The streak is still alive. The Okaloosa County School District has earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2025-2026 school year – again.
Since 2014, Okaloosa County has been one of three districts in the state to receive an A every year. In 2026, the Okaloosa County School District advanced from 11th to 8th in the state.
And Destin schools are right up at the top.
Destin Elementary School Dolphins
Destin Elementary School, which opened its doors in 1955, received an A. It is located at the corner of Kelly Street and Beach Drive.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Destin Elementary’s 25th year earning an ‘A’ school grade,” said Destin Elementary Principal Amy Morgan in an email.
“This milestone reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and families, and the strong partnerships that make student success possible,” Morgan said.
“Together, we are building ‘A New Wave of Excellence’ and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Morgan said.
Destin Elementary will be expanding for the 2026-27 year with a third through fifth grade wing as well as new office space and more.
Destin Middle School Marlins
Forty-two years after Destin Elementary, Destin Middle School came on the scene near the Mid-Bay Bridge in 1997 and has been thriving ever since.
“This year marks Destin Middle School’s 25th consecutive year earning an ‘A’ school grade, and we’re incredibly proud to continue that tradition of excellence,” said Destin Middle School Principal Mandy Lopez in an email.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, staff and families,” Lopez said.
“While we’re proud to celebrate this milestone, we’re even more focused on continuing to grow and ensuring every student experiences success. We look forward to building on this momenteum in the year ahead,” Lopez said.
Destin High School Sharks
Destin High, a tuition-free public charter school, opened in August of 2021 just off Commons Drive in Destin.
Destin High earned a B school grade for the 2025-2026 school year and is proud to be part of the Okaloosa County School District.
“The school’s continued academic growth reflects the commitment of its students, staff, families, and the support of Okaloosa County School District,” said Willy Williams, executive director of Destin High, in an email.
“Five years ago, Destin didn’t have a high school. Today, Destin High School has a B rating, standing shoulder to shoulder with high schools that have been serving this region for generations,” Williams said.
“Our students beat the state average in geometry by 14 points this spring and topped the state in U.S. history as well,” he said.
“Earning a B rating in a school this community built from the ground up is something every Destin family should be proud of. The Sharks are just getting started,” Williams said.
“Destin High has adopted ‘impAct’ as its theme for the 2026-2027 school year. The capital ‘A’ symbolizes the school’s commitment to reaching its next milestone, earning an A school grade while continuing to contribute to the tradition of excellence that defines what it means to be a Shark,” he said.
From the superintendent
“Once again, earning an ‘A’ rating from the Florida Department of Education speaks to the strength and stability of our schools,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers in a news release.
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate our students. Their hard work, determination, and commitment to learning are at the heart of this achievement. I want to recognize our outstanding teachers, support professionals, and school district administrators whose expertise, dedication, and belief in our students help them reach their full potential every day. I also want to thank our parents and families for the encouragement, trust, and partnership they provide, because student success is strongest when schools and families work together,” Chambers said.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Okaloosa schools maintain top state rating; see how Destin fared
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log | USA TODAY Network
