The Florida Department of Education has unveiled its 2026 accountability reports, showcasing the state’s top-performing school districts. In a remarkable display of educational excellence, St. Johns County has reclaimed its position as the number one district in Florida, achieving an impressive 910 total points. Close on its heels, Nassau County secured the second spot with 892 points.

These rankings are based on a comprehensive grading system that evaluates various aspects of school performance, including student achievement, learning gains, and graduation rates. The reports provide valuable insights into the educational landscape of Florida, helping parents, educators, and policymakers understand how well schools are serving their students.

Northeast Florida districts shine in 2026 rankings

The Northeast Florida region has once again demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence. Among the 11 districts in the region, several have achieved notable success. Duval County one of the largest districts in the state, maintained its A grade for the 2026-26 school year. With 173 schools in total, Duval County boasts 64 A-rated schools reflecting its dedication to providing quality education.

Clay County also earned an A grade with 29 of its 46 schools receiving the top rating. The district’s consistent performance highlights its strong educational foundation. Meanwhile, Flagler County improved its grade from a B to an A showcasing significant progress in its educational initiatives.

The grading system: how schools are evaluated

The Florida Department of Education uses a sophisticated A–F grading system to assess school performance. This system is designed to provide a clear and concise summary of how well a school is meeting educational standards. To be included in the calculations, schools must test at least 95% of students.

The grading system is based on up to 12 components each worth up to 100 points. These components include achievement in various subjects, learning gains over the year, graduation rates and college and career readiness. The final grade is calculated by adding up the points earned across all available components and dividing by the total points available.

Key components of the grading system

The grading system includes several key components that provide a comprehensive evaluation of school performance. These components are:

  • Achievement components These measure the percentage of students who scored passing on statewide standardized tests in subjects like English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
  • Learning Gains components These assess the percentage of students who made learning gains year-over-year, focusing on the lowest-performing 25% of students.
  • Middle School Acceleration This component evaluates the percentage of eligible students who passed a high school-level end-of-course exam or earned an industry certification.
  • Graduation Rate This measures the percentage of students who graduate within four years.
  • College & Career Acceleration This component looks at the percentage of graduates who earned acceleration credits through various means, such as passing AP/IB/AICE exams or earning industry certifications.

Central Florida districts maintain high standards

In Central Florida, seven school districts earned A grades in the latest report card. Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties all maintained their top ratings, reflecting their consistent commitment to educational excellence. Flagler County also improved its grade from a B to an A demonstrating significant progress.

Orange County one of the largest school districts in the country, maintained its A grade for the third consecutive year. The district reported that 101 traditional schools earned an A grade up from 96 in 2026. Notably, no school in Orange County received a D or F grade.

Seminole County has held an A grade for nearly a decade, ranking 11th in the state. The district’s consistent performance is a testament to its dedicated teachers, engaged families, and supportive community members. Similarly, Sumter County has maintained an A grade since 2026, with three of its elementary schools and its middle school earning top ratings.

These reports provide a comprehensive overview of school performance across Florida, highlighting the districts that are setting the standard in education. Parents and educators can use this information to make informed decisions and continue to strive for excellence in the classroom.