WCSD KEEPS THE CHARGE, REMAINS AMONG FLORIDA'S ELITE
Walton County School District Earns #3 State Ranking, Extending Five-Year Run Among Florida's Top Three School Districts
WALTON COUNTY – JUNE 26, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Florida Department of Education released statewide assessment results Friday for the 2025-2026 school year, once again placing the Walton County School District among Florida's highest-performing school districts. WCSD ranked 3rd out of 67 school districts statewide, marking its fifth consecutive year finishing among the top three districts in Florida based on state academic assessment results.
The results are based on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. FAST serves as the state's progress-monitoring assessment in English Language Arts and Mathematics, while EOC assessments measure student achievement in key high school courses.
Keeping the Charge wasn't just this year's theme; it was reflected in student achievement across the district.
1st in 4th Grade Mathematics
2nd in Geometry and 6th Grade Mathematics
3rd in 4th Grade ELA (English Language Arts), 8th Grade Mathematics, Algebra, and U.S. History
4th in 8th Grade ELA, 10th Grade ELA, 8th Grade Science, and Biology
Top 3 in 7 of 21 assessed areas
Top 5 in 13 of 21 assessed areas
Top 10 in 18 of 21 assessed areas
Under the leadership of Superintendent A. Russell Hughes, Walton County School District has advanced from the 35th-ranked school district in Florida to one consistently recognized among the state's highest-performing districts, earning top rankings in academic achievement, school and district grades, and graduation rates.
Superintendent Hughes reflected on the accomplishment, stating, "Sustained excellence doesn't happen by accident. Remaining among Florida's top three school districts year after year is the result of exceptional teachers, dedicated support staff, outstanding school leaders, an outstanding School Board, engaged families, and students who continue to rise to, and exceed, every challenge. This recognition belongs to everyone who plays a role in the success of our children. I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished together, and I believe our highest achievements are still ahead. Children first – always."
Formal school and district grades are expected to be released in July.
For more information on the Walton County School District, please visit https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/ or contact Dr. Joshua Bledsoe, Public Information Officer for the Walton County School District, at Joshua.Bledsoe@walton.k12.fl.us.