The Monroe County School District has once again achieved an “A” grade for the 2025-26 school year, as announced by the Florida Department of Education. This marks a continuation of the district’s strong performance, with an increase in overall accountability points from 763 to 774.

District Momentum and Rising Expectations

“This ‘A’ rating is especially meaningful because it was earned in a year when the state raised the bar for excellence,” stated Superintendent Edward Tierney. “Rather than being discouraged by higher expectations, our students, teachers, staff and families rose to meet them.”

Tierney attributed the success to a culture of continuous improvement and the dedication of everyone within the district. He highlighted that the achievement affirms the district’s ability to rise to meet increased expectations. The district’s gains were notably driven by improvements in college and career readiness, graduation outcomes, and English Language Arts (ELA) achievement.

School Performance Highlights

Several schools within the district earned high marks. Poinciana Elementary School achieved its third consecutive “A” rating, and Plantation Key School also received a strong “A.” Four schools, including Marathon High School, Key Largo School, Sugarloaf School, and Coral Shores High School, earned high “B” grades, finishing within one percentage point of the new “A” threshold, according to Keys Weekly. Gerald Adams Elementary and Stanley Switlik Elementary Schools improved their performance while maintaining solid “B” ratings.

Horace O’Bryant School received a “C” rating but demonstrated areas of improvement. Key West High School also earned a “C” grade. The district’s overall performance saw college and career acceleration rise from 58% to 64%, and the graduation rate climbed from 88% to 93%. ELA achievement and learning gains increased from 59% to 61%, including progress among the lowest-performing student quartile.

Charter School Contributions

Charter schools also played a significant role in the district’s overall success. May Sands Montessori advanced from a “C” to a “B.” Somerset Island Prep and Big Pine Academy both improved from “B” to “A” ratings. Ocean Studies Charter maintained its “A” rating and increased its overall accountability points. Additional “A”-rated charter schools include the College of the Florida Keys Academy, Sigsbee Charter School, and Treasure Village Montessori.

With this latest “A” year secured, the Monroe County School District plans to continue focusing on strengthening instruction, expanding acceleration opportunities, and ensuring all students are prepared for future success. For more details on Florida’s school grading system, information can be found through Florida Realtors.