JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- The grades are in and it looks like Duval County is out-performing the state.
Despite an expected decrease in school grades because of raised standards, the district saw an increase in A schools.
Here's the breakdown for elementary and middle schools:
-A grades went up from 48 last year to 49 this year.
-B graded schools stayed the same.
-C grades went down from 41 last year to 37 this year.
-D grades went up from 15 last year to 23 this year.
-F grades dropped from five to four.
Wednesday, the local grades were announced at Northshore Elementary School -- a school that made one of the biggest progressions. Two years ago, it's grade was an F, last year a D and then this year, a new principal came in and it was all up hill from there.
"This was my first time and I don't want to mess up," Hardaway tells Action News she remembers thinking on the first day. "But I also knew that with my faith that God did not put me here to fail either. Nor did he put the students or the teachers here in that they really and truly were not a failing school."
It took hard work, team work and change.
"The teachers gave tirelessly and effortlessly," she said. "They were here on Saturdays some of us were here on Sundays. Some of the teachers get here at six in the morning they don't leave until seven [at night]."
Parents noticed a difference in no time.
"Each year things have changed but I saw the drastic change this year," said Christine Hall. "Attitude alone I think made a big difference. Everybody wanted to do it. Everybody was pulling to do it. Everybody was a team."
Wednesday, it was an all-out celebration. Their goal has become a reality.
"They was like Miss Hall Miss Hall we got it we got it!" exclaimed Hall of when she learned the news. "I was like 'oh my gosh!' So exciting. And I was so proud because I've seen all the hard work the kids do."
And their school district is following suit -- Duval County is the only district statewide to increase A schools and decrease F schools. As proud as principal Hardaway is, she knows the work isn't over. Next year's goal is now set even higher -- an A.
There are still a few Duval County schools struggling. Northwestern Middle School, Eugene J. Butler Middle School, Ramona Boulevard Elementary School and School of Success Academy Charter School all earned F's. Instead of being labeled as "intervene," they are now being called "priority schools."
Grades for the high schools are expected by late fall.
Northshore Elementary School had a big task at hand this past school year. First year Principal Felicia Hardaway set a goal. Bringing their grade up from a D to a B.
