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We just got our report card, and Polk County Public Schools is B-B-B-Back! PCPS earned a B district grade for the 2024-25 school year, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education. PCPS improved from a C the year before. This is the district’s first B grade since 2019-20. “This is an outstanding accomplishment for our schools,” said PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid. “We’ve been making steady progress every year, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our students, teachers and staff. This is why we always tell our kids that hard work pays off.” PCPS students saw achievement gains in English language arts, social studies and science last year, and the district also helped more students take advantage of college and career acceleration programs. In addition, PCPS’ latest graduation rate climbed to 82%. A total of 14 traditional PCPS schools improved their own grades last year: - Two increased from a B to an A: Jewett School of the Arts, and Winston Academy of Engineering - Seven increased from a C to a B: Bethune Academy, Carlton Palmore Elementary, Frostproof Middle-Senior High, Lake Alfred Polytech Academy , Socrum Elementary, Snively Elementary, and Winter Haven High - Five increased from a D to a C: Auburndale High, Crystal Lake Elementary, Kathleen High, McLaughlin Academy of Excellence, and Stambaugh Middle Once again, there were no traditional PCPS schools earning an F grade. PCPS has used an intensive progress monitoring system to track students’ academic performance, and provide support based on each child’s learning style. Heid said the district will continue to refine its strategies and make use of available resources to help all schools succeed. “We’re very pleased with this year’s results, but we’re not yet satisfied. We’ll use this momentum to keep improving,” he said. “With that said, our community deserves to celebrate. So many people have played a role in this great achievement: students, teachers, staff, parents, guardians and volunteers. I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment, and so very proud to be part of Polk County Public Schools.” Complete school grades are available on the Florida Department of Education’s website: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/ --- PCPS Media Contact: Kyle Kennedy, PCPS Public Relations, 863-457-4708 ext. 835, kyle.kennedy@polk-fl.net
We just got our report card, and Polk County Public Schools is B-B-B-Back!
PCPS earned a B district grade for the 2024-25 school year, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education.
PCPS improved from a C the year before. This is the district’s first B grade since 2019-20.
“This is an outstanding accomplishment for our schools,” said PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid. “We’ve been making steady progress every year, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our students, teachers and staff. This is why we always tell our kids that hard work pays off.”
PCPS students saw achievement gains in English language arts, social studies and science last year, and the district also helped more students take advantage of college and career acceleration programs. In addition, PCPS’ latest graduation rate climbed to 82%.
A total of 14 traditional PCPS schools improved their own grades last year:
- Two increased from a B to an A: Jewett School of the Arts, and Winston Academy of Engineering
- Seven increased from a C to a B: Bethune Academy, Carlton Palmore Elementary, Frostproof Middle-Senior High, Lake Alfred Polytech Academy , Socrum Elementary, Snively Elementary, and Winter Haven High
- Five increased from a D to a C: Auburndale High, Crystal Lake Elementary, Kathleen High, McLaughlin Academy of Excellence, and Stambaugh Middle
Once again, there were no traditional PCPS schools earning an F grade.
PCPS has used an intensive progress monitoring system to track students’ academic performance, and provide support based on each child’s learning style. Heid said the district will continue to refine its strategies and make use of available resources to help all schools succeed.
“We’re very pleased with this year’s results, but we’re not yet satisfied. We’ll use this momentum to keep improving,” he said. “With that said, our community deserves to celebrate. So many people have played a role in this great achievement: students, teachers, staff, parents, guardians and volunteers. I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment, and so very proud to be part of Polk County Public Schools.”
Complete school grades are available on the Florida Department of Education’s website: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/
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PCPS Media Contact: Kyle Kennedy, PCPS Public Relations, 863-457-4708 ext. 835, kyle.kennedy@polk-fl.net