Glades County schools posted encouraging results in the Florida Department of Education’s 2026 school grades, with the district maintaining top marks.
The Glades County School District earned an overall A rating, while Moore Haven Middle High School improved from a C to a B, marking one of the district’s biggest academic gains this year. Moore Haven Elementary School also earned a B, while Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School (Our Way School) and West Glades School each maintained their A ratings.
The local improvements come as Florida reported continued gains in school performance statewide. This year, 34 school districts earned an A, 23 received a B, and 10 were graded C. No school districts received a D or F.
Statewide, 76% of Florida schools earned an A or B, while 60% either improved their grade or maintained an A, according to the Florida Department of Education.
“Florida continues to prove that high expectations, expanded school choice and strong accountability produce real results for students,” Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said in a statement. “These results are worth celebrating, but they also challenge us to continue raising the bar.”
School grades are based on student achievement and learning gains in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, along with graduation rates, participation in accelerated coursework such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment, and career and technical education certifications.
Across South Florida, Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties all maintained A district ratings, while Glades County continued its positive momentum with improved performance at the school level.
‘What matters most is that it represents children who work very hard, and educators who refuse to settle and families who believed in our schools, and a community that is always investing in its future — and it’s important to them,” Superintendent Beth Barfield told WGCU.
Statewide, the number of A-rated schools increased by 205, rising from 1,531 in 2025 to 1,736 in 2026. The Department of Education also reported that 88% of schools that received D or F grades last year improved this year.
Beginning next year, Florida’s grading standards will become more rigorous after more than 75% of schools statewide earned an A or B, triggering a state law that raises the threshold for top grades.