The Florida Department of Education released school and district grades today. The grades earned this year are based on a proficiency-only model deviating from past years when reading and math learning gains and learning gains of the lowest 25% were also included in the school and district grade models. This change is for one year only and is attributed to the transition to a new state assessment which does not allow for learning gain comparisons.
The district earned a B for overall performance and is ranked 29th in the state out of 67 counties with no failing schools. In comparison to the last time the state followed a proficiency-only model, St. Lucie Public Schools was a B school district and was ranked 44th in the state, a marked improvement that reflects the efforts of our committed SLPS employees who serve our children.
Six St. Lucie Public Schools maintained their A rating and approximately the same number of schools increased their letter grade as those who decreased their grade. The School District is anticipating an overall increase in graduation rate when that lagging indicator is released in the coming weeks. Despite the newly implemented more rigorous graduation requirements, St. Lucie's graduation rate will increase once again for the 2023 graduating class. SLPS is routinely ranked in the top five across the state in graduation rate.
Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince commented, “I am proud of the work of our teachers, administrators, staff, and students as they adjusted to the new assessments that were administered last year. The transition included new ELA and Math Standards as well as other changes such as computer-based test administration at all grade levels. Additionally, the new assessment has three progress monitoring periods throughout the year as opposed to one at the end of the year. With all the changes, SLPS saw their standing compared to other counties significantly improved compared to the last time the state changed assessments.”
Schools with notable improvements include Manatee K8 which moved from a B to an A. Parkway Elementary, Bayshore Elementary, and Creative Arts Academy all moved from a C to a B. Savanna Ridge Elementary moved from a D to a C.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students with a graduation rate of 99% percent at the six traditional high schools. SLPS is the top-rated school district on the Treasure Coast with no failing schools. SLPS ranks among the top one-third of Florida’s districts for student achievement. The District also has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to succeed. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
