The Okaloosa County School District announced that its 9 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) classrooms have received outstanding designations from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-2025 school year.
- The FDOE determines VPK designations based on three key areas:Quality Classroom Instruction (50%), Child Achievement (20%), and Child Learning Gains (30%). These measures ensure that VPK programs prepare students for kindergarten by building strong foundations in literacy, math, and resiliency skills.
Edwins Elementary and STEMM Academy received the “Above Expectations” designation. Seven schools earned an “Excellent” designation:
- Bob Sikes Elementary
- Longwood Elementary
- Mary Esther Elementary
- Northwood Elementary
- Riverside Elementary
- Southside Primary
- Walker Elementary
“Congratulations to all our VPK classrooms for earning exceptional ratings! VPK plays a vital role in helping our youngest students develop the skills they need for long-term success,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “These results highlight the outstanding leadership, teaching, and support happening across Okaloosa schools.”
Amy Dale, Director of Elementary Curriculum, praised the achievement.
“Congratulations to all our VPK classrooms for earning exceptional ratings! VPK is critical in Okaloosa for building early literacy, math, and resiliency skills that set the foundation for long-term success,” Dale said. “This success reflects strong leadership and alignment between VPK and our early elementary grades.”
