St. Lucie County earned its first-ever A rating under the Florida school grading system in 2025, reflecting a significant milestone for local education and aligning with statewide improvements in academic performance.
St. Lucie County Achieves Top School Grade in 2025
The Florida school grading system evaluates schools and districts based on several factors, including student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, acceleration success, and support for struggling students. In 2025, St. Lucie County received an A rating for the first time since the grading system was implemented, according to the Florida Department of Education.
This accomplishment places St. Lucie County among the 28 districts statewide that earned an A. The achievement highlights both local educational efforts and broader statewide trends toward higher performance and recognition.
Statewide School Grade Improvements in Florida
Across Florida, school grades improved notably in 2025. According to the Florida Department of Education, 71% of all graded schools received either an A or B, up from 64% in the previous year. The number of elementary schools earning an A increased by 4 percentage points, middle schools by 9 points, and high schools by 10 points compared to the prior year.
Nearly 200,000 more students are now enrolled in A and B schools than in the previous academic year, according to official state data. No school districts in Florida received a D or F rating in 2025. The breakdown for 2025 includes 28 districts with an A, 31 with a B, and 8 with a C.
How the Florida School Grading System Works
The Florida school grading system is designed to measure school and district performance using a range of academic indicators. These include:
- Student achievement on statewide assessments
- Learning gains for all students and for the lowest-performing students
- Graduation rates for high schools
- Success in acceleration programs, such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment
- Support for students who are struggling academically
The grading scale for schools has historically been lower than the traditional grading scale used for individual students. For example, in 2025, an elementary school needed just 62% to earn an A, while a student would typically need 90% for the same grade. This difference has led to ongoing discussions about the accuracy and rigor of school grades.
Upcoming Changes to School Grading Standards
In 2025, the Florida legislature passed the SCORE Act, which will gradually transition the school grading scale to a more rigorous, traditional A-F system over five years. For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, the current grading scale remains in place.
Beginning in 2026-27, the minimum percentage required for an A will increase to 70%. The standard will rise to 80% in 2027-28 and reach 90% in 2028-29 and beyond. During this transition period, both the current grade and the grade under the future scale will be published on student report cards to provide transparency for families and educators.
Timeline for Grading Scale Changes
- 2024-25 and 2025-26: Current grading scale remains (A = 62%)
- 2026-27: A = 70%
- 2027-28: A = 80%
- 2028-29 and beyond: A = 90%
Officials report that these changes are intended to align school grading standards more closely with those used for students, increasing accountability and academic rigor statewide.
Expert Perspectives on School Grading Reforms
Education experts recognize the recent improvement in school grades as a positive trend for Florida’s education system. However, many caution that the current grading scale may not fully reflect the level of academic challenge in schools. There is broad support for making the grading process more transparent and for aligning school grades with traditional student grading standards.
Some experts have expressed concern that proposed funding cuts to advanced academic and technical programs could undermine long-term educational and economic competitiveness. Teacher organizations and policy analysts have advocated for maintaining or increasing support for programs that prepare students for college and careers.
Context: Broader Education Policy in Florida
Florida’s school grading reforms are part of a broader effort to improve educational outcomes and increase accountability. The transition to a stricter grading scale is designed to ensure that high ratings more accurately reflect strong academic performance. These changes come as debates continue about funding, teacher pay, and curriculum updates throughout the state.
St. Lucie County’s achievement of an A rating in 2025 is notable within this context, reflecting both local initiatives and statewide policy shifts aimed at raising educational standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida School Grading System
What is the Florida school grading system?
The Florida school grading system is a statewide method for evaluating schools and districts based on student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, and other academic indicators. It assigns letter grades from A to F to measure overall performance.
How much does a school need to score for an A in Florida?
In 2025, a school needed at least 62% to earn an A under the current grading scale. Starting in 2026-27, the minimum required for an A will increase each year, reaching 90% by 2028-29.
Are there any D or F rated school districts in Florida for 2025?
No school districts in Florida received a D or F rating in 2025, according to the Florida Department of Education. Most districts received an A or B, with a few earning a C.
Can you find both current and future grades on student report cards?
Yes, during the transition period, both the current school grade and the grade under the new, more rigorous scale will be shown on student report cards. This helps families understand how grading standards are changing.
Where are the top-rated school districts in Florida?
In 2025, 28 school districts, including St. Lucie County, earned an A rating under the Florida school grading system. These districts are located throughout the state and reflect strong academic performance.
