Bay District Schools is continuing its upward trajectory, finishing the 2025-2026 school year just one point shy of earning the state's coveted "A" district designation under the Florida Department of Education's updated grading scale, which raised the minimum score required to earn an "A" by one percentage point this year.
School grades released earlier this month reflect continued academic growth across the district, with 11 public schools improving by at least one letter grade, 10 public schools earning an "A" rating, and six public schools maintaining their "A" status.
"I couldn't be more proud of our Team of Teams," said Superintendent Mark McQueen. "These results represent the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, the leadership of our principals, and the unwavering support of our families and community. Being just one point away from an 'A' is certainly exciting, but what excites me even more is the steady progress we're seeing across Bay District Schools."
Four schools advanced their way into the "A" category this year. Breakfast Point Academy, Lynn Haven Elementary School, and West Bay Elementary School each improved from a "B" to an "A," while Mowat Middle School made one of the district's most impressive gains, improving from a "C" to an "A."
Seven additional schools improved from a "C" to a "B," including Cedar Grove Elementary School, Deer Point Elementary School, Hiland Park Elementary School, Merritt Brown Middle School, Northside Elementary School, Tommy Smith Elementary School, and Waller Elementary School.
The district also celebrated schools that continue to set the standard for academic excellence. Hutchison Beach Elementary School, Mosley High School, Patronis Elementary School, Tyndall Academy, Deane Bozeman School, and Bay Virtual School all maintained their "A" ratings. Additionally, every public school in Lynn Haven (Lynn Haven Elementary School, Mowat Middle School, and Mosley High School) earned an "A," marking an exceptional accomplishment for the community.
The district's continued improvement reflects years of focused work to strengthen instruction, increase student achievement, and expand opportunities for every learner.
Bay District Schools extends its sincere appreciation to its teachers, support professionals, administrators, students, families, and community partners whose collective efforts continue to drive student success.
2025-2026 School Grade Highlights
Schools Improving to an "A"
Breakfast Point Academy (B → A)
Lynn Haven Elementary School (B → A)
Mowat Middle School (C → A) for the first time in 10 years
West Bay Elementary School (B → A)
Schools Improving to a "B"
Cedar Grove Elementary School (C → B)
Deer Point Elementary School (C → B)
Hiland Park Elementary School (C → B) for the first time since 2013
Merritt Brown Middle School (C → B) for the first time in 14 years
Northside Elementary School (C → B)
Tommy Smith Elementary School (C → B)
Waller Elementary School (C → B)