Duval County High Schools Show Noticeable Improvement
Jacksonville, FL - Following recent news of an improved graduation rate, Duval County Public Schools saw eight of its high schools’ grades rise in 2011. Most notably Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology rose three letter grades, from “D” to “A,” Terry Parker and Robert E. Lee high schools earned their first “B” grades, A. Philip Randolph Academy rose two letter grades to a “C” and Jean Ribault High School earned its first “C” grade.
Overall, 18 of 21 high schools scored A, B or C grades (84%). Schools with A grades were Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, Darnell-Cookman Middle-High School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies and Stanton College Preparatory School. Schools with “B” grades were Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Terry Parker, Mandarin, Fletcher, Sandalwood and Robert E. Lee high schools.
“I’m proud of the tremendous progress we are seeing in our high schools,” said Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals. “In addition, decreasing the number of lower performing schools (D or F) from 11 to three shows dramatic positive improvement. We will continue to assess the work being done in our schools to ensure that all of our students are receiving a high quality education.”
Now that all school grades have been released for elementary through high school, 85% of Duval County public schools have made excellent, good or satisfactory grades.
Frank H. Peterson Academy attributes their success to maximizing teacher effectiveness through school-wide reading strategies and continuous professional development, providing individual attention through mentoring and data analysis and through relationships with business partners that support student successes and value the career academy focus at the school.
Duval County public schools have the highest graduation requirements in the state and have continued to see an increase in our graduation rate. The 2011 graduating class was the second group of students to complete an even more rigorous college ready curriculum that includes Algebra II, an additional science requirement and two years of a world language.
“As seen with the progress within our Career Academy Schools in 2011, we will continue to provide and enhance the tools needed for our students to receive a well rounded education,” said Board Chair Betty Burney. “Our career academies emphasize preparation for college and career simultaneously, and continue to flourish within Duval County public schools.”
Duval County Public Schools operates 177 schools and serves approximately 125,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy and culturally diverse world.
Facts – 2011 School Grades (High School Grades)
| DCPS
High Schools |
| Comparative
Results |
| |
2009/2010 |
2010/2011 |
| A |
4 |
3 |
| B |
3 |
6 |
| C |
1 |
7 |
| D |
10 |
2 |
| F |
1 |
1 |
- 84% of our high schools made excellent, good or satisfactory grades.
- Frank H. Peterson Academy improved by three letter grades (D to A).
- 3 schools improved their letter grades by 2, Robert E. Lee High School (D to B), Terry Parker High School (D to B), A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology (F to C).
- 4 high schools went up one letter grade.
- 7 high schools stayed the same.
- All 4 high schools that improved their letter grade by two or more letter grades had strong career academy programs.
- We need to pay more attention to the at-risk graduation rate of students.
- 3 of the 6 priority schools went up one letter grade, two stayed the same and one went back.
- Duval County's graduation rate rose 4.6 percentage points to 71.2 percent.
Quote from Superintendent Pratt-Dannals:
"I'm proud of the tremendous progress we are seeing in our high schools," said Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals. "In addition, to decrease the number of lower performing schools (D or F) from 11 to three shows dramatic positive improvement. We will continue to assess the work being done in our schools to ensure that all of our students are receiving a high quality education."
Quote from Board Chair Burney:
"As seen with the progress within our Career Academy Schools in 2011, we will continue to provide and enhance the tools needed for our students to receive a well rounded education," said Board Chair Betty Burney. "Our career academies emphasize preparation for college and career simultaneously, and continue to flourish within Duval County public schools."
Duval County Public Schools
High Schools with Excellent, Good or Satisfactory Grades
2006 - 2011
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