(Bradenton, FL, July 1, 2026) — The official state school grades have been released, and the School District of Manatee County has achieved gains in overall academic performance, reflecting the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, staff, families, volunteers, and community partners.
Among the highlights, 10 schools improved by at least one letter grade, and the School District earned its highest number of A-rated schools since 2008. The School District also recorded a 90% graduation rate, the highest in its history, continuing a strong trend of academic growth and student achievement.
These results reflect focused districtwide efforts to strengthen instruction, expand academic support systems, and invest in early literacy from pre-kindergarten through high school. Gains were evident across all grade levels, with improvements in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies.
“Our results highlight the academic focus across our schools and the efforts of our entire district community,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin. “We are proud of the progress, and we look forward to accelerating our momentum in the new school year.”
Among the schools demonstrating exceptional improvement:
Samoset Elementary School: D to A (earning its first A grade since the 2008–2009 school year)
Jessie P. Miller Elementary School: C to A
Marjorie G. Kinnan Elementary School: B to A
Braden River Middle School: B to A (earning its first A grade since the 2013–2014 school year)
Myakka Elementary School: C to A
William H. Bashaw Elementary School: C to B
Lincoln Memorial Middle School: C to B (achieving a B grade for the first time since the 2007–2008 school year)
H.S. Moody Elementary School: C to B
Palm View K-8 School: C to B
Sea Breeze Elementary School: C to B
The School District also made notable strides in early literacy, a critical predictor of long-term academic success. At School District-operated pre-kindergarten sites, the percentage of students performing at the Early Transitional Reader level or higher increased by 12 percentage points.
Reading proficiency among third-grade students, a key benchmark for future academic achievement, also improved significantly, increasing by 4 percentage points districtwide. Nine elementary schools increased third grade reading proficiency by 10 percentage points or more.
“These gains represent real progress for our students,” Dr. Breslin added. “From stronger early literacy to a record-setting graduation rate, we are seeing the impact of focused instruction and support; and we are committed to building on that success in the year ahead.”