Florida school district grades are out for 2023. How did Palm Beach County do?

Katherine Kokal, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·2 min read
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Palm Beach County fell from an A-rated school district to a B-rated one in 2023, according to data released Monday by the Florida Department of Education.

The grades serve as a "baseline" and do not carry any negative consequences for schools or district funding. But after boasting an "A" grade since 2018, the downgrade comes as a blow to school district leaders.

"Together, we will build upon our strengths, address areas for growth, and rise to the challenge with a renewed sense of purpose and unwavering dedication to student success,” Superintendent Mike Burke said in a news release Monday evening.

School-by-school results: 2023 school grades are out! How did your Palm Beach County school do?

How are grades calculated for Palm Beach County school district?

Following the news that Palm Beach County's school district has dropped to a "B" rating, Superintendent Mike Burke said, in part, "... we will build upon our strengths, address areas for growth, and rise to the challenge."
Following the news that Palm Beach County's school district has dropped to a "B" rating, Superintendent Mike Burke said, in part, "... we will build upon our strengths, address areas for growth, and rise to the challenge."

The grades are calculated by assessing students' test scores in English/language arts, math, science, and social studies, according to the department's website. Achievement is calculated based on performance on end-of-course tests, statewide tests and other exams.

Schools also may be assessed on middle school students' preparedness for high school, the high school graduation rate and career/college readiness, if applicable.

This year's grades, called "informational baseline" scores by the state, do not take year-over-year improvement on state tests into account because Florida transitioned to a new testing system: The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) replaced the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) in the 2022-23 school year.

Despite the lower grade, Palm Beach County retained its “high-performing” school district status that is awarded for school and district grades, class size compliance, and financial audit reports.

The school district as a whole earned 66% of the possible grade points this year, representing an increase of 3% from last school year. Burke said that increase was "notable" given the new state testing platform and the omission. of learning gains in this year's calculations.

Unlike Palm Beach County, other urban school districts across Florida scored consistently with years past. Broward County schools remained at a "B," while Miami-Dade remained at an "A."

Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Pasco and Pinellas county schools remained a "B." Polk County schools remained a "C."

Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work, subscribe today!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County School District falls in Florida 2023 grades