The Florida Department of Education has recognized eight Okaloosa County School District schools as 2025-26 Schools of Excellence, an honor for schools that demonstrate sustained academic achievement and performance.
The eight Okaloosa County schools are:
- Bluewater Elementary School
- Destin Elementary School
- Edge Elementary School
- Florosa Elementary School
- Plew Elementary School
- Okaloosa STEMM Academy
- Ruckel Middle School
- Niceville High School
- NW Florida Ballet Académie
A total of 768 schools across Florida earned the designation for 2025-26.
The Florida Legislature established the Schools of Excellence designation in 2017. It is awarded to schools that rank in the 80th percentile or higher in the percentage of possible points earned in their school grade calculation among schools with the same grade groupings (elementary, middle, high or combination) for at least two of the past three school years.
“We are proud to see eight of our schools recognized as Schools of Excellence for 2025-2026,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Sustained academic achievement is never the result of one person or one initiative.”
Chambers credited the collective commitment of teachers, school leaders, support staff, students and families who work together every day to create opportunities for student success. He said the recognition shows the dedication of these school communities and their continued focus on academic excellence.
