori School defies skeptics and produces some of the state's most well prepared young students. By using the floating methods created by Maria Montessori, students teach themselves with proper guidance, which is said to give individuals a more dualistic approach to both cognitive and real world situations.

No matter where one chooses to send his or her child, Clearwater has a great and diverse number of schools to meet every child's needs.