In a milestone academic year for Duval County Public Schools, the district has achieved an A rating for the first time, marking a notable improvement in overall school grades. According to a report from Duval County Public Schools, 99% of schools in the district earned grades of A, B, or C. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier credits this accomplishment to a clear vision and the dedicated efforts of staff, leadership, and the community.
Building on previous years' results, the district increased its score from 763 points last year to an A rating, the highest grade it has received to date. The percentage of schools earning A and B grades rose to 65%, compared to 46% the previous year. According to the district’s announcement, several schools showed marked improvement, including Annie R. Morgan Elementary, which moved from an F to a C, while ten schools improved by two letter grades.
Alongside the notable graduation rate of 95.3%, Principal Todd Simpson of Central Riverside Elementary, whose school maintained an A rating, shared in a statement obtained by Duval County Public Schools that “That single piece of advice changed the way I lead.” Simpson’s remarks reflect the impact of the district’s Principal Institute, a program focused on the consistent implementation of one clear strategy.
Additionally, the district’s partnership with MGT Consulting Group contributed to the improvement of previously struggling schools. The targeted strategies provided through the Turnaround School Partnership supported schools such as Matthew Gilbert and Woodland Acres in exiting state-mandated turnaround status. These initiatives aligned with the district’s broader approach, emphasizing the connection between leadership, culture, behavior, and outcomes, as outlined by Dr. Bernier in his community briefing.
Looking ahead, Duval County Public Schools plans to continue its efforts without pause. A year-long communication campaign called "Duval Delivers" is planned to highlight the district’s educational achievements and emphasize its strategies for advancing academic excellence. Entering the 2025-2026 school year, the district aims to maintain this momentum by prioritizing collaboration to reduce absenteeism and sustaining its effective Plan A approach.
