News Summary
Duval County Public Schools has achieved its first countywide ‘A’ grade for student performance, marking a significant milestone in the district’s history. During a visit by Governor Ron DeSantis to Oceanway Elementary, the improvements in student grades were celebrated alongside the collaborative efforts of teachers, principals, and community partners. With the new Progress Monitoring Testing system, many schools have shown remarkable progress, leading to a decrease in low-performing schools and an increase in overall student success across the district.
Jacksonville, Florida – In a historic achievement, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) has received its first countywide “A” grade for student achievement for the 2024-25 school year, a milestone confirmed on July 7. This significant accomplishment marks the first time the district has earned an “A” grade since the Florida Department of Education began assigning grades to county school districts.
During a visit to Oceanway Elementary School, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the transformation of DCPS, stating that the district has improved from a “B” to an “A” grade. This advancement reflects not only improvements in student performance but also a collaborative effort among instructional staff, principals, School Board members, and community partners.
Over the last several years, DCPS has implemented consistent incremental changes designed to enhance the educational experience for students. As a result, the number of schools receiving “D” or “F” grades has significantly decreased from twelve to two. Currently, a total of 59 schools in Duval County are classified as “Overall A” schools, while an additional 55 schools hold “Overall B” ratings, which includes both district and charter schools.
Assessment Changes and Academic Improvements
A key contributor to the district’s academic success has been the introduction of a new Progress Monitoring Testing approach. This system evaluates students three times a year, providing real-time data for teachers and parents. By identifying underperforming students promptly, educational staff can implement targeted interventions to support those individuals.
The impact of this testing reform has been significant, with reported increases in student performance. Grades for students in grades 3 through 10 saw an uptick of 21 percentage points in language arts and 44 percentage points in math. Furthermore, ten schools made notable progress, with three institutions improving from “F” to “C” grades, while several others advanced from “C” to “A” ratings.
Schools Showing Remarkable Progress
The specific schools that raised their grades by two levels include:
- Andrew Jackson High (C to A)
- Annie R. Morgan Elementary (F to C)
- Holiday Hill Elementary (C to A)
- Jean Ribault High (C to A)
- Landmark Middle (C to A)
- Long Branch Elementary (D to B)
- Northwestern Legends Elementary (D to B)
- Oceanway Elementary (C to A)
- Pickett Elementary (C to A)
- Rufus E. Payne Elementary (C to A)
Statewide Trends and Financial Support
On a broader scale, the Florida Department of Education has reported an increase in schools throughout the state earning “A” or “B” grades, moving from 64% to 71%. This statewide progress has been attributed to the dedication of educators and the supportive environment framed by educational reforms.
In addition to fostering academic success, funding has remained a priority. The state has allocated $1.36 billion for teacher pay, which includes a $102 million increase from the previous year, recognizing the essential role of educators in achieving these academic gains.
Looking Ahead
To maintain this momentum, DCPS plans to initiate “Duval Delivers,” a year-long communication effort aimed at highlighting success stories and continuous improvements throughout the upcoming school year. This initiative will serve to engage the community and ensure the ongoing collaboration necessary for sustained educational success.
In conclusion, Duval County Public Schools has made significant strides in enhancing educational outcomes for students, marking a transformative journey that has culminated in the district’s first countywide “A” grade. The collective efforts and strategic reforms are paving the way for continued growth and achievement within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duval County Public Schools Achieves First ‘A’ Grade for Student Achievement
Schools in Duval County Achieve Historic A Grades
Duval County Schools Achieve Historic ‘A’ Grade in Florida Rankings
Duval County Public Schools Achieves Historic A Grade
Duval County School Board Approves Boundaries for Middle Schools
DeSantis Cuts Florida Budget by Millions, Impacting Local Projects
Duval County Schools See Improvement in Test Scores
School District Responds to Teacher’s Misconduct Incident
Jacksonville Organizes School Supply Drive for Needy Families
Jacksonville Launches Ride to Train Program for Trade Students
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Making the Grade
- First Coast News: Duval County Earns First A Grade
- News4Jax: DCPS Performance Overview
- Action News Jax: Governor Celebrates Duval’s A Grade
- Wikipedia: Duval County Public Schools
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.
