The Okaloosa County School District earned its latest “A” from the Florida Department of Education, remaining one of only three districts in the state to hold that rating every year since 2014.
- The district improved from 11th to 8th in the state for on-grade-level student proficiency, based on the district’s analysis of Florida’s statewide accountability results for 2026.
Under the Florida Department of Education’s official school district accountability system, which measures student proficiency, year-over-year learning gains, acceleration and graduation rates, Okaloosa County ranks 15th among the state’s 67 school districts.
The district improved in 10 of 12 academic categories. Its total accountability point count has climbed steadily over three years, rising from 772 in 2024 to 793 in 2025 and 818 in 2026.
This year, 23 schools earned an “A,” 10 earned a “B” and four earned a “C,” with 89% of schools receiving an “A” or “B.” Five schools moved from a “B” to an “A” and two improved from a “C” to a “B.” Six schools showed major percentage growth for their school grade, with increases ranging from 7% to 13%.
Individual school grades are as follows:
Elementary schools
- Antioch Elementary School — A
- Bluewater Elementary School — A
- Destin Elementary School — A
- Eglin Elementary School — A
- Florosa Elementary School — A
- James E. Plew Elementary School — A
- Lula J. Edge Elementary School — A
- Northwood Elementary School — A
- Riverside Elementary School — A
- Walker Elementary School — A
- Annette P. Edwins Elementary School — B
- Bob Sikes Elementary School — B
- Elliott Point Elementary School — B
- Kenwood Elementary School — B
- Wright Elementary School — B
- Longwood Elementary School — C
- Mary Esther Elementary School — C
- Shalimar Elementary School — C
Middle schools
- C.W. Ruckel Middle School — A
- Clifford Meigs Middle School — A
- Davidson Middle School — A
- Max Bruner Junior Middle School — A
- Okaloosa STEMM Center — A
- Shoal River Middle School — A
- W.C. Pryor Middle School — B
High schools
- Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College — A
- Niceville Senior High School — A
- Crestview High School — B
- Destin High School — B
- Fort Walton Beach High School — B
- Choctawhatchee Senior High School — C
Combination schools
- Addie R. Lewis School — A
- Destin Middle School — A
- Laurel Hill School — A
- Liza Jackson Preparatory School — A
- Northwest Florida Ballet Académie — A
- Baker School — B
Several subject areas showed notable improvement. Social studies achievement rose from 74% to 80%, while content mastery in science across grade levels increased from 67% to 71%. Middle school acceleration climbed from 72% to 77%, and the graduation rate went from 88% to 91%.
“Once again, earning an ‘A’ rating from the Florida Department of Education speaks to the strength and stability of our school system. It is a standard that is only achieved through sustained effort, high expectations, and a shared commitment to excellence,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said.
Chambers credited students first, calling their hard work and determination “at the heart of this achievement.” He also recognized teachers, support professionals, administrators, parents and families for their roles in the district’s performance.
“These results do not happen by chance. They are the product of unwavering commitment, professionalism, and a relentless focus on student success across every role in our district,” Chambers said. “Whether in the classroom, driving a bus, preparing meals, maintaining our facilities, or supporting instruction and operations behind the scenes, every employee plays a vital role in creating an environment where students can thrive.”
Chambers said the “A” rating belongs to the entire school community, including students, families, employees, the School Board and community partners.
District leaders said they will continue focusing on ELA, math, targeted support and expanded opportunities for advanced coursework to maintain the district’s trajectory.
