School grades released: 'A' & 'F' schools increase

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The number of schools in Florida earning an "A" grade increased by 195 over last year.

The Department of Education released preliminary grades Friday morning.

The number of schools earning an "F" also increased in the final year of the current grading system.

"The increase in the number of schools earning an 'A' this year is great news for students and teachers who have worked hard for this success," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "I appreciate the work by the educators, students and their families in Northeast Florida and know they will continue to improve in the future."

Highlights in Northeast Florida include:

• · Baker County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by one school in 2013-14, an improvement over last year (2012-13) when Baker County had no schools with an "A." Baker County has no schools with a preliminary grade of "F" in 2013-14.
• · Clay County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by eight schools in 2013-14, with 58 percent of Clay County schools now earning an "A" compared to 31 percent in 2012-13. In addition, two Clay County schools improved two letter grades between 2012-13 and 2013-14. Clay County has no schools with a preliminary grade of "F."
• · Columbia County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by three schools in 2013-14, with 38 percent of Columbia County schools now earning an "A" compared to 17 percent in 2012-13.
• · Four Duval County schools improved two or more letter grades between 2012-13 and 2013-14 including Southside Estates Elementary School which improved three letter grades from a "D" to a preliminary grade of "A."
• · Nassau County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by four schools in 2013-14, with 88 percent of Nassau County schools now earning an "A" compared to 38 percent in 2012-13. In addition, one Nassau County school, Yulee Middle School, improved two letter grades from a "C" to an "A" between 2012-13 and 2013-14.  All of Nassau County's schools are graded "A" or "B," with none having a preliminary grade of "C", "D" or "F."
• · Putnam County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by one school in 2013-14, with 13 percent of Putnam County schools now earning an "A" compared to 7 percent in 2012-13. In addition, two Putnam County schools improved two letter grades between 2012-13 and 2013-14.
• · St. Johns County increased the number of elementary and middle schools earning a preliminary grade of "A" by two schools in 2013-14, with 61 percent of St. Johns County schools now earning an "A" compared to 56 percent in 2012-13. St. Johns County has no schools with a preliminary grade of "F."

This is the final year school grades will be calculated using the current formula. The new grading system next year will support the more rigorous Florida Standards and the Florida Standards Assessment which will replace the FCAT. The new school grading formula will be more simple and transparent.

WJAX