Duval County Public Schools receive 'A' rating

JPEF congratulates Duval County Public Schools on achieving a district-wide A grade for the 2024-2025 school year.

We are thrilled to celebrate this important progress for Duval County Public Schools, and we begin by applauding the educators and school leaders working on the frontlines each day to support our students. Their unwavering commitment is the driving force behind these gains, and it’s their hard work that deserves our deepest gratitude

This milestone is a result of collective effort and strategic investments that are paying off for our students and our city. When our public schools improve, our entire community benefits—Jacksonville cannot reach its full potential without strong public education at its foundation.

Several key factors have contributed to this progress:

• Better compensation for teachers—thanks to the one-mill property tax referendum—has helped retain experienced, effective educators in the classroom. Our research and national data confirm that competitive pay is a critical factor in teacher retention, and great teachers are the number one in-school factor influencing student success.
• Improved learning environments—made possible by the half-penny sales tax—are supporting student achievement across the district. From upgraded facilities to modernized classrooms, these improvements matter.
• Data-informed instruction and supportive school leadership have been essential. Through JPEF’s Teacher and School Leadership Initiatives, we’ve seen educators using real-time student data to adjust instruction and school leaders building environments that help teachers and students thrive.
• Increased parent engagement is also making a difference. Through our Parents Who Lead Initiative—a partnership with DCPS and the Kids Hope Alliance—we’ve seen firsthand how parents can become powerful advocates for their children’s education and for change in their schools.
• Community-wide focus on literacy has elevated early learning across the city. From the mayor’s office to universities and nonprofits, Jacksonville has rallied around reading, especially in the early grades. There is more work to do, but this shared awareness is a critical foundation for continued improvement.
• Focused efforts to improve school attendance have helped ensure more students are in class consistently and learning. Initiatives to reduce chronic absenteeism – such as early outreach, family engagement, and attendance incentives – are showing results.
• Expanded access to mental health supports and wraparound services has contributed to a more supportive school climate. With more mental health professionals and wellness resources in schools, students are better equipped to focus and thrive.
• At the center of it all are the educators—those who lead, teach, and inspire. They’re not just presenting lessons—they’re building meaningful connections, adapting strategies, and going to extraordinary lengths to prepare students for success in school and in life.

Today’s progress shows what’s possible when we invest in and believe in public education. Let’s keep going.