News Summary
Duval County Schools has attained its first-ever grade ‘A’ from the Florida Department of Education, marking a historic achievement for the district. Announced at Oceanway Elementary, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted this milestone for the 2024-25 school year. The Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Bernier, recognized the collective efforts of teachers, parents, and students. Numerous schools showed significant improvement, with 45 schools raising their grades, reflecting a broader positive trend in Florida’s education system.
Jacksonville – Duval County Schools has reached a significant milestone, achieving its first ever grade ‘A’ from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-25 school year. This achievement was announced during a special showcase at Oceanway Elementary School on July 7, where Governor Ron DeSantis revealed the historic grade. The Superintendent of Duval County, Dr. Christopher Bernier, expressed pride in this accomplishment, which marks a important moment in the district’s history after more than two decades of striving for top grades.
The success of Duval County Schools can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents, and students. Several schools within the district demonstrated notable improvements, further contributing to the overall positive results. For instance, Andrew Jackson High School improved dramatically from a grade C to an A, while Annie R. Morgan Elementary made the leap from an F to a C. Oceanway Elementary and Holiday Hill Elementary both advanced from C to A, and Landmark Middle also achieved an A after starting from C. Additionally, a total of 10 schools saw their letter grades double, underscoring a trend of improvement across the district.
Overall, 45 schools improved their grades, with 10 schools achieving a two-grade increase. The district has successfully reduced the number of schools receiving “D” or “F” grades from 12 to just 2. This reflects a broader movement across Florida, as the Department of Education noted an increase in schools earning A or B grades statewide rising from 64% to 71%.
Key to this turnaround has been the implementation of Progress Monitoring Testing, which allows for assessment of students three times per year instead of relying on traditional end-of-year tests. This new testing system provides real-time results, making it easier to identify students who need additional support and intervene earlier in their learning process.
Dr. Bernier pointed out that the quality of education plays a crucial role in attracting families and businesses to the area, emphasizing the importance of these improved academic results in relation to economic decisions. The Jacksonville Public Education Fund commended the dedication and hard work demonstrated by educators and school leaders that contributed to these gains.
In an effort to sustain this positive momentum, Duval County Public Schools is launching a year-long initiative called “Duval Delivers.” This campaign seeks to celebrate the district’s successes and maintain the progress achieved thus far in student performance. Additionally, Governor DeSantis introduced a new Civics Seal of Excellence Program aimed at teachers, which offers a $3,000 bonus for participation, reinforcing the state’s commitment to enhancing educational quality.
As Duval County Schools enters a new chapter marked by newfound academic excellence, the focus will remain on fostering a supportive and effective learning environment to ensure that all students can thrive and succeed.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville: Duval County Becomes an A School District
- Google Search: Duval County Schools grade A
- First Coast News: Florida School District Grades
- Google Scholar: Duval County Public Schools
- News 4 JAX: Duval County Goes from B to A District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida education
- Action News JAX: Gov. DeSantis Celebrates Duval County Schools
- Google News: Duval County Public Schools celebration