Florida's Volusia County Schools Earns Top State Honor

Volusia County Schools has joined an elite group of just 18 Florida school districts to earn the Academically High-Performing School District designation from the state's Department of Education for the 2025-26 school year.

The DeLand-based district hit three major targets to earn the honor: strong academic performance, proper classroom sizes, and solid financial management. Only about one in four Florida districts managed to check all three boxes.

The recognition comes on the heels of Volusia earning an "A" district rating for the second year in a row. The district met state requirements for class sizes, ensuring students get enough individual attention from teachers. Financial audits showed the district is using taxpayer dollars wisely.

Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin celebrated the achievement as a community effort. "No single department or school earns this alone," she said. "It takes teachers in the classroom, staff behind the scenes, families at home, and partners in our community all pulling in the same direction."

The designation measures more than test scores. It recognizes the systems and accountability measures that help students succeed day after day across an entire district.

The Ripple Effect

When a whole school district performs this well, the benefits spread beyond report cards. Families can trust their tax dollars are being spent effectively. Teachers work in environments where best practices are supported. Students experience consistent quality education no matter which school they attend in the county.

The back-to-back "A" ratings signal something even more important than a single achievement. They show that Volusia County Schools has built sustainable systems that support learning year after year, creating a foundation for long-term student success.

Commissioner of Education Henry Mack sent an official letter recognizing the district's accomplishment. School Board members received thanks for their commitment to both academic excellence and financial stewardship.

Volusia County families now have confirmation that their district ranks among Florida's best for delivering quality education while managing resources responsibly.