The Okaloosa County School District earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-2025 academic year, continuing a streak that places it among only three districts statewide to achieve this distinction every year since school grades began in 2014.
- The district scored 793 points, marking an increase from 772 points in 2023-2024. Additionally, 92% of schools earned an A or B rating, up from 86% the previous year. The district maintained an 88% graduation rate and achieved academic gains in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Civics.
“Once again, Okaloosa County has demonstrated what is possible when students, teachers, families, and school leaders work together toward a common goal,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Earning an A rating is a reflection of the high standards we hold ourselves to as a district and our shared belief in continuous improvement.”
The district recorded a 9-point gain in middle school acceleration and a 6-point increase in college and career acceleration. Acceleration points measure how effectively schools prepare students for advanced coursework by tracking participation and success in high school-level courses, industry certifications and college credit opportunities.
Graduation rates by high school were:
- Baker School – 95%
- Choctawhatchee High School – 91%
- Collegiate High School – 100%
- Crestview High School – 97%
- Destin High School – 83%
- Fort Walton Beach High School – 89%
- Laurel Hill School – 100%
- Niceville High School – 97%
The number of schools earning an A rating increased from 15 to 19, while B-rated schools decreased from 17 to 15, and C-rated schools dropped from 5 to 3.
Schools that improved their ratings included:
- Baker School – B to A
- Bruner Middle School – B to A
- Davidson Middle School – B to A
- Walker Elementary School – B to A
- Choctawhatchee High School – C to B
- Edwins Elementary School – C to B
- Shalimar Elementary School – C to B
Three schools are one point away from earning an A rating:
- Fort Walton Beach High School
- Meigs Middle School
- Northwood Elementary School.
Several schools have maintained consistent A ratings for the past three years:
- Elementary: Antioch, Bluewater, Destin, Edge, Florosa, Plew
- Middle: Destin, Ruckel
- Specialized: Okaloosa STEMM Academy, Northwest Florida Ballet Academie
- High School: Niceville High School
“The growth and consistency we’re seeing across our schools is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and school leaders,” Chambers said. “Maintaining high standards while continuing to improve year after year is no small task—it reflects a shared commitment to excellence and a belief in what our students can achieve.”
Detailed results for individual school performance are available on the Florida Department of Education’s website at https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.
