DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — In 2025, traditional high schools in Duval County achieved a remarkable graduation rate of 97.6%, surpassing the state average. Education officials highlighted this achievement on January 13, calling it historic.

When considering the entire Duval school district, including charter schools, the graduation rate reached 94.3% for the 2024-25 school year. This figure surpassed the statewide rate of 92.2% and improved by 3.4 percentage points compared to 2023-24.

This upward trend is part of a broader generational shift that has seen the county’s graduation rate climb by over 30 percentage points since 2011.

“Consistent, steady growth doesn’t happen by accident,” remarked Superintendent Christopher Bernier in an email, emphasizing the significance of ongoing progress. “These results are the product of intentional and dedicated work from everyone in Team Duval, from our pre-kindergarten teachers to our high school counselors. It’s the daily, patient, behind-the-scenes efforts of our teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and families that lead to big results. This is how Duval delivers.”

Six of the 21 traditional high schools had 100% graduation rates, and all reached at least 90%, the school district said.

A release from the school district touted “record-breaking results districtwide,” breaking out rates for sub-populations that showed rates above 90% for white, Black, Hispanic and Asian students as well as for students with disabilities, receiving free or reduced-cost lunch and “English language learners” whose first language was something else.

The Duval district rate trailed that of St. Johns (97.1%) and Clay (95%) counties but topped rates for Nassau (92.3%) and Baker (83.5%) counties, according to data from the Florida Department of Education.

State education officials hailed Florida’s overall 92.2% rate as the highest in state history, passing credit up the food chain.

“Florida’s historic graduation rate reflects the power of Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership, clear expectations, and unwavering commitment to student success,” Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said in his own emailed comments. “These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when we uphold rigorous standards, provide robust support to schools and prepare every student for success beyond graduation.”

Editor’s note: This story was first published by our news partners, The Florida Times-Union.