MIAMI.- Florida schools have shown significant progress in their grades, according to the latest report from the Florida Department of Education. This year, the number of schools with an “A” grade increased by 6 percentage points, while 81 fewer schools received a “D” grade and 17 fewer received an “F” grade compared to the previous year.
Overall, 64% of all schools (2,196 institutions) achieved an “A” or “B” grade, a marked improvement from 57% last year. Fewer than 4% of schools (113 institutions) earned a “D” or “F” grade, down from 6% in 2023. Additionally, 1,761 schools (53%) improved their grade or maintained an “A,” according to the state education agency.
The report shows that progress is reflected at all educational levels. Elementary schools with an “A” rating increased by 4 percentage points compared to the previous year. Middle and high schools showed even more significant increases, with rises of 7 and 10 percentage points respectively, while schools combined improved by 7 percentage points.
“We are continually raising the bar to provide students with a quality education tailored to their individual needs, and these ratings are proof positive that our approach is working,” said Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.
Miami-Dade and Broward celebrate their achievements
Miami-Dade and Broward school districts also have reason to celebrate. Broward received its first “A” grade from the state since 2011. “We are officially an ‘A’ graded school district,” Broward Schools Vice President Debra Hixon announced.
Broward Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn noted that “we have no schools with ‘D’ or ‘F’ grades for the first time since 1999.”
Miami-Dade schools, meanwhile, maintained their “A” rating for the fifth consecutive year. “Once again we are an ‘A’ rated school district,” said Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Jose Dotres.
Update on grading scale
Meanwhile, the state Board of Education approved an update to the school grading scale at its July meeting. Under the new rules, elementary schools will be graded using the system in place from the 2014-2015 school year through 2021-2022, while all other types of schools will be evaluated using a new scale.
These improvements reflect the Florida education system’s continued efforts and commitment to providing a high-quality, responsive education to all students.
