The School District of Palm Beach County received an "A" rating from the Florida Department of Education for the third consecutive year, with 143 district-operated schools, or 84%, rated "A" or "B," up from 120 schools the previous year. The district achieved a record-setting 93.5% graduation rate. School districts and schools receive letter grades from the Florida Department of Education based on several factors, including student performance on state tests, graduation rates and student performance on advanced coursework. District leaders said 86% of seniors participated in college-level coursework, taking at least one Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, or Dual Enrollment course. In addition, 144 recent graduates earned an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.
S.D. Spady Elementary School in Delray Beach made a dramatic leap from a "C" rating last year to an "A" this year. Principal Rona Tata, who has spent the last 15 years as principal after serving five years as assistant principal, said staff began taking a closer look at the foundation of student learning three years ago by modifying the school's early childhood curriculum program. Many of those students are now in third grade and performing at higher levels. Spady Elementary was one of four district schools to improve from a "C" rating to an "A" this year, along with Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8, Glade View Elementary and West Gate Elementary.