Schools & Libraries

Schools

Local public schools are under the direction of the Leon County School Board. A wealth of information about local public education and individual schools is available on the district’s website at LeonSchools.net. The site includes information on registering new students, as well as an easy-to-use page to determine what school zones you live in. 

Parents registering a student for the first time should be prepared to provide proof of residence (such as a utility bill), the child’s birth certificate and other identification, proof of immunizations and, if appropriate, transcript information from the child’s previous school. For more information, call (850) 487-7100.

You can learn what bus routes serve your area by accessing the school system’s Transportation Department web page.

Registration

Parents with children who will be entering kindergarten or who will be attending public school in Leon County for the first time are encouraged to register their kids during pre-registration, which schools generally hold in late April and/or early May for the next school year. Schools continue taking registrations throughout the summer for new families moving to Tallahassee. In all cases, parents should contact their zoned schools to get the registration process started as soon as possible after securing their residence. Students who will be entering kindergarten must have certain immunization documentation on file at school before the start of the new school year. 

Students entering seventh grade need documentation of a Td/Tdap booster vaccine. The Leon County Health Department provides routine back-to-school immunizations Monday through Friday by appointment or at special extended-hour immunization clinics. All children receiving immunizations through the Health Department must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Public School Options
Leon County also offers a variety of school choice options to provide as many options as possible to maximize student learning. There are a variety of special programs available, such as International Baccalaureate, science, technology, and fine arts. Families apply by March 1 of each school year for controlled choice that includes magnet schools and other special programs. Contact the School Choice Office at (850) 561-8950 for more information about attendance zones and choice options.

Charter School Options 

Charter Schools are public schools contracting with the district to provide services to students. Leon County has five charter schools. Each offers a unique opportunity and setting. Families can  obtain more information about each  school by visiting their websites or  calling the schools directly.

Home Schooling 

Families who choose not to send their students to a public school are responsible for all aspects of the education of their students. However, there are a few requirements families must satisfy in order to home-educate their children. For example, students must be evaluated annually. The District’s Home School Office can assist families who choose this option. Their number is (850) 561-8375.

Private Schools 

Tallahassee is also served by several private schools, which offer education opportunities from preschool through high school.

Libraries

The Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library system consists of a main library in downtown Tallahassee as well as six branches and a traveling bookmobile. Leon County residents are eligible to apply for a free library card (children under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-signer). The library offers patrons a plethora of services, and many, including requesting and renewing books, are available online.

Libraries are also located at Tallahassee’s three institutions of higher learning: Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee State College. 

In addition, the State Library of Florida is located in downtown Tallahassee. It is open to the public and offers an extensive Florida Collection as well as many online resources at dos.fl.gov/library.

Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library
200 W. Park Ave. (850) 606-2665
leoncountyfl.gov/library

Branch Libraries

Eastside Branch Library
1583 Pedrick Road (850) 606-2750

Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library
16327 Blountstown Highway (850) 606-2900

Dr. B.L. Perry Jr. Branch Library
2817 S. Adams St. (850) 606-2950

Lake Jackson Branch Library
3840-300 N. Monroe St. (850) 606-2850

Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
5513 Thomasville Road (850) 606-2800

Woodville Branch Library
8000 Old Woodville Road (850) 606-2925

Florida A&M University

Coleman Memorial Library
525 Orr Drive, FAMU Campus (850) 599-3370

Florida State University Strozier Library
116 Honors Way, FSU Campus (850) 644-2706

FSU Law Library
425 W. Jefferson St. (850) 644-3405

Tallahassee State College
TSC Campus
444 Appleyard Drive (850) 201-8376

Ghazvini Center 

1528 Surgeons Drive (850) 558-4537

State Library of Florida
R.A. Gray Building
500 S. Bronough St. (850) 245-6700