48 pecent of Florida high schools get an 'A' as 2013 grades released

Nearly half of Florida's public high schools -- 48 percent -- earned an "A" grade for the 2012–13 school year, according to the Florida Department of Education's preliminary letter grades, released Wednesday.

Of Florida's 502 public high schools and combination schools, nearly four out of five received either an "A" or a "B," and the Education Department said the 240 schools that earned top marks set a new state record.

The bad news: There was a slight increase in the number of failing schools statewide -- from three last year to eight this year. Among the schools that received an "F" is Acclaim Academy, a military charter school in Osceola County that just opened last year.

The only other school in Central Florida that scored lower than a "C" -- Francis Marion Military Academy, in Marion County -- dropped a letter grade to a "D."

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Grade breakdown in Central Florida

Here's how high school students did in Central Florida's 9 counties:

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Local high school highlights

Brevard County had the highest number of "A" grades, with 14 of the Space Coast's 16 high schools earning top marks, an improvement from 12 last year.

Both of Flagler County's high schools received an "A" grade; Flagler-Palm Coast High School improved from a "B" last year.

In Volusia County, after two straight years of receiving a "D" grade, Atlantic High School in Daytona Beach made a big jump to a "B" this year.

In Orange County, East River and West Orange High Schools earned their first ever "A" grades, and Oak Ridge High School earned its first ever "B." Jones High School also jumped to a "B" this year.

Florida bases its high school letter grades on several factors, particularly FCAT scores and graduation rates.

Next year, the Department of Education said it will implement even more rigorous grading scale, making it more difficult to make an "A."

The following is the full statement from the Florida Department of Education:

A record number of Florida high schools and combination schools earned an "A" this year, with 240 schools -- or 48 percent -- making the highest grade.  The results are preliminary pending an appeal window that ends January 22, 2014.

Governor Rick Scott said, "With more high schools earning A's, it is clear that our teachers are succeeding in providing Florida students with a quality education. A great education is the cornerstone of Florida's future - and that's why we fought to provide $480 million for teacher pay raises."

"Thank you to Florida's teachers, parents and school leaders for their outstanding commitment to continuing academic success," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "Today's results show that more students are ready for college or a career than ever. I am proud of the work our educators are doing every day in the classroom to prepare them for success."

The increase in the number of "A" schools came about even as the grading formula became more rigorous. Learning gain targets for the lowest performing 25 percent of students were not accounted for last year. Current State Board of Education rules ensure that the challenge will be maintained as schools continue to improve their performance. As more schools earn grades of A and B the grading scale is adjusted upward to encourage continued improvement. Based on the rule adopted in 2011 and since more than 75 percent of high schools earned an A or B, the grading scale for high schools will be adjusted upward for the 2013-14 school grades.

The number of Florida high schools and combination schools earning School Recognition awards remained steady with 281 schools eligible based on the preliminary grades issued today. Recognition bonuses are given to eligible schools that earn an "A" grade, increase their letter grade by at least one grade, or maintain the same grade after having improved at least two letter grades in the prior year. The awards will be sent to all Florida schools after the high school grade appeals are finalized next year.

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Preliminary Florida High School Grades, 2012–13

(Excluding ESE Center Schools)

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