PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The School District of Palm Beach County has jumped back up to an "A" rating, according to new data released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education.
The school grading system for the 2023/24 academic year was based, in part, on the results of statewide progress monitoring exams, as well as student performance in English language arts, math, science, and social studies, along with graduation rates, among other factors.
Palm Beach County, which had dropped to a B last year for the first time since 2018, has regained its A status.
The School District of Indian River County is the only other district in our viewing area with an A rating.
St. Lucie Public Schools and the Martin County School District both maintained a B, while the Okeechobee County School District has a C.
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Making the grade: Florida education leaders praise student test scores
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Farther south of us, Miami-Dade County Public Schools maintained its A status, while Broward County Public Schools jumped up to an A.
"This year’s school grades reflect Florida’s steadfast commitment to excellence in education," Florida education commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. said in a written statement. "Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, we have continued to raise the bar for providing students with a quality education that suits their individual needs, and these school grades are proof positive that our approach is working."
According to the new data, 1,300 schools in Florida earned an A in 2024, a 6% increase over last year. In addition, 98 fewer schools earned a D or F compared to a year ago.
Other highlights from the new data:
- 64% of all schools earned an A or B in 2024, compared to 57% in 2023
- 1,761 schools increased their grade or maintained an A in 2024
- 69% of the state's 602 charter schools received an A or B in 2024
In looking at specific grade levels, the Florida Department of Education said the number of elementary schools earning an A increased by 4%, the number of middle schools with an A increased by 7%, and and the number of high schools with an A jumped by 10%.
Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike Burke sat down with WPTV Education Reporter Stephanie Susskind hours after learning the good news. He told her, "it means a lot to us, this is our life's work. We have a lot of dedicated people who put a lot of dedication and time and hard work into this and its really just nice to see it pay off."
Burke adds, "the prior year was considered a baseline year with the new standards and new testing. We did learn from that and that allowed for the most recent school year to really zero in and make sure we're getting the kids the content and the mastery of the standards that were needed."
The district leader says a heavy focus on phonics and the science of reading, along with additional teacher training and materials, helped boost the scores. He also said a focus on students taking rigorous coursework and accelerated math programs helped achieve the A, in addition to a very strong graduation rate.
"We are very proud in Palm Beach County of our public schools and that 'A' rating is kind of that gold seal of approval," Burke said.
He says this gives a renewed sense of confidence and pride heading into the new school year. Parent and teacher Marjorie Soffer agrees. She works at the new West Boynton Middle School, which earned an A in its first year.
"Teaching is very difficult and the fact that we all persevered and got this amazing recognition says a lot," she said.
Palm Beach County also notes the following achievements:
- 59 schools improved one or more letter grade.
- 131 schools earned an “A” or “B” grade, which is the highest total number of schools to be “A” or “B” rated in the last five years.
- The Glades Region reached an unprecedented level of student achievement.
- Two schools, Plumosa School of the Arts and K.E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary School, increased two letter grades.
In Martin County, Superintendent Michael Maine says the district missed earning an A by just one point.
"It was a little devastating to know we missed it by one point but that just means we'll continue to work hard this next school year and know we'll get that one point," he said.
The district is celebrating Port Salerno Elementary School, which raised its grade from a D to a C to a B. Principal Lauren Gifford says, "I think it's just such a celebration and a true testament to the commitment of the staff that I have and it means the world to me. I think I'm still in shock right now."
Indian River County Superintendent Dr. David Moore released a statement that says, "I am so proud and appreciative of the work that each one of our team members has done to contribute to the outcomes! The outcomes are evidence of the high-quality teaching that is occurring in our classrooms across our district and the commitment by our team members to be in service of students."
The state calculates school grades based on a variety of factors including test scores, year-over-year improvements, graduation rates and more.
To see the complete report of school grades in Florida, including a county-by-county and school-by-school breakdown, click here.
