VERO BEACH, FL (June 26, 2026) - The School District of Indian River County (SDIRC) continues to distinguish itself as one of Florida's highest performing public school districts and a national example of what can be achieved when a school district and community work together with purpose. Newly released Florida Department of Education Spring 2026 assessment results reflect the strongest statewide rankings in District history and underscore a sustained rate of academic growth that should draw attention from school systems across the nation.

The 2025-2026 results demonstrate significant gains across English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, with most assessed areas now ranking among the Top 10 in Florida. While many districts continue working to return to or exceed pre-pandemic outcomes, SDIRC surpassed pre-pandemic performance in the overwhelming majority of areas during the 2023-2024 school year and has continued accelerating student achievement since that time.

“These results demonstrate what is possible when an entire community comes together with one shared purpose: ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed," said Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools. "They reflect years of intentional work by our teachers, principals, support staff, students, families, and community partners. If our journey can serve as a model for other school districts across the country, it is because it demonstrates what is possible through shared commitment, strong leadership, and an unwavering focus on students. While we are proud of these results, we remain committed to continuous improvement because every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential."

The District earned eight(8) Top 10 statewide rankings, exceeded the state's rate of improvement in nearly every assessed subject, and continued a multi-year trend of academic gains that now surpass pre-pandemic performance.

Since the 2018-2019 school year, SDIRC has steadily improved student outcomes across every core academic area, resulting in some of the highest statewide rankings in District history. Highlights of the Spring 2026 assessment results include:

• English Language Arts (Grades 3–10): SDIRC increased the percentage of students scoring on or above grade level from 62% to 67% (+5 points), surpassing the state's growth of +4 points (57% to 61%).

• Grade 3 English Language Arts: SDIRC increased from 69% to 75% (+6 points), doubling the state's growth of +3 points (57% to 60%) and earning the 3rd highest ranking in Florida.

• Mathematics (Grades 3–8, Algebra, and Geometry): SDIRC increased from 63% to 70% (+7 points), outpacing the state's growth of +3 points (58% to 61%).

• Grade 5 Science: SDIRC improved from 67% to 69% (+2 points), continuing to perform 9 percentage points above the state average (69% compared to 60%).

• Grade 8 Science: SDIRC increased from 60% to 67% (+7 points), exceeding the state's growth of +4 points (53% to 57%) and ranking 6th in Florida.

• Biology End of Course Assessment: SDIRC improved from 77% to 79% (+2 points) while maintaining a 5-percentage point advantage over the state (74%) and earning the 10th highest ranking in Florida.

• Civics End of Course Assessment: SDIRC increased from 77% to 84% (+7 points), outpacing the state's growth of +6 points (70% to 76%) and climbing to 7th in Florida.

• U.S. History End of Course Assessment: SDIRC increased from 77% to 81% (+4 points), surpassing the state's growth of +3 points (70% to 73%) and earning the 5th highest ranking in Florida.

Overall, SDIRC outpaced growth or exceeded state performance in every assessed subject while earning eight (8) Top 10 statewide rankings in Grade 3 English Language Arts (3rd), overall English Language Arts (8th), overall Mathematics (10th), Grade 5 Science (7th), Grade 8 Science (6th), Biology (10th), Civics (7th), and U.S. History (5th). These achievements reflect the District's long-term investment in exceptional educators, strong instructional practices, expanded academic supports, and a culture of continuous improvement that is preparing students for success in college, careers, and life.

The academic results add to a year of significant accomplishments for SDIRC, including being named the #1 Best Place to Teach in Florida by Niche. Together, these recognitions reinforce the connection between investing in exceptional educators and achieving outstanding student outcomes.

"As we celebrate these results, we also recognize the work that made them possible," Dr. Moore said. "Our success belongs to every teacher who inspires learning, every principal who leads with purpose, every staff member who supports our schools, every family who partners with us, and every student who strives for excellence each day. Together, we are building one of Florida's premier public school districts, and our best work is still ahead."

The School District of Indian River County remains committed to providing every student with a high-quality education while continuing to build on this historic academic momentum.

This is more than a story. This is a movement.

Together, we are Connected by Community, Driven by Innovation, and Fueled by Leadership.

Together, we are MySDIRC.

For updates and announcements, visit https://www.indianriverschools.org/ or follow us on Facebook at School District of Indian River County and Dr. David K. Moore, and on Instagram @MySDIRC.