Florida redefines 'low-performing' schools, triggering surge and charter expansion debate

Number of Florida ‘low-performing’ schools surges

The number of Florida schools labeled as "persistently low-performing" has jumped dramatically under new state rules, rising from 51 schools in 2023–24 to 267 — a more than 400% increase — even though many of the schools have not actually declined in performance.

That represents a more than 400% increase — even though many of the schools have not actually declined in performance.

What we know:

The new rules allow schools to be labeled low-performing if they’ve failed to earn a B grade in recent years, have received a C or lower three times, or posted low English and math scores in two of the last three years. In Central Florida, the change raised the count from two schools to 25.

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