July 1, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
46% MORE “A” and “B” SCHOOLS IN MARION
DESPITE “C” DISTRICT GRADE
MARION COUNTY – The hard work of students, teachers, parents, families, and employees continues paying off - Marion County Public Schools garnered 46% more “A” and “B” school grades than last year, despite the district dropping one letter grade to a “C.”
The MCPS district grade decreased primarily because new state requirements raised the grading threshold. Previously, a district needed 57 points for a “B” grade; now 60 points are needed. MCPS scored 59.
Of MCPS’ traditional public schools, all are now graded “A,”, “B”, or “C.” This year, 31 schools increased their overall points earned including 22 elementary, six middle, one high, and two combination schools. As well, 14 schools improved their letter grades, 31 maintained, and only one school dropped.
The report card from Florida’s Department of Education shows public schools in Marion County earned (charter schools excluded):
- 8 “A” grades (up from 6 last year)
- 14 “B” grades (up from 9 last year)
- 26 “C” grades (same as last year)
- 0 “D” grades (down from 5 last year)
- 0 “F” grades (same as last year)
Testing data confirms 5,698 MCPS students earned at least one Level 5, the highest achievement level possible on Florida’s standardized testing. As well, 52% of all MCPS students are on or above grade level (up 4% over last year) for English/Language Arts and Mathematics, and every grade level and cohort scored higher compared to the same testing last year. Finally, students earning a Level 1 (the lowest score possible) fell to 24%, the lowest in recent history.
MCPS students also surpassed state average growth in math (3rd, 5th, 6th, and 8th grades) and science (3rd and 5th grades).
Charter schools, which operate under independent agreements with the Marion County School Board, control their own curricula but are part of MCPS’ annual grade. Of the five charter schools in Marion County, one improved, one maintained, and three dropped at least one letter grade.
For more information, visit Florida School Accountability Reports.
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