Sarasota County Schools has again earned the state's Academically High-Performing School District designation for 2025-26, with 17 district-managed schools also recognized as Schools of Excellence.

The Florida State Board of Education grants the districtwide honor based on strong academic results, compliance with class-size rules and solid financial practices, WWSB reported. The designation applies districtwide.

The School of Excellence distinction reflects a record of student achievement over time, not just one testing year, according to WWSB.

Eleven elementary schools made the list: Ashton, Atwater, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Garden, Lakeview, Phillippi Shores, Southside, Tatum Ridge, Taylor Ranch, Toledo Blade and Venice. Sarasota Middle School earned the designation at the middle school level.

Two high schools qualified: Suncoast Polytechnical High School and Venice High School. Three combination schools rounded out the 17: Gulf Gate School, Laurel Nokomis School (K-8) and Pine View School.

District officials said the recognitions reflect daily efforts by students, teachers, school leaders, support staff and families, according to WWSB. They pointed to careful lesson planning, classroom instruction, student perseverance and family involvement as drivers of academic success.

Separately, Terry Connor wrote on Instagram on Nov. 6 that Alta Vista School is one of 36 schools across Florida eligible for consideration for the 2027 Exceeding Expectations Award. That program recognizes schools serving communities with high rates of poverty that demonstrate strong academic achievement and continued improvement in student outcomes, according to Connor.

Alta Vista will have the opportunity to share teaching strategies and school practices behind its success as it advances through the award process, Connor wrote.