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THE BUZZ
Discover News, Ideas, and Inspiration from The Barrett School
Welcome to The Buzz, the official blog of The Barrett School. Here, we share the latest updates on school events, student achievements, academic programs, summer camps, and more.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or lifelong learner, our articles offer insight into our values, teaching philosophy, and the vibrant community we’re building in Destin, Florida. Stay informed and inspired as we spotlight the moments and milestones that define The Barrett School experience.
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Top Private Schools in the Florida Panhandle
A Destin Parent Guide to Choosing the Right Private School Families searching for top private schools in the Florida Panhandle are often looking for more than prestige, they want the right fit. In Northwest Florida, private schools tend to be smaller, more community driven, and highly varied in approach. For parents in Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and nearby coastal areas , understanding those differences is key. This guide highlights leading private schools across
12 minutes ago3 min read


STEM & AI Education in Destin: Why Start Early
STEM and AI education in Destin Florida — parent guide Parents don’t need another buzzword. You need proof your child will learn to think, build, and adapt. Here’s why starting STEM and AI education in Destin Florida early pays off, and what matters most on campus. STEM & AI Education in Destin at Every Stage of Learning We don’t wait until high school to introduce STEM. At The Barrett School , STEM is embedded from day one. Students explore how the world works through: Hand
Dec 30, 20252 min read


Moving Mid-Year: Mid Year School Transfer Destin Florida
A fast, no-drama guide for switching schools in Destin, Niceville, Miramar Beach If you’re planning a mid year school transfer Destin Florida , timing and paperwork decide whether your teen cruises or crashes. Use this step-by-step playbook to lock seats, protect credits, and land in the right classroom with minimal disruption. 1) Pick your window (least friction) Best start points End of grading period (clean transcript handoff, fresh unit start) Winter break / new semester
Dec 22, 20253 min read


Early Application vs Rolling: Private School Enrollment Destin FL
Private school enrollment Destin FL — parent guide If you’re comparing private school enrollment Destin FL options, your choice between early application and rolling enrollment affects seats, placement, and aid timing. Here’s a clear comparison for Destin-area families weighing timelines for private school admissions. Quick definitions Early application: A fixed deadline (often fall/winter) with decisions released on a set date. Rolling enrollment: Applications are reviewe
Dec 17, 20252 min read


New to Florida Credits: Will They Transfer?
Transfer high school credits Florida — parent guide Moving to Florida with a high-schooler raises one big question: will previous credits count toward graduation here? This guide explains how transfer high school credits in Florida typically work across public, charter, and private schools, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid schedule or graduation delays. How credit transfer works in Florida (quick overview) Public & charter schools: The receiving school counselo
Dec 12, 20253 min read


School Zoning in Destin: A Parent Guide
A clear, parent-first explainer for schools in Destin, Florida If you’re researching school zoning in Destin , start with the basics: which county you live in, how address-based assignments work, and what choice, charter, and private options exist if you want something different. Counties come first Destin & Niceville: Okaloosa County Miramar Beach & 30A: Walton County Public school assignment follows county lines. Private schools are not zoned. How school zoning in Desti
Dec 5, 20252 min read


How to Choose a School in Destin: A Parent’s Guide
A fast, parent-first framework for comparing schools in Destin, Florida Choosing a school in Destin isn’t about chasing rankings; it’s about fit. If you’re asking how to choose a school in Destin , start with the basics: commute, class size, curriculum depth, visible student work, and the support your child will actually receive. How to Choose a School in Destin: What Matters Most 1) Pick the right pool: public, charter, or private Public (zoned): Your address determines opt
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Best Time to Switch Schools in Florida: Mid-Year School Transfer Florida Guide
Mid-year school transfer Florida — parent guide Switching schools is a big move, but timing it well makes everything smoother: transcripts transfer cleanly, testing isn’t disrupted, and your child lands in a class that actually fits. Here’s a Florida-specific, parent-first guide to the best times to switch schools , plus a simple checklist to plan your transfer. Mid-Year School Transfer Florida: Best Windows to Move 1) End of a grading period Why: Grades close, teachers fina
Nov 18, 20253 min read


TOP 10 Best Private Schools near Destin, FL
Updated 2026 • A practical parent guide Choosing a private school on Florida’s Emerald Coast can feel like speed-dating with admissions offices. This roundup gives you a fast, fair overview of private schools within roughly 30 minutes of Destin so you can build a smart tour list, compare programs, and ask sharper questions. How we picked (quick and transparent) Within a reasonable Destin-area commute (Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach/30A
Nov 12, 20253 min read


2026 Best Schools for STEM in Okaloosa County
What parents should look for and how The Barrett School measures up Choosing a STEM-focused school in Okaloosa County (Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach) can feel overwhelming. Rankings change year to year, but what makes a program genuinely strong is consistent: hands-on labs, real projects, teacher quality, and a clear K–12 pathway that builds from basics to advanced work. Awards & recognition (why Barrett is on shortlists) The Barrett School was named “Best STEM Educat
Nov 4, 20252 min read


Financial Aid FAQs for Destin Florida Parents
Private school financial aid in Destin, FL, simple answers, clear next steps Worried about affordability? You’re not alone. Many Destin, Florida families use a mix of state scholarships , school-based support , and payment plans to make private education possible. This FAQ explains the essentials and points you to help at The Barrett School (Destin, FL) . Who in Destin typically qualifies for private school financial aid? Eligibility in Florida can consider household income
Oct 29, 20252 min read


Niceville vs Destin vs Miramar Beach: School Considerations
A practical parent guide for choosing where your child will learn and thrive Families moving to Florida’s Emerald Coast often compare Niceville , Destin , and Miramar Beach for school life. While each community is wonderful, the daily experience , commute, schedules, programs, and after-school logistics can feel very different. Here’s a clear, parent-first breakdown, plus how The Barrett School (Destin) serves families from all three areas. What Actually Differs (No table,
Oct 23, 20252 min read


Okaloosa vs Walton County Schools: Education Differences for Families
A practical guide for parents along Florida’s Emerald Coast Families choosing between Okaloosa County (Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach) and Walton County (Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A) often ask how school life differs. Here’s a clear, parent-first comparison and how The Barrett School (Destin) serves families from both counties. Okaloosa vs Walton County Schools: Education Differences What to compare Okaloosa County (Destin/Niceville/FWB) Walton County (Mira
Oct 17, 20252 min read


New to Florida Schools, Destin FL? What Changes from Other States
A practical parent guide for families moving to Destin, Florida Moving to Florida (and the Destin area) comes with a few school-system...
Oct 6, 20253 min read


The Barrett Journey: How Our Early School Foundation Leads to High School Success
As a parent of a three or four-year-old, it’s easy to look at a vibrant classroom and see the joy of the moment: the blocks, the finger...
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Preparing Students in Destin, Florida for the Future: Essential Skills They Need Now
How The Barrett School builds future-ready learners from Early School to High School Parents in Destin know the world is changing fast....
Sep 25, 20252 min read


STEM and AI Education in Destin Florida: Preparing Local Students for Tomorrow
How Destin families benefit from future-ready learning Parents in Destin know the world is changing fast. Our children won’t just compete...
Sep 18, 20252 min read


How Much Does Private School Cost in Destin FL?
A transparent look at tuition, value, and private school options for families on the Emerald Coast If you’re asking, “how much does...
Sep 10, 20252 min read


Top Rated Private Schools Near Me | Destin FL Private School Guide
How to choose the right private school for your child on Florida’s Emerald Coast If you’re searching for top rated private schools near...
Sep 3, 20252 min read


Schools in Okaloosa County: What Parents Need to Know
For families moving to Northwest Florida or those already here, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll...
Aug 28, 20252 min read
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