Sarasota county schools always rank well across many categories and keep in mind Sarasota is the name of the City, the unincorporated township and the County so often Sarasota is compared to St. Augustine for excellent schools but St. Augustine is a very small area compared to Sarasota County.
Sarasota County schools score very well across a broad spectrum of searches and have IB, AP, Gifted, and Magnet school programs, as well as excellent sports programs and great diversity. For an overall well-rounded and high scoring school district Sarasota does Rank top in the state. An important thing to keep in mind is how parent involvement can change a school's score. One person really can make a difference, volunteer for a random day, go to parent-teacher nights, get involved with fundraisers, go to team events, this is your community, your children, your happiness. Happiness is an inside job. You want to be happy - spread happiness. Get involved and see your kids light up, their classmates light up, their school light up (and you light up). Don't stop after elementary school either. It gets tougher in middle and high school to be as directly involved but there are many periphery ways to contribute and support the school and your kids (without embarrassing them too much). One school's ranking can be 4 out of 5 one year and 5 out of 5 the next. Parent involvement can be the tipping point, so get involved and give your kid the 5-star school you want them to have.
See Best School Districts in Florida by County on Niche.com
SEE SARASOTA SCHOOL RANKINGS BY SCHOOL DIGGER: https://www.schooldigger.com/go/FL/district/01680/search.aspx