News Summary
Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) has made history by achieving its first-ever ‘A’ grade in the Florida state rankings. This milestone follows a steady progression from a ‘B’ rating in the previous year and showcases the collaborative efforts of educators, school leaders, and the community. With 59 ‘Overall A’ schools in the district, including significant improvements at Oceanway Elementary School, DCPS aims to honor outstanding educators and maintain high educational standards moving forward.
Jacksonville – In a historic achievement, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) earned its first-ever “A” grade in the Florida state rankings announced by Governor Ron DeSantis on July 7, 2025. Following a steady improvement from a “B” grade in 2024, this gain marks a significant milestone for the district, reflecting a collective effort from educators, school leaders, and community stakeholders.
Superintendent Christopher Bernier noted that this unprecedented success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of instructional staff, school principals, district leaders, and the School Board. He emphasized that the results showcase a strong vision, effective leadership, and relentless efforts at the school level.
Out of 159 schools in Duval County, 59 are now classified as “Overall A” schools—55 from the district and four charter schools. Additionally, 53 schools received a grade of “B,” consisting of 44 district schools and nine charter schools. These improvements come as part of an overall upward trend for schools statewide.
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) exams, which were introduced in the 2022-2023 school year and administered three times a year, have been credited with helping to elevate school performance throughout the state. Florida’s incoming Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, has pointed to the positive impact of these assessments in enhancing the quality of education across the board.
Statewide, the percentage of graded schools receiving “A” or “B” designations rose to 71%, showing an increase over the previous year and indicating overall progress in educational outcomes. Notably, Oceanway Elementary School, the location of the announcement, improved from a “C” to an “A,” marking its first “A” rating since 2022.
Following this achievement, DCPS announced plans to host a celebratory event recognizing school leaders and educators from ten schools that experienced grade increases of at least two letter grades. This occasion aims to honor the commitment of educators in raising academic standards and student performance.
In the broader context of Northeast Florida, Duval County’s improvement reflects a regional trend, with several nearby districts achieving commendable grades. As compared to the prior year, the current scores are as follows:
- Alachua County: B (2024: B)
- Baker County: B (2024: B)
- Bradford County: B (2024: C)
- Clay County: A (2024: A)
- Columbia County: B (2024: B)
- Duval County: A (2024: B)
- Flagler County: B (2024: B)
- Nassau County: A (2024: A)
- Putnam County: C (2024: C)
- St. Johns County: A (2024: A)
- Union County: B (2024: B)
Historically, Duval County’s school grades have seen fluctuations, with the district recording six years of “B” scores and five years of “C” scores leading up to 2014. The achievement of an “A” grade is anticipated to not only reflect the educational quality within the district but also to provide economic benefits, making the area more appealing to businesses and families considering relocation.
As the district celebrates its first “A” grade, the focus will remain on maintaining these standards and continuing to promote excellence in education for all students in Duval County.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com
- First Coast News
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: Education in Florida
- Google Search: Florida school grades
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.
