JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools has earned an “A” district grade for the second consecutive year, according to newly released school accountability results from the Florida Department of Education.
District officials said the achievement is particularly noteworthy because it was earned under more rigorous state grading standards that required additional points to receive the state’s highest rating.
“This ‘A’ grade reflects the extraordinary work happening across Team Duval every day,” Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said. “Our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, families, and School Board members rose to meet higher expectations, and together we proved that excellence isn’t a one-time accomplishment—it’s something we continue to build upon.”
According to the district, Duval County improved or maintained its performance in 11 of the 12 accountability components used to calculate the district grade. Officials said the district also needed 12 more overall points to earn an “A” than were required under the previous grading formula.
Among the district’s notable accomplishments:
- 98% of traditional district schools earned an A, B or C grade.
- English Language Arts proficiency posted the district’s largest improvement, increasing by four percentage points.
- Richard L. Brown Gifted and Talented Academy earned its first “A” rating since the 1999-2000 school year.
- Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary School improved from a C to an A.
- Jacksonville Beach Elementary School remained one of Florida’s highest-rated elementary schools.
- George W. Carver Elementary School improved from a D to a C.
- Mandarin Oaks Elementary School advanced from a B to an A.
- Fort Caroline Middle School earned its first-ever B rating.
- Joseph Stilwell Middle School improved from a C to a B.
- Andrew Jackson High School and Jean Ribault High School maintained their A ratings.
- Edward H. White High School maintained its first-ever B rating and finished one percentage point short of an A.
Nine schools improved from a B to an A, including Biscayne Elementary, Chimney Lakes Elementary, Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary, Mandarin Oaks Elementary, New Berlin Elementary, Richard L. Brown Gifted and Talented Academy, Seabreeze Elementary and Venetia Elementary.
Another nine schools advanced from a C to a B, including Anchor Academy, Cedar Hills Elementary, Don Brewer Elementary, Fort Caroline Middle School, Hidden Oaks Elementary, Jacksonville STEM Academy, Joseph Stilwell Middle School, Parkwood Heights Elementary and Twin Lakes Academy Middle School.
Bernier said the district’s success reflects a community-wide commitment to student achievement.
“This recognition belongs to educators and to our entire community,” he said. “Strong public schools help build a stronger Jacksonville. Every improvement we make opens more opportunities for our students and strengthens the future workforce and quality of life across Northeast Florida. This achievement reflects what we can accomplish when we work together on behalf of children.”