Top High Schools in Destin Florida: Why Families Choose The Barrett School

As a parent, choosing the right high school for your teenager is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You’re not just picking a building with teachers—you’re choosing a place that will shape your child’s future, build their confidence, and prepare them for college and life.

If you’re searching for high schools in Destin Florida, or comparing options across the 30A area—like schools in Santa Rosa Beach FL, Walton County, Fort Walton Beach, or Niceville schools—you’ve likely come across many names. But few offer the personal attention, college prep, and innovation that The Barrett School provides.

Here’s what makes us different—and why more families are choosing Barrett as their preferred Destin High School.

Why The Barrett School Is One of the Top High Schools in Destin Florida

At Barrett, we believe students learn best when they’re challenged, supported, and inspired. Here’s what makes us one of the most respected high schools in Destin Florida:

1. Program: 5-Day School Week

Unlike other high schools in Destin FL that may rotate schedules or cut days short, The Barrett School offers a full 5-day structured learning week. This ensures your child receives consistent support and instruction, with access every day to:

• STEM and Innovation Labs

• College prep resources

• Enrichment electives

• Mentorship opportunities
  

Structure creates confidence—and we deliver it, every day.

2. Dual Enrollment Program (ASU & USF Partnerships)

The Barrett School is proud to offer a robust Dual Enrollment Program for upper school students through partnerships with Arizona State University (ASU) and University of South Florida (USF). This initiative empowers students to earn real college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their academic journey.

Program Highlights:

• 70+ college-level courses available across disciplines

• Flexible pacing — complete courses in 6, 8, or 12 weeks

• Supported by Barrett School faculty & university instructors

• No SAT required for enrollment

• Credits apply to Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees

• Transferable to most colleges and universities nationwide

Whether your teen is STEM-focused, humanities-driven, or still exploring, this program offers meaningful and practical college preparation.

3. Award-Winning STEM Curriculum

We don’t just teach science—we live it. STEM is fully integrated across subjects and grade levels:

• Robotics competitions

• Biotech experiments

• Advanced coding projects

• 3D printing, circuit design & more

• Our students graduate ready to lead in a tech-driven world.

4. Robotics, Biotech & Innovation Labs

Students in grades 4–12 build robots, solve real-world problems, and test their ideas through hands-on exploration. From team challenges to solo innovation projects, our Innovation Labs ignite curiosity and creativity.

Read also: Private School Admissions in Destin FL: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

Not Just Destin—We Serve the Entire Emerald Coast

While we’re known as a leading high school in Destin FL, we proudly serve families across the region:

• Families comparing schools in Santa Rosa Beach FL and the Bay School Santa Rosa Beach find that Barrett offers more advanced academics and individual attention.

• Parents exploring Walton Schools FL or SouthWalton area programs often tour Barrett to experience our STEM labs and small classes.

• We’ve welcomed students transferring from schools in Miramar, schools in Fort Walton Beach, and even Niceville schools who were looking for stronger college prep.

• If you’re considering schools in Fort Walton Beach Florida, know that many families choose the short commute to The Barrett School for the opportunity it provides.

• Even among well-regarded Destin Florida schools, we stand apart by combining elite academics with a warm, supportive environment.

Now Enrolling for 2025–2026

If your child is entering 9th through 12th grade and you're looking for a future-focused, college-ready program, we’d love to meet you. Join families from across Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Walton, Crestview, Niceville, Miramar, and Fort Walton Beach who trust The Barrett School with their children’s future.

Want to Learn More?

Check out our Event Calendar for upcoming events or schedule a tour at The Barrett School and experience firsthand why families across Destin trust us with their children’s early education.