Sarasota Schools Earn 21st Consecutive ‘A’ Rating

Sarasota Schools continue to excel in education with 21 consecutive 'A' ratings.

News Summary

Sarasota County Schools have achieved a remarkable 21st consecutive ‘A’ rating from the Florida Department of Education. Not only does this reflect the hard work of students and staff, but it also positions the district as No. 5 out of 67 in Florida. This achievement is based on a composite score across 12 components, including student performance and graduation rates. Sarasota’s success showcases its commitment to educational excellence and community support, as evidenced by many individual schools improving their grades this year.

Sarasota Schools Shine Bright with 21st Consecutive “A” Rating!

Well, folks, it’s official! Sarasota County Schools have once again proved their exceptional quality by achieving a glorious 21st consecutive “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education. Can we get a round of applause for our students, teachers, and families? That’s right, Sarasota County School District is not just any regular district; it ranked No. 5 out of 67 districts in glorious Florida!

Breaking Down the Numbers

What’s even more impressive is that this year’s overall grade was an A after scoring a fantastic 69%. This score doesn’t come from just a single test either; it’s calculated from 12 components, which include crucial factors like student performance, graduation rates, and college or career readiness. We’ve got to say; it’s a well-rounded approach!

This ranking comes in under the new grading scale that was introduced for the first time in 2024. And guess what? Scores improved from last year! Statewide, nearly 1,300 schools earned an “A”, so it’s safe to say education in Florida is on the rise!

The State of Education in Florida

When it comes to education, Florida is on top! This year, the state ranked first in education in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, emphasizing its commitment to educational excellence, as pointed out by Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. While Sarasota is basking in its achievements, neighboring districts also showed some strong performances. For example, Pinellas County School District took home an A grade as well, placing its rank at No. 15 with a score of 65%. Other nearby counties like Manatee, Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pasco were graded as B, while Citrus and Polk counties didn’t quite make the mark and earned C ratings.

Spotlight on School Improvements

Sarasota isn’t just an overall winner; individual schools are shining too! An impressive 95% of schools in the district scored an “A” or “B” this academic year, showcasing the hard work and determination across our educational landscape. Some of the standout improvements include:

Brentwood Elementary: B to A
Brookside Middle: B to A
Emma Booker Elementary: C to B
Glenallen Elementary: C to B
Heron Creek Middle: B to A
Tuttle Elementary: C to B
Ballard Elementary: D to B

Even some charter schools joined the success party; schools like the Island Village Montessori School improved from B to A, while others like the Imagine School at Palmer Ranch saw their grades decline. It’s important to recognize that progress takes many forms!

A Look at the Accountability System

Hold onto your hats! Sarasota’s district improved 49 points on the overall accountability system which now includes a new third-grade English Language Arts Achievement component. With such rapid progress, there’s no stopping this district! This impressive climb is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.

Community Support and Future Plans

Sarasota Schools Superintendent expressed gratitude toward the efforts of students, teachers, and families. His sentiments were echoed by the School Board Chairwoman, who praised the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and a community-wide commitment to high expectations.

Looking ahead, the district will be hosting public hearings soon, addressing financial topics like the tentative millage rate and the upcoming budget of $1.35 billion. It’s worth mentioning that there’s a slight decrease in the millage rate compared to last year, making it an exciting time to be part of the Sarasota educational community.

In conclusion, Sarasota is not just another district; it’s a beacon of educational excellence, showcasing what can be achieved when a community comes together! Here’s to many more successful years ahead!