DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Duval County’s traditional high schools experienced a significant rise in graduation rates in 2025, achieving an impressive 97.6%. This figure surpasses the statewide average and was hailed as a historic milestone by education officials on January 13.

Within the entire Duval school district, which encompasses charter schools, the graduation rate reached 94.3% for the 2024-25 school year, outpacing the state average of 92.2% and showing a notable increase from the 2023-24 figures.

This upward trend is part of a larger generational shift, with the county’s graduation rate improving by over 30 percentage points since 2011.

“Consistent, steady growth is the result of deliberate effort,” remarked Superintendent Christopher Bernier in a statement highlighting the cumulative nature of the progress. “These achievements are the product of the dedicated work of Team Duval — from our pre-kindergarten educators to high school counselors. The daily, patient, and often unseen contributions of our teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and families culminate in these significant outcomes. This is how Duval achieves success.”

According to the school district, six of the 21 traditional high schools boasted a perfect 100% graduation rate, with all schools achieving at least a 90% rate.

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.