News Summary
Duval County Public Schools has earned its first-ever A grade in over two decades, representing a major accomplishment. This improvement mirrors the broader success seen across Florida’s K-12 schools, with a significant percentage receiving A or B grades. Education officials attribute this achievement to innovative testing systems and effective reforms. Notable gains were also observed in individual schools, highlighting the efforts of teachers and administrators. The positive results are expected to influence family relocation decisions, emphasizing the importance of school quality in the community.
Jacksonville, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced the school grades for the 2024-25 academic year, marking a significant achievement for Duval County Public Schools, which earned its first-ever A grade in over two decades. This is a notable improvement from a B grade in the previous year.
Across Florida, K-12 schools demonstrated considerable growth, with 71% of graded schools (2,461) receiving an A or B grade, compared to 64% in the previous academic year. Charter schools in the state also showed exceptional performance, with 77% obtaining A or B grades. This overall success points to advancements made through Florida’s innovative progress monitoring testing system.
Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz, Jr., commended these results as evidence of effective educational reforms, while incoming Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas recognized the state’s approach as a model for educational success nationwide. Notably, elementary schools earning an A grade increased by 4 percentage points, middle schools rose by 9 percentage points, and high schools saw a 10 percentage point rise.
A total of 28 Florida school districts achieved an A grade, with 31 districts receiving B, eight districts rated as C, and none earning D or F grades. In Duval County, the historic achievement reflects the culmination of teamwork and leadership, as recognized by Duval County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier. The district now boasts 59 schools with an Overall A rating, consisting of 45 district schools and 14 charter schools.
Among the individual success stories in Duval County, Andrew Jackson High School improved from a C to an A grade, while Oceanway Elementary School rose from a C to an A grade, having last received an A in 2022. Additionally, 53 schools in the county secured an Overall B rating, comprising 44 district schools and nine charter schools.
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) emphasized the importance of real-time progress monitoring in fostering improved student achievement. The state’s grading system, which factors in student assessment scores and graduation rates, identified that 347 schools (10%) decreased in grading this year, while 1,908 schools (56%) improved or maintained their A ratings.
With changes anticipated in the grading scale for the next academic year, potential shifts in ratings could occur for numerous districts. Education activists in Duval County expressed strong support for the achievements attained, commending the dedication of teachers and school administrators in driving progress.
The positive results are expected to have a significant impact on real estate and business decisions, as families often consider the quality of local schools when relocating. The successful grades achieved by Duval County public schools are a pivotal factor that may influence new families in the area and contribute to a thriving community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Duval County Schools See Improvement in Test Scores
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Duval County School Board Launches ‘Duval Reimagine’ Initiative
Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Florida Governor’s Office
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: Duval County Public Schools
- Click Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
