Finding the perfect school or childcare option along 30A can feel like a full-time job—but don’t worry, I’ve done the homework for you. Located in Walton County, Florida’s #1 School District for 2024… Whether you're looking for a nurturing daycare, a top-rated public school, or a private academy with a specialized curriculum, this guide covers every option in the South Walton area.
A word to the wise: childcare spots, especially for children under four, are in high demand, and waitlists can be long. If you’re planning ahead, now is the time to get on those lists—because when it comes to your child’s education, only the best will do.
Childcare Facilities & Preschools
Faith-Based Preschools
- Beginnings Preschool at Good News United Methodist Church
- Address: 4747 US-98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: 2-5
- Overview: Offers a Christian-based educational environment focusing on early childhood development. Located on the western side of Santa Rosa Beach.
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- St. Rita Preschool
- Address: 137 Moll Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: 8 Weeks to 5 Years
- Overview: Provides a faith-based curriculum aimed at nurturing young minds in a supportive community. Located in Santa Rosa Beach, south of Hwy 98.
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- The Preschool at Point Washington United Methodist Church
- Address: 1290 North Co Highway 395, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: Infant to 5 Years
- Overview: Emphasizes a religious-based curriculum, integrating Christian values into early education. Located in Point Washington.
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- The Tree House Episcopal Montessori School
- Address: 480 N County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: 18 Months to 5 Years
- Overview: Combines Montessori methods with Episcopal values to provide a holistic educational experience. Centrally located in Santa Rosa Beach, north of Hwy 98.
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Non-Faith-Based Preschools
- Les Petits Prep School
- Address: 56 Spires Lane Unit 12-A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: 4-6
- Overview: A private kindergarten for young children, offering small class sizes for individualized attention. Centrally located in Santa Rosa Beach near Gulf Place.
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- Ohana Day School at Grand Boulevard
- Address: 495 Grand Boulevard J98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Ages: 3-5
- Overview: Provides early childhood education with a focus on holistic development. Located in Grand Boulevard near Sandestin.
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- Ohana Day School at 30Avenue
- Address: 12805 US Hwy 98 E, Inlet Beach, FL 32461
- Ages: 3-5
- Overview: Provides early childhood education with a focus on holistic development. Located on the East end of South Walton, near Rosemary Beach. Ideally located for families in Watersound Origins.
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- South Walton Montessori Academy
- Address: 101 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: 18 Months to 8th Grade
- Overview: Focuses on Montessori principles, fostering independent learning and development. Located within walking distance of Eden State Gardens in Historic Point Washington.
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- Tall Pines Preschool
- Address: 1710 Chat Holly Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Ages: Infants to 5 Years
- Overview: Offers a nurturing environment with a curriculum that promotes exploration and creativity. Located in central Santa Rosa Beach.
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Public Preschools
- The Bay School (VPK)
- Address: 118 Gilmore Rd, Point Washington, FL 32459
- Ages: 4 by September 1st
- Overview: A public VPK program serving Walton County, The Bay School provides a nurturing early learning environment focused on kindergarten readiness through play-based and structured learning activities.
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Primary and High Schools
Private Schools
- Ohana Institute
- Address: 12805 US Hwy-98 E, Inlet Beach, FL 32461
- Grades: K to 12th
- Overview: A private, student-driven school focused on socio-emotional learning; offering a flexible, project-based curriculum. Very convenient for those living in Watersound Origins.
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- Gateway Academy
- Address: 122 Poinciana Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Grades: Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade
- Overview: A private Christian school partnering with families to build a firm foundation through Christ-centered education. Located on the far West Side of South Walton in Miramar Beach.
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- 30A Learning Academy
- Address: 7 Town Center Loop C15, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: Kindergarten to 6th Grade
- Overview: Offers individualized learning plans tailored to each student's needs via Private School and Home School Support programs.
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- Acton Academy
- Address: 8281 E Co Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: 4 to 15 Years
- Overview: A learner-driven community emphasizing hands-on projects and real-world skills. Located on the East end of 30A in the Seacrest Beach area.
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- The Nature School
- Address: 78 Ricker St, Point Washington, FL 32459
- Grades: K to 5th Grade
- Overview: A progressive, outdoor-based learning environment in Santa Rosa Beach that integrates nature exploration with academic education. Point Washington based, closer to the East side of South Walton and Seagrove Beach.
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- Compass Rose Academy
- Address: 2060 S County Highway 83, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: K3 through 6th
- Overview: Compass Rose Academy offers a unique educational experience by blending Montessori-style hands-on learning, traditional workbook exercises, and project-based activities. Located centrally in South Walton, at Blue Mountain Beach.
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- South Walton Academy
- Address: 16422 US Highway 331 S, Freeport, FL 32439
- Grades: PreK to 12th Grade
- Overview: A private, inclusive school specializing in individualized education for students of all abilities, with a strong focus on supporting children with autism and learning differences through a tailored curriculum and therapy integration. Located on the West end of Santa Rosa Beach, near Miramar Beach and Sandestin.
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Public Charter and Magnet Schools
The following schools are public charter schools located near 30A. These schools receive public funding and therefore do not have a tuition cost to attend.
- Seaside School
- Address: 10 Smolian Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: 5th to 8th Grade
- Overview: One of Florida's oldest public charter schools, offering a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on technology and the arts. Located in Seaside proper, behind Duckies.
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- Seacoast Collegiate High School
- Address: 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: 9th to 12th Grade
- Overview: A rigorous public charter high school that provides students the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school. Located on Highway 331 in the center of South Walton.
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- Magnet Innovation Center
- Address: 133 South Watersound Parkway
- Grades: 9th to 12th
- Overview: A STEM-focused public charter school in South Walton offering advanced coursework in science, technology, engineering, and math for high-achieving students. Located in the Watersound Origins area, just south of highway 98.
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Public Schools
Public schools in the 30A area are managed by the Walton County School District. Here are some of the public schools serving the South Walton area:
- Van R. Butler Elementary School
- Address: 6694 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: Pre-Kindergarten to 4th Grade
- Overview: Focuses on providing a strong educational foundation in a supportive environment.
- Zoning: Santa Rosa Beach residents West of 393 and Miramar Beach Residents
- Dune Lakes Elementary School
- Address: 6565 US Highway 98 E, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade
- Overview: Offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the needs of all students.
- Zoning: Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach East of 393
- Emerald Coast Middle School
- Address: 4019 US Highway 98 E, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: 5th to 8th Grade
- Overview: Provides a challenging academic program with a variety
- Zoning: All of South Walton County (south of the Bay)
- South Walton High School
- Address: 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: 9th to 12th Grade
- Overview: Traditional public high school with a wide variety of sports programs.
- Zoning: All of South Walton County (south of the Bay)
Homeschool Support Services
- Abadie Academy
- Address: 6725 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: K through 8th
- Overview: A private, hybrid / homeschool co-op in Santa Rosa Beach offering a customized, small-group learning experience for grades K-8th.
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- The Balanced Scholar
- Address: 56 Spires Ln # 15A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grades: K through 12th
- Overview: A flexible, student-centered homeschool co-op in Santa Rosa Beach focused on personalized learning and academic balance. After-school services are also available.
- Website
What’s next?
Choosing the right childcare or school along 30A is an important decision, and with so many great options, finding the perfect fit for your family is easier than ever. From nurturing preschools to top-rated public and private schools, this area offers a diverse range of educational opportunities to meet every need. Keep in mind that waitlists—especially for younger children—can be long, so early planning is key. Whether you're new to the area or simply exploring your options, taking the time to visit schools, meet educators, and understand each program’s unique offerings will help ensure your child thrives in their learning environment.
Have more questions? I’ve personally raised three children in the 30A area and we have attended many of these schools over the years. I’m more than happy to discuss our experiences with you personally! Reach out to my via phone or text at 850-517-6170 or email [email protected]
