State Releases School Grades

    The State of Florida on Monday released updated school grades for Florida public schools. The grades represent an overall look at student progress within a series of benchmark standards set by the Florida Department of Education, with the annual report used by the state and districts to chart progress and future goals.
   In North Lake County, grades were mostly status quo, with the majority of schools receiving the same grades as in 2022. However, Altoona Charter School, which serves elementary-aged students, saw its grade rise from a B to an A, and is the only A school in the area this year at any grade level according to state data.
   “The road to this ‘A’ was paved with hard work by both our students and staff,” said Altoona School principal Dawn Cerney on Tuesday. “We focused on student achievement data and identified areas of strengths and weaknesses. We used this information for regular data meetings with students, teachers, and parents. This was a huge part of our success. We hope to maintain the momentum this year as we strive for continued excellence. We are so proud of this accomplishment. I feel privileged to lead this amazing group of people. We have the best staff around and they work tirelessly every single day!"
   Another school that saw its grade rise was Sorrento Elementary, which rose from a C to a B. In Mount Dora, Triangle Elementary rose to a C from a D.
   Here is a breakdown of the reported grades for area schools:
Elementary
   Eustis: 2023 - C, 2022 - C
   Sorrento: B, C
   Eustis Heights: C, C
   Seminole Springs: B, B
   Umatilla: B, B
   Altoona: A, B
   Triangle: C, D
   Tavares: C, C
   Spring Creek K-8: C, C
Middle
   Umatilla: C, C
   Eustis: C, C
   Mount Dora: C, C
High
   Eustis: C, C
   Umatilla: B, B
   Mount Dora: B, B
   Tavares: C, C
   Lost Lake and Cypress Ridge elementaries, both in South Lake County, joined Altoona as the only A schools in the district.