- WEWAHITCHKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 448 students
- PORT ST. JOE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — Grades PK–5 · 428 students
- GULF VIRTUAL FRANCHISE — Grades 9–12
- PORT ST. JOE HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 6–12 · 575 students
- WEWAHITCHKA HIGH SCHOOL — Grades 6–12 · 426 students
- PREK ESE — Grades PK–11 · 24 students
- GULF APEX — Grades 7–12
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| Metric | Gulf County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,928 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 7 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf County School District (this district) | 3/10 | 26th | 1,928 |
| Walton County School District | 10/10 | 93rd | 11,575 |
| Jackson County School District | 5/10 | 48th | 6,076 |
| Washington County School District | 4/10 | 30th | 3,313 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 74 rated districts in FL → 26th percentile → 3/10.
Source: Florida Dept. of Education FAST ELA & Mathematics, 2024. Full methodology →
About Gulf County School District
Gulf County School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 32456 in Gulf, Florida. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 32456. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Gulf County School District ranks among Florida’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Florida’s FAST ELA & Mathematics assessments (2024 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Florida is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Gulf County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Florida benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 32456
Children in zip code 32456 are assigned to Gulf County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 32456, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Gulf County School District at (850)229-8256. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Florida districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Port Saint Joe
For families considering a purchase in the Gulf area, district assignment matters financially. Because Gulf County School District serves zip code 32456, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 32456. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Florida, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Gulf County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 32456.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Gulf County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 32456 data.