Miami-Dade Schools Get First Ever 'A' Rating

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Having recently achieved what Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho hailed as "unparalleled success" on statewide test results, Miami-Dade County Public Schools have now for the first time earned an “A” designation. The nation's fourth largest school system received a higher percentage of “A” ratings for its schools than districts in Broward, Hillsborough, Duval, Palm Beach and Orange Counties. Miami-Dade also had no "F" rated traditional schools for the second straight year.

“This historic, record-setting news is a testament to the fortitude and focus of students, teachers, school and district leaders, support staff and every member of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools team,” said Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “Today is a great day to celebrate in Miami-Dade.”

The Florida Department of Education calculates school grades annually based on up to 11 components, including student achievement and learning gains on statewide, standardized assessments and high school graduation rate. School grades provide parents and the public an easily understandable way to measure the performance of a school and understand how well each school is serving its students.

"Florida’s schools are continuing to achieve increased success thanks to the hard work of our students and teachers," added Florida Gov. Rick Scott. "Our years of historic investment in Florida’s K-12 education system are paying off."

Scott pointed to a $4.5 billion increase in funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools since 2011.

Standardized testing results released earlier by the Florida Department of Education showed that Miami-Dade students outperformed prior results from the district as well as other school districts throughout the state, according to the district's Jackie Calzadilla.

In 2018, 47 percent of all Miami-Dade schools received “A” ratings, compared to just 32 percent
statewide. This represents an increase of eight points from 2017. Ninety-eight percent of M-DCPS schools are rated A, B or C.

With respect to Miami-Dade schools:
• 49 percent of elementary schools received “A” ratings compared to 28 percent statewide.
• 40 percent of middle schools received “A” ratings compared to 33 percent statewide.
• 37 percent of senior high schools received “A” ratings compared to 32 percent statewide.
• 56 percent of combination grade schools received “A” ratings compared to 45 percent statewide.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has 392 schools, 345,000 students and more than 40,000 employees.

Click here for more information about Florida school grades.

Comparison chart showing the 2017-2018 School Performance Grades for Florida, Miami-Dade and select school districts by percentage grade rating. Courtesy Miami-Dade Public Miami-Dade County Public Schools.