OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Public Schools saw marked improvement, raising their overall district grade to a B from a C, with the Florida Department of Education releasing their district and school grades on July 7, 2025.
No school in the district received a failing grade, however, five schools did drop to a D for 2025.
- Eight schools received an A grade or 16%
- 10 schools a B grade or 20%
- 28 schools a C grade or 55%
- 5 schools a D grade or 10%
The new grading scale was far more stringent than it has been in the past, with the district earning 57% of the total possible points, an improvement over 2024’s 56%.
“The schools that have the most stability with teachers and administrative staff that worked well together and have the highest amount of parent involvement, and the highest amount of daily attendance are the ones that are doing great, and or are improving,” said Nancy Thrower, Marion County Public School board member. “And the ones that don’t have that secret sauce continue to struggle so we are laser focused on attendance. It’s our number one legislative priority as a school board.”
A total of eight schools earned the distinction of receiving an A grade, and those were Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary; Eighth Street Elementary; Ina A. Colen Academy, charter school; Madison Street Academy; Ward-Highlands Elementary; Belleview Middle School; Osceola Middle School and Ocali Charter Middle School.
“Marion County Public School students, teachers, staff, and leadership have worked tirelessly to contribute to show growth throughout our district,” said Dr. Sarah James, Marion County Public School board member. “Under Dr. Gullett’s leadership we were able to see significant improvement and I expect to see even more growth under Dr. Brewer’s leadership. We are committed to student success and ensuring every student succeeds.”
However, there were a number of success stories improving a letter grade from the previous year, and those included the following schools that elevated their grades to a B from a C, Ocala Springs Elementary, Shady Hill Elementary, Liberty Middle School, Belleview High School and Vanguard High School. Two schools found themselves improving their grades to a C from a D, McIntosh Area School, a charter school, and Ocala Charter High School.