Tarpon Springs, FL – Plato Academy Charter School Tarpon Springs has earned dual recognition as a 2026 U.S. News Best Elementary School and Best Middle School, placing among the top 40% of public elementary and middle schools in the state of Florida. U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on state assessment performance in reading and mathematics, and core subject achievement.
In the newly released 2026 rankings, Plato Academy Tarpon Springs is listed among Florida’s higher-performing elementary schools and is ranked #174 among Florida middle schools. This recognition highlights the school’s strong academic focus across grades K-8 and its commitment to preparing students for long-term success.
“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families for earning this distinction at both the elementary and middle school levels,” said school leadership in a prepared statement. This honor reflects the school’s emphasis on rigorous academics, supportive relationships, and a safe, engaging learning environment where every child is known and challenged.
The U.S. News 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools report evaluated roughly 47,000 public elementary schools and more than 23,000 public middle schools nationwide using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The rankings methodology focuses on the percentage of students who meet or exceed proficiency in core subjects on state assessments, with student–teacher ratios used to help break ties among similarly performing schools.
Families interested in learning more about Plato Academy Charter School Tarpon Springs, its programs, and enrollment opportunities can review the school’s full U.S. News profile or schedule a campus tour.
