florida Date: 05-29-2025

Top Rated 15 Schools in Lake City, FL - A Guide for Parents and Students

SchoolAddress
1Florida Gateway College149 SE College Pl, Lake City, FL 32025
2O2B Kids Lake City1171 SW Bascom Norris Dr, Lake City, FL 32025
3My Little Red Schoolhouse1544 SW McFarlane Ave, Lake City, FL 32024
4Kid City USA - Lake City1290 SE Baya Dr, Lake City, FL 32025
5Columbia County School District372 W Duval St, Lake City, FL 32055
6Happy House544 NW Lake Jeffery Rd, Lake City, FL 32055
7Southridge Day School162 SW Ridge St, Lake City, FL 32024
8North Florida Arts & Sciences Academy1175 NW Lake Jeffery Rd, Lake City, FL 32055
9Pathways Learning Academy1301 NW Labonte Ln, Lake City, FL 32055
10Columbia Co Adult Education409 SW St Johns St, Lake City, FL 32025
11Kingdom Culture Academy359 SW Dyal Ave, Lake City, FL 32024
12Columbia County Special Ed444 W Duval St, Lake City, FL 32055
13Cambridge Prep Academy Inc2658 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32025
14Westside Elementary School1956 Co Rd 252B, Lake City, FL 32024
15Covenant Community School2019 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32025

1.Florida Gateway College

Address: 149 SE College Pl, Lake City, FL 32025

Review images Florida Gateway College

(74) Reviews Florida Gateway College:

Lisa Rogers I gave their cosmetology program, specifically, their nail instructor a 1 star rating because theres not a zero star option. Apparently when shes overseeing more areas than just her area it goes to her head. I went to get my hair done & had my 9 daughter with me when it hasnt been a problem with the hair instructor and when I asked to speak to the hair instructor the student brought the nail instructor.
1 /5
Sandy Bell Went to a commencement there. It was very organized. Security, parking signs to show you where to go. Very clean. Very impressed with my the professional wins. Um, thats leading the school.
5 /5
Brenton Warren I started attending this college right out of high school, when it was still known as Lake City Community College and graduated with an AA in 2011. The college recently became a 4-Year Degree institution, so its still building its catalogue in some ways I think. Regarding enrollment, if you stay on top of the dates and schedules, its a fast and fairly easy matter. I do not say this as a privileged student, I did not get a free ride here. The longer you wait to enroll however, the longer it will take to finish the process. This is a small school, usually topping out around 3,000 students, so the staff is fairly small as well. Ive noticed other reviews tackling the issue with parking, and yes, after 10 AM CONVENIENT parking can get pretty scarce. Once again, small campus, smaller resources. Pro Tip: Walking is actually good for you, and the campus consists of plenty of trees and a few covered walkways. I walked the length of this campus over and over, several times a day and lost a few extra pounds doing it. Contrary to previous reviews, I found more than just a few staff members to be comfortable to deal with, particularly Humanities instructors, the Library staff, and the Student Activities staff. I made a lot of friends on this campus, even going on to serve in the Student Government Association there. Had they offered a Bachelors Degree for my major, I would have gladly stayed.
4 /5

2.O2B Kids Lake City

Address: 1171 SW Bascom Norris Dr, Lake City, FL 32025

Review images O2B Kids Lake City

(57) Reviews O2B Kids Lake City:

Jessica Gitlan All I can say is wow!!! This is our first year at O2B and we are so happy we chose this school for our son! I was hesitant to enroll him in preschool because I’m a SAHM but we felt he needed more structure and interaction with other kids, I’m so glad we did because he’s thriving! I give so much credit to his teachers Ms. Kristel and Ms. Wendy for how well he is doing. They are so loving, caring and patient (which I know can’t be easy lol) with all of their kiddos. Anytime I have a concern it’s respected and acknowledged which is huge because it makes me feel like we are a team! I am just so appreciative of their hard work and support. I know our son is where he needs to be and I’m super comfy knowing he’s safe.
5 /5
Sherry Thompson We love O2B in Lake City! My two grandchildren have gone here a while now. My grandson was 6 weeks old when he started. Everyone is so nice and love the kids! I’ve even recommended my friends…. Best daycare in Lake City!
5 /5
Brian Wilson My grandson Mac has the best teachers! He absolutely loves Mrs Liz, Mr Syreeta snd Mrs Bri. They are always very engaged with the children! We couldnt ask for a safer, more loving place for him while we are at work!
5 /5

3.My Little Red Schoolhouse

Address: 1544 SW McFarlane Ave, Lake City, FL 32024

Review images My Little Red Schoolhouse

(51) Reviews My Little Red Schoolhouse:

Rachel Both Ms. Heaven and Ms. Pooh are fantastic teachers! Im so thankful my daughters are in good hands and learning so much. Watching my 4-year-old learn how to write her name and my 3-year-old learn colors and shapes is wonderful. Huge thanks to these amazing teachers for providing such a great environment!
5 /5
Brandon Alston My kids absolutely love coming here and they love their teachers Ms. Gaydrael and Ms. Jordan! They do a fantastic job teaching them core values that not many places teach! Definitely thankful for this school!
5 /5
MASHALA COMBS The teacher’s are amazing my daughter loves the school she’s learning so much I appreciate them soo much the best daycare in lake city.
5 /5

4.Kid City USA - Lake City

Address: 1290 SE Baya Dr, Lake City, FL 32025

Review images Kid City USA - Lake City

(37) Reviews Kid City USA - Lake City:

Trevor Tummond The new owners Tara and Haley are amazing. Their knowledge, compassion, and understanding was a breathe of fresh air. Watching them handle situations, parents and kids with such empathy and love throughly impressed me. I would highly recommend giving them a call.
5 /5
Tariq Chaudhry It pains me to leave this review. I really liked the staff at here at first. Unfortunately, the owners could learn how to interact with separated parents and talk to their clients with respect. The owners made zero effort to understand concerns; instead I was met with condescending tone and a dismissal of my concerns. I expressed that their communication was unprofessional; they told me that I should take my child somewhere else. Its appalling that the owners would speak to parents this way while their kids are under their care. When I call to get an update on how my daughter is doing I usually get a one word answer and the staff seems annoyed that Im calling. I was told that I would get a phone call if my daughter was crying for long periods of time. Twice when I came to pick her up I asked how did she do today and the teacher said, "Im not going to lie, she cried all day." She was apparently sick with a fever so I would have liked to know that she was crying so I could bring her home. I called the next day and requested that if she cries like that for then to please call me. The next day she cried for hours and I did not get a call. I am separated from my daughters mom. We have limited communication. I expressed this to the owners. She dropped off our daughter and apparently there was an issue relating to a car seat. In the afternoon I got a random text from the owner, Tara talking about car seats and that they can not allow children to sleep in them. I responded to the text saying that I didnt know what anything about the situation she was talking about and it sounded like a conversation that should be had on the phone. I requested that she call me when she has time. Her response was that shell be there till 5pm. I did not understand what that meant, it wasnt a response to my request for her to call me. So I called when I had a break from work. No one answered. At this point Im concerned about how my daughter is doing at the day care. Shes only a year old. The owners seem to be focused on some conversation that happened that morning and not about the care of my daughter. So I was feeling anxious and having a hard time focusing on work. Finally I got a call back from her wife Hailey, who is also a owner. I asked Hailey how my daughter was doing and she said great and then dismissed me, began saying that shes concerned about a few things. Her tone was aggressive. I was hoping to get details on my daughters day and mood. Her first concern was to let me know that they have plenty of cots and they were not understaffed, and said "I dont know where that idea came from". This irritated me because it came from their teacher that said they didnt have enough cuts and were understaffed as my daughter was being dropped off. Then she told me that my daughters mom came into drop her off and requested that they let her sleep int the car seat since she was already sleeping when she dropped her off. Hailey aggressively informed me that its DCF violation for them to allow kids to sleep in car seats. My response was that Im separated from the mother of my child and Im not her. I asked why she was telling me this and what shed like me to do, her response was that Im on the phone with her. She never answered my question of what shed like me to do. I asked twice. I continued to assert that she should be speaking to the mother about this. I was not there and I dont know anything about it. I was frustrated at this point from Hailey defensive responses and lack of empathy towards parents surrendering their child the the care of strangers. I also expressed the unprofessionallaism from Tara texting me about this out of no where and then dismissing me when I asked to speak to her on the phone. I absolutely wouldnt bring my child to this establishment again. The owners may respond to this with an apology or explanation. Its only because I am leaving a public review. If they actually cared they would have said something to me directly over the last week.
1 /5
Evanna Alvarez There is so much love and investment to be found for the kiddos that go to Kid City, and it is definitely the place to send your little one!
5 /5

5.Columbia County School District

Address: 372 W Duval St, Lake City, FL 32055

Review images Columbia County School District

(29) Reviews Columbia County School District:

Aimee Torres There are very good teachers in this county. However, the leadership is the problem here. You have to fight to get anything done. They enforce an antiquated zero tolerance policy instead of encouraging kids that may have problems in. The superintendent is a ghost that doesn’t respond to email or phone calls. I do not recommend this county for school children. They severely lack innovation and refuse to embrace new ideas.
1 /5
Cheyenne R Well I was going to post on this page asking for information on how to actually get in touch with the superintendent or someone higher up than the assistant superintendent but these reviews OMGGGG…
1 /5
Alvinesha Roberson Columbia fell My children and me Alvinesha Rashaenett Roberson due to me just wanting to learn and I was different and hated by my family with help of Albert Mayo and Rickey Mayo bad checks don’t last . I’m alive living and can take care my children very well!!!!! Thanks to God
1 /5

6.Happy House

Address: 544 NW Lake Jeffery Rd, Lake City, FL 32055

Review images Happy House

(17) Reviews Happy House:

Jessica Guihan This daycare allowed a teacher several times to leave marks on my child. When confronted the last time they tried to keep the Teacher involved in the incident from explaining what happen. As a parent I was highly upset and they did nothing to resolve how they managed the situation but blame me for being upset.
1 /5
Christal Berg Happy House staff are amazing!! You would think since my grandson was not allowed to come back I would be upset with them but that is the furthest from the truth. They tried all different ways to accommodate him and each time it didnt work the would try something else. They loved my grandson as they do every other child there. If you can get your child a spot at Happy House then do it!
5 /5
D Myrick My daughter has been here 2 years. I would say this place is OK. The teachers are friendly and they do a lot of fun stuff with the kids. Theres a fair mix of good and bad kids here along with friendly and not so friendly parents. The 4 yr olds have easy homework tues and thurs. I wish the teachers would start teaching the 4 yr olds to read right away but I guess they move at a slow pace here? I would recommend to anyone local but I still wish there was a more modern pre-k center with better learning opportunities.
4 /5

7.Southridge Day School

Address: 162 SW Ridge St, Lake City, FL 32024

(11) Reviews Southridge Day School:

Adrien Martinez Management is very responsive to both child and employee needs. Ive been working here for a while and I absolutely love it. My coworkers are extremely friendly as well. It is a wonderful place to be
5 /5
Michelle Spaventa Southridge takes amazing care of my daughter like she’s family. Professional care in a kind and loving environment. ❤️
5 /5
Jessica Hamric Very clean and loving atmosphere.
5 /5

8.North Florida Arts & Sciences Academy

Address: 1175 NW Lake Jeffery Rd, Lake City, FL 32055

Review images North Florida Arts & Sciences Academy

(5) Reviews North Florida Arts & Sciences Academy:

Rose Evans I love this school. Just when you think education is going down the tubes you find this school!!!!
5 /5
Irene Vunk All three of my children graduated from here and I refer many to this school. Excellent
5 /5

9.Pathways Learning Academy

Address: 1301 NW Labonte Ln, Lake City, FL 32055

(5) Reviews Pathways Learning Academy:

Cathy Harvey Didnt go there
1 /5
Caleb Lanear Great staff that cares
5 /5
John Harris Thank for support Columbia
5 /5

10.Columbia Co Adult Education

Address: 409 SW St Johns St, Lake City, FL 32025

(1) Reviews Columbia Co Adult Education:

Robin Kite Recommended by pediatrician to try this for my daughter who was struggling in the local high school. Was the best choice for her, she did very well and actually graduated an entire year early. She is starting College in a few weeks.
5 /5

11.Kingdom Culture Academy

Address: 359 SW Dyal Ave, Lake City, FL 32024

Review images Kingdom Culture Academy

(1) Reviews Kingdom Culture Academy:

Sweeta Good school
5 /5

12.Columbia County Special Ed

Address: 444 W Duval St, Lake City, FL 32055

(1) Reviews Columbia County Special Ed:

Stacy Touchet Are great in every way they have help my son in all stages of transition from school to school without the staff here Ms. Hunter and Ms. Cindy I dont know where I would be
5 /5

13.Cambridge Prep Academy Inc

Address: 2658 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32025

14.Westside Elementary School

Address: 1956 Co Rd 252B, Lake City, FL 32024

15.Covenant Community School

Address: 2019 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32025