LCS Middle Schools Among the Best in Florida!
From exceptional Level 5 scores in Biology, Algebra and Geometry to a 78% passing rate in Civics—outperforming several of Florida’s largest school districts—our students continue to demonstrate the impact of hard work, outstanding instruction and a commitment to academic excellence.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Leon County Schools’ middle schools are proving they can compete with—and often outperform—some of the most highly regarded schools and school districts in Florida.
Five of the district’s eight middle schools—Deerlake, Elizabeth Cobb, Fairview, William J. Montford III and Swift Creek—earned an A grade in 2026. Raa Middle School earned a B, Griffin Middle School improved to a C and R. Frank Nims Middle School continued to distinguish itself through an impressive high-school acceleration rate.
Across Leon County, middle school students exceeded state averages in advanced mathematics, Biology, Civics and top-level English Language Arts performance. Individual schools also posted results comparable to—or better than—leading schools in St. Johns, Seminole, Brevard, Collier, Indian River, Wakulla and other high-performing districts.
“Our middle schools are not simply performing well locally—they are competing with some of the very best schools in Florida,” Superintendent Rocky Hanna said. “Whether it is advanced mathematics, science, social studies, student growth or earning high school credits early, our students and educators continue to show what is possible in Leon County Schools.”
FIVE A-RATED MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Five of Leon County’s eight middle schools earned an A in 2026, establishing the district as one of North Florida’s strongest destinations for middle school education.
Deerlake earned 74% of the total points available in Florida’s school-grading formula, while Montford earned 73%. Both schools outperformed Wakulla County’s top middle schools.
Deerlake’s 74% also exceeded every traditional middle school in Brevard County, including Viera Middle, Thomas Jefferson Middle and DeLaura Middle.
LEON STUDENTS SHINE IN ADVANCED COURSES
Leon County’s commitment to academic acceleration is producing exceptional results:
- Biology: Leon County eighth graders achieved a 95% passing rate, compared with 91% statewide. An extraordinary 54% earned Level 5 scores, compared with just 38% across Florida.
- Algebra: Fifty percent of Leon County seventh-grade Algebra students earned Level 5 scores, compared with 41% statewide. Leon’s eighth graders achieved an 88% passing rate, exceeding the state rate of 84%.
- Geometry: An outstanding 68% of Leon County eighth-grade Geometry students earned Level 5 scores, compared with 52% statewide. Leon’s rate surpassed Clay County at 58%, Seminole County at 57%, Wakulla County at 55% and Brevard County at 40%.
These results are especially significant because more than 1,000 Leon County middle school students took the Algebra End-of-Course Assessment. By moving many of its highest-performing students into Algebra, Geometry, Biology and other high-school-level courses early, the district is giving students a head start before they enter ninth grade.
A CIVICS POWERHOUSE
Leon County’s middle school students also delivered a strong districtwide performance in Civics.
Leon County Schools recorded a 78% passing rate. Those results exceeded several of Florida’s largest school systems, including:
- Hillsborough County: 70% passing
- Duval County: 68% passing
- Alachua County: 70% passing
- Orange County: 75% passing
- Broward County: 77% passing
- Palm Beach County: 77% passing
Thirty-five percent of Leon County students earned the highest possible achievement designation, Level 5, compared with 30% statewide.