The Florida Department of Education has recognized nine Okaloosa County School District schools as 2025–2026 Schools of Excellence, an honor recognizing schools that demonstrate sustained academic achievement and performance. Established by the Florida Legislature in 2017, the Schools of Excellence designation is awarded to schools that rank in the 80th percentile or higher in the percentage of possible points earned in their school grade calculation among schools with the same grade groupings (elementary, middle, high, or combination) for at least two of the past three school years.
A total of 768 schools across Florida earned the designation for 2025–2026. Okaloosa County's nine recognized schools include:
Bluewater Elementary School
Destin Elementary School
Edge Elementary School
Florosa Elementary School
Northwest Florida Ballet Academy
Plew Elementary School
Okaloosa STEMM Academy
Ruckel Middle School
Niceville High School
“We are proud to see nine of our schools recognized as Schools of Excellence for 2025–2026,” stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Sustained academic achievement is never the result of one person or one initiative. It reflects the collective commitment of our teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, and families who work together every day to create opportunities for student success. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of these school communities and their continued focus on academic excellence.”