Spanish River Community High School
1. General Information
About Spanish River Community High School
Spanish River Community High School is a prominent public high school located in Boca Raton, Florida, serving students in grades 9–12. Part of the Palm Beach County School District, it blends rigorous academics with a diverse and inclusive community, making it a top choice for families in the region. With a college-preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP), AICE (Cambridge), and dual-enrollment courses, Spanish River offers students a wide array of pathways to prepare for higher education and future careers. The school also runs specialized career academies—such as Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, American History & Law, and Teacher Development—giving students real-world learning opportunities and tailored coursework.
Spanish River’s mission is grounded in academic excellence, character development, and preparation for global citizenship. Its culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and high achievement, and it supports students with strong counseling, social-emotional programs, and extracurricular engagement. With modern facilities, a dedicated faculty, and a strong network of community partnerships, Spanish River fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Contact Informations – Spanish River Community High School
Address: 5100 Jog Road, Boca Raton, Florida, 33496
Phone Number: (561) 241-2200
Fax: (561) 241-2236
Principal: Dr. Allison Castellano
Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:50 PM
Spanish River Community High School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1983 |
| School Type | Public, Magnet, Grades 9–12 |
| District | Palm Beach County School District |
| Enrollment | ~2,720–2,742 students |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | ~20:1 |
| Mascot / Colors | Sharks; Blue, White & Silver |
Spanish River Community High School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| State (Florida) | Ranked in the top 20% of Florida high schools for test performance. |
| College Prep (Palm Beach County) | One of the higher-rated public college-prep schools in the district. |
| National / Global | Not globally ranked (public high school), but regionally prominent |
2. Spanish River Community High School Academics
Spanish River Community High School Faculties / Departments
• English / Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Social Studies / History
• World Languages
• Career Academies (Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, History & Law, Teacher Academy)
• Physical Education / Health
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Guidance / Counseling
• Dual Enrollment Coordination
Spanish River Community High School Courses and Programs / Majors
• Standard and Honors English & Literature
• Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics
• Life Science, Chemistry, Physics
• U.S. History, World History, Government
• Spanish and other Language courses
• Biotechnology Academy coursework
• Entrepreneurship / Business Education
• American History & Law Academy curriculum
• Teacher Academy (Education pathway)
• AP Courses (30+ AICE, 24+ AP per profile)
• Dual Enrollment with Florida Atlantic University & Palm Beach State College
Online Learning at Spanish River Community High School
Spanish River Community High School primarily delivers in-person instruction, but it supplements learning with online tools, digital resources, and platforms to support students’ coursework and research. Teachers use online portals for assignments, progress tracking, and collaborative learning. During remote or hybrid scenarios (e.g., school breaks or emergencies), students may access synchronous and asynchronous content to maintain continuity. Additionally, dual-enrollment and college-prep programs sometimes leverage virtual components for advanced courses, giving students flexibility and access to college-level work in a modern, hybrid educational format.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Performance |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~1220 (according to survey data) |
| ACT | ~28 average reported on Niche |
| State Standardized Tests / Proficiency | Math proficiency ~73%, Reading proficiency ~76% per PublicSchoolReview data. |
Retention and Graduation Rates – Spanish River Community High School
Spanish River Community High School reports an outstanding retention and graduation profile: it maintains a 99%+ four-year graduation rate, reflecting strong academic support, student engagement, and effective college-prep programming. The school’s structured advisory, counseling, and dual-enrollment systems help students feel supported through their high school years, and nearly all enrolled students remain through senior year and graduate on time. This high success rate underscores Spanish River’s reputation as a school that prepares students to transition effectively into postsecondary education.
3. Spanish River Community High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range – Spanish River Community High School
As a public magnet high school within the Palm Beach County School District, Spanish River Community High School does not base admission on GPA cutoffs or SAT/ACT scores in the same way that colleges do. Instead, student placement is typically determined through district-level choice programs, magnet application processes, and residency within the district. While academic performance may influence placement in specific programs (like academies), the school’s mission supports broad access for students in its attendance area.
Spanish River Community High School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Admission Type | Public magnet school & district choice; not purely selective |
| Acceptance / Admission Rate | Not publicly disclosed as a fixed percentage; based on district choice and available seats |
Spanish River Community High School Application Requirements
Applying to Spanish River Community High School typically involves participating in the Palm Beach County School District’s high school choice process for magnet schools. Families submit an application indicating interest in Spanish River and its specialized academies. Required documentation may include proof of residency within the district, prior school records (transcripts or report cards), and possibly a brief statement of interest for academy programs. For career academies (like Biotechnology or Entrepreneurship), students may need to demonstrate motivation through essays, interviews, or prior coursework, but standardized test scores are not the primary gatekeeper. The district’s process emphasizes equitable access while enabling students to pursue specialized academic pathways.
Application Process – Spanish River Community High School
• Submit the district high school choice / magnet application during window
• Indicate interest in specific academies (if applicable)
• Provide proof of residency in Palm Beach County School District
• Submit prior school records (grades / transcripts)
• Attend any required information sessions or interviews (for academy programs)
• Wait for assignment outcome via district’s placement system
Spanish River Community High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Stage | Typical Timing / Notes |
|---|---|
| High School Choice Application Opens | Usually early in calendar year (during district high school selection period) |
| Application Deadline | Set by Palm Beach County School District (often late winter) |
| Decision Notification | Spring, via district placement process |
| Enrollment Confirmation | After notification, families finalize registration for fall |
Essay Prompt – Spanish River Community High School
There is no widely publicized universal essay prompt for general admission. However, for students applying to a specialized academy (such as Biotechnology or Entrepreneurship), the application process may include a short written statement, interview, or demonstration of interest and readiness. These academy-specific components help identify motivated students who are well suited for the rigorous coursework and applied learning environment.
Spanish River Community High School Scholarships
As a public high school, Spanish River Community High School does not offer traditional “scholarships” for attendance, since there is no tuition. However, the school supports students in applying for external scholarships, college financial aid, and awards. Its college counseling team helps students prepare for scholarship applications, grants, and merit-based aid by guiding them through essays, financial aid forms, and opportunities offered by universities, community organizations, and local foundations.
Spanish River Community High School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost / Note |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free (Public School) |
| Student Fees | Standard school fees apply (e.g., lab fees, activity costs) depending on courses / programs |
| Additional Costs | Supplies, optional extracurriculars, dual-enrollment materials (if required) |
4. Student Profile and Demographics – Spanish River Community High School
Student Demographics
Spanish River Community High School serves approximately 2,720–2,742 students in grades 9–12. The student population is diverse: according to publicly available data, approximately 59% identify as White, 27% as Hispanic, 7% as Black / African American, 3% Asian, and 2% multiracial, with small representation of other groups. The gender distribution is near even, reflecting a co-educational environment. The school serves typical high school age ranges, roughly 14 to 18 years old, and supports a variety of backgrounds and identities within a welcoming campus climate.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Spanish River Community High School has a lower percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch compared to some district schools, indicating a relatively mixed socioeconomic profile. According to local school directories, approximately 11–12% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The school also serves students with disabilities and provides support through its counseling, special education, and ESE (Exceptional Student Education) services. Additionally, the school’s comprehensive counseling team helps accommodate students with various needs—academic, social-emotional, or college preparation—to ensure equitable access to its rigorous programs.
Student Body – Spanish River Community High School
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~ 2,720–2,742 |
| Free / Reduced Lunch Eligible | ~ 11–12% (per local data) |
| Graduation Rate | ~ 99% / 100% reported in recent years |
Spanish River Community High School Diversity
Diversity at Spanish River Community High School is a meaningful and visible aspect of its community identity. With over a quarter of the student body identifying as Hispanic and other significant racial and ethnic groups represented, the school fosters a multicultural environment where students engage with peers from varied backgrounds. This multicultural composition supports cross-cultural learning, empathy, and broader worldviews. Teachers and staff effectively incorporate inclusive practices in curriculum, extracurricular activities, and counseling, helping ensure that students from different cultural traditions feel welcome and supported.
Furthermore, the socioeconomic diversity reflected in lunch eligibility and academic programs allows for a dynamic campus where a range of perspectives converge. Spanish River’s commitment to equity is also underscored by its robust college-prep offerings and academy programs, which enable students to pursue specialized interests regardless of background. This collegial and diverse environment helps prepare students not only for postsecondary success but also for active, informed citizenship in a global society.
Average Earnings
As a public high school, Spanish River Community High School does not track alumni average earnings in the way that colleges or universities do. However, the school’s strong academic profile—including high graduation rates, widespread AP and AICE participation, and dual-enrollment opportunities—indicates that graduates are well-positioned for college and career success. Many students go on to earn college degrees at four-year institutions or community colleges, leveraging their rigorous high school coursework to secure scholarships, internships, and competitive job opportunities. The robust academic foundation, along with the experience gained in its career academies (such as Biotechnology or Entrepreneurship), likely contributes to favorable long-term earning outcomes for alumni, even though precise earnings data is not publicly reported.
5. Spanish River Community High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff – Spanish River Community High School
Spanish River Community High School is supported by a dedicated team of administrators, certified teachers, counselors, and support personnel. The school operates under Principal Dr. Allison Castellano, with a leadership team of assistant principals organized by alphabetical student last names. The staff includes a media specialist, mental health professionals, ESOL and ESE coordinators, and a full counseling team that guides students academically, socially, and emotionally. With over 120 full-time equivalent teachers (per FTE data), the school maintains a student–teacher ratio of roughly twenty to one, which supports both individualized attention and rigorous academic instruction.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Spanish River Community High School bring diverse and high-level expertise to the school. Many teachers offer advanced coursework like AP and AICE, indicating deep subject-matter knowledge in advanced placement, sciences, humanities, mathematics, and more. The presence of specialized career academies (Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, etc.) suggests that some faculty have real-world experience or industry-relevant training, contributing to hands-on, applied learning. The counseling and mental health team is robust, demonstrating the school’s commitment to student well-being and holistic development. While specific individual accolades are not always publicly enumerated, the school’s consistently high graduation rate, strong academic performance, and sustained reputation for college readiness reflect a high-performing, committed faculty dedicated to student success.
6. Spanish River Community High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing – Spanish River Community High School
Spanish River Community High School is situated on a suburban campus in Boca Raton, Florida, with well-maintained facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities. As a public high school, it does not offer student housing, so virtually all students commute daily from the surrounding communities within the Palm Beach County School District. The campus includes ample classroom space, labs for sciences and technology, and specialized facilities for career academies like Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship.
Enrichment areas, such as counseling offices, career development spaces, and dedicated advisory rooms, support strong student-faculty relationships and personal growth. Athletics and student organizations (including sports, clubs, and leadership programs) thrive on campus, providing a balanced high school experience that furthers both learning and social engagement. The culture on campus reflects Spanish River’s emphasis on academic rigor, real-world readiness, and community involvement, making it a vibrant place for students to learn and grow.
Transportation – Spanish River Community High School
Transportation for Spanish River students is managed by the Palm Beach County School District, which provides standard bus services for students living within its attendance zone. Given the suburban location of the campus, many students arrive via school buses, personal vehicles, or carpool. The campus is accessible and designed for safe student drop-off and pick-up, with clearly marked zones and adult supervision during peak times. Once on campus, students navigate between academic buildings, labs, and extracurricular spaces on foot in a structured schedule, reflecting the campus’s walkable design. The transportation system supports reliable attendance and ensures that students from across various neighborhoods can access the school’s rigorous academic and enrichment programs.