OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – While families enjoy their summer break, Osceola County schools have received their academic evaluation from the Florida Department of Education.
The district earned a high “B” grade, marking its highest rating to date, with a clear goal to achieve an “A” in the upcoming school year.
The Florida Department of Education evaluates districts based on 21 categories, including academic achievements, graduation rates, and support for struggling students.
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Osceola County is home to 75 schools, with 23 schools earning an “A” rating and 20 earning a “B”.
Notably, Gateway High School achieved its first-ever “A” grade.
In an interview with community correspondent Laverne McGee, Osceola County Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff emphasized the district’s commitment to continuous progress.
“In the school district of Osceola County, we focus on progress, not perfection,” Dr. Shanoff stated.
While pleased with the improvement, Superintendent Shanoff revealed the district narrowly missed an “A” by just two points.
He conveyed optimism toward innovative educational approaches, noting, “We are working towards doing a lot more around the idea of student-led learning. Maybe you can produce something that isn’t necessarily a test, maybe you can do a diagram or a poster.”
Kissimmee City Manager Mike Steigerwald highlighted the broader impact of the district’s performance on the community.
“When a company is looking to make an investment in a community, they look to the quality of the school district,” Steigerwald explained, emphasizing the importance of educational standards in economic development.
The Osceola School District’s dedication to improvement is clear.
Superintendent Shanoff concluded, “So we know that as a team, if we work 1% better each and every day and try to get better each day, we know that our students will get better as well.”
The district looks forward to strengthening its educational outcomes and achieving an A grade this school year.