NICEVILLE, Fla. — Niceville-area schools, including Niceville High, Ruckel Middle, Edge Elementary, Plew Elementary, and Bluewater Elementary, have again been recognized among Okaloosa County’s highest-performing schools as the district earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Niceville High School maintained a 97% graduation rate and has received an “A” rating for the third consecutive year, according to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). Edge, Plew, and Bluewater elementary schools, along with Ruckel Middle School and the Okaloosa STEMM Academy in Valparaiso, were also listed among schools with a consistent “A” rating over the past three years.
Overall, the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) scored 793 points this year, up from 772 the previous year. The district maintained an 88% graduation rate and saw gains in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Civics.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers credited the achievement to the combined efforts of educators, families, and community support.
“Once again, Okaloosa County has demonstrated what is possible when students, teachers, families, and school leaders work together toward a common goal. Earning an A rating is a reflection of the high standards we hold ourselves to as a district and our shared belief in continuous improvement,” said Mr Chambers.
I’m deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of our teachers, staff, and administrators, whose efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.”
Okaloosa County remains one of only three school districts in Florida to earn an “A” grade every year grades have been issued since 2014, a record that district officials say reflects a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence.
Districtwide, 92% of OCSD schools earned an A or B rating in 2024–2025, compared to 86% last year. Nineteen schools earned an A, up from 15, while the number of schools earning a C dropped from five to three.
Schools showing notable improvement this year include:
- Baker School — B to A
- Bruner Middle School — B to A
- Davidson Middle School — B to A
- Walker Elementary School — B to A
- Choctawhatchee High School — C to B
- Edwins Elementary School — C to B
- Shalimar Elementary School — C to B
In terms of high school graduation rates:
- Niceville High School — 97%
- Crestview High School — 97%
- Laurel Hill School — 100%
- Baker School — 95%
- Choctawhatchee High School — 91%
- Fort Walton Beach High School — 89%
Meigs Middle School, Fort Walton Beach High School, and Northwood Elementary were each just one point shy of earning an A rating, the district said.
OCSD also reported a 9-point gain in middle school acceleration and a 6-point increase in college and career acceleration—two key measures used by the state to assess how effectively schools are preparing students for advanced coursework, industry certifications, and college credit opportunities.
“The growth and consistency we’re seeing across our schools is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and school leaders. Maintaining high standards while continuing to improve year after year is no small task—it reflects a shared commitment to excellence and a belief in what our students can achieve,” said Mr Chambers.
“ I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and even more excited about where we’re headed.”
More information, including full district and individual school performance data, is available at the Florida Department of Education website: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.
