The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) celebrates Southside Primary School’s achievement after the Florida Department of Education released the 2025–2026 Summer Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program Accountability results. Southside Primary School earned an “Excellent” rating, highlighting the district’s commitment to providing high-quality early learning experiences that prepare young students for kindergarten and establish a strong foundation for future academic success.
“Early learning plays an important role in preparing our students for success, and this rating reflects the commitment of our VPK teachers and staff to helping our youngest learners build the skills and confidence they need for kindergarten,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are proud of the work taking place in our classrooms and appreciate the partnership of our families in supporting their children’s educational journey.”
Amy Dale, OCSD Director of Elementary Curriculum, emphasized the importance of intentional instruction and strong early learning environments in supporting student development. “This rating highlights the importance of providing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that help children grow academically and socially,” Dale said. “Our VPK educators work every day to build foundational skills, encourage curiosity, and foster a love of learning. We are proud to celebrate their efforts and the progress of our youngest students.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition and proud of the work our VPK team does each day to prepare our students for kindergarten,” said Amy Bowles, principal of Southside Primary School. “Our teachers create welcoming, engaging classrooms where children can build confidence, develop essential skills, and discover a love of learning. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the partnership we share with our families in supporting every child’s success.” The Florida Department of Education’s VPK Program Accountability system measures program quality and student outcomes to help ensure Florida’s youngest learners receive meaningful early education experiences that support kindergarten readiness.