Okaloosa Schools Post Powerful Academic Gains, Higher Graduation Rates
In Brief:
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Who: Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School District, School Board members -
What: First semester performance update highlighting academic, facility, and student success -
When: First semester of the 2025 school year (reported Feb. 4, 2026) -
Where: Okaloosa County School District -
Why: To highlight progress, improvements, and future planning efforts
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Okaloosa County School District leaders are highlighting major academic gains, student achievements, and infrastructure improvements following what Superintendent Marcus Chambers called a strong first semester across local schools.
In a districtwide update released Tuesday, Chambers pointed to continued “A” ratings from the Florida Department of Education, rising graduation rates, expanding career pathways, and new facility projects as signs of sustained momentum despite challenges tied to enrollment declines, budget pressures, and housing shortages.
“This semester demonstrated what is possible when students, staff, families, and community partners work together,” Chambers said. “While there is much to celebrate, we remain focused on doing what is best for students and supporting our educators.”
For the eleventh consecutive year, Okaloosa County earned an “A” district grade from the state — a distinction held by only three Florida districts since school grades began in 2014. Middle school acceleration rose by nine points, college and career acceleration increased by six points, and more schools improved their individual performance ratings.
The district also reported a graduation rate increase to 91 percent for the 2024–2025 school year, up from 88 percent the previous year.
Academic opportunities expanded as Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach High School, and Niceville High School earned national recognition on the College Board AP School Honor Roll. Choctawhatchee received Gold-level status, while Fort Walton Beach and Niceville earned Silver-level recognition.
Nine district schools were also named Schools of Excellence, ranking in the top 20 percent statewide. All nine district VPK classrooms received top state designations.
Students made headlines beyond academics as well. Choctawhatchee High School’s football team reached the FHSAA 4A Final Four, while every district high school band earned Straight Superior ratings — making Okaloosa the only neighboring district to achieve the milestone.
Career and technical education programs also expanded with more than $210,000 in Workforce CAP grant funding supporting Welding Technology at Crestview High School and Applied Cybersecurity at Destin High School. Okaloosa Technical College continues expanding high-demand programs, including nursing, advanced manufacturing, and automotive technology.
Modernization efforts included districtwide implementation of the Transfinder bus routing system and Thrillshare communication platform, along with continued classroom technology upgrades such as Cleartouch displays and one-to-one student devices.
Facility improvements funded by the half-cent sales tax brought new roofing projects, classroom additions, campus renovations, and parking expansions, with major construction continuing at Pineview School and Destin Elementary School.
Community partnerships also played a major role this semester, including the creation of a new aerospace lab at Choctawhatchee High School funded by a Florida Power & Light grant, holiday meal distributions to families, and gift programs supporting more than 250 students.
The district also reaffirmed its commitment to military families, maintaining Purple Star District status across all 38 schools and earning Purple Star Collegiate Campus recognition for Okaloosa Technical College.
Looking ahead, district leaders say planning efforts are underway for continued growth, including the August 2026 opening of Pineview School and further campus expansions.
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