Graduation rate heralded by Miami-Dade School Board Chair Rojas

Miami-Dade County School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas recently gave her State of the Schools Address and there was plenty to be happy about.

At the top of the list was that Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) reached its highest graduation rate at 94.2 percent this past school year for traditional public schools, surpassing the state's rate of 88 percent.

The school district also reached an "A" rating for the fifth time.

"Our educators have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, employing innovative teaching strategies and technologies to ensure that learning continues and is enhanced," Rojas said. "(The district seeks) to provide an enriching safe and conducive learning environment, and dynamic educational experience for every student in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, your best choice in education."

Rojas also thanked the support and commitment from parents to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jose L. Dotres, adding that the school district, the nation's third largest, "will continue to provide a safe learning environment while aiming to cultivate a culture of inclusivity, innovation and academic excellence where every student is valued and supported."

Rojas called the current state of Miami-Dade County Public Schools "strong."

"Each of you plays an integral role in shaping the future of our schools," she said. "Let's continue to work together, cohesively and respectfully, inspire one another, and ensure that our students are not only prepared for the future, but also experience joy and are excited about it. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, and every family feels supported in their educational journey."

Rojas also lauded several more M-DCPS achievements, including:

• The 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) exam results showed that 61% of M-DCPS students earned a qualifying score of 3 or higher, outperforming the state average by almost 5%.

• Magnet Schools of America recognized M-DCPS with 84 awards for the 2023-2024 cycle, more than any school district in the nation.

• During the past five years, over 8,000 M-DCPS graduating seniors have earned The Florida Seal of Biliteracy gold seal and over 1,400 have earned the silver seal.

• In April 2024, the U.S. News & World Report's annual list of the nation's best schools reported Miami-Dade County Public Schools leading Florida again. Out of 17,660 schools ranked nationally, three M-DCPS high schools ranked in the Top 100 Best High Schools in the United States and 16 are among the Top 100 Best High Schools in Florida. Overall, M-DCPS had 94 schools on the list.

• M-DCPS is a major contributor to the local economy, providing over 47,000 full- and part-time jobs, which is about $2.75 billion in salaries. Included in that is a police force of 450 officers, the largest in the nation.

Rojas went on to highlight M-DCPS goals such as:

• Ensuring that safety and security continue to be the top priority.

• Expanding early childhood programs, including Pre-K-3, and advocate for full-day VPK, through our Board-approved State Legislative Program.

• Ensuring that the most fragile students engage in learning experiences that will successfully bring them to up-grade level in reading, writing, mathematics, civics and science.

• Providing programs at the elementary level that will identify and support those students who have the potential to excel in gifted programs, and eventually enroll in Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment courses.

• Providing our most special students with effective learning technologies and enhanced programs supporting their academic, social, and personal needs.

• Finding solutions to address the teacher shortage and find comprehensive ways to recruit special education teachers.

• Providing the workforce with competitive compensation and the best health insurance benefits we can offer.

• Continuing to advocate for an education funding formula, which recognizes the additional costs associated with delivering excellent education in high-cost coastal communities, like Miami-Dade County.

To see an online video of the complete State of the School District Address please.

Niche ranks M-DCPS District 13th

The web portal Niche recently ranked Miami-Dade County Public Schools 13th (of 67) on its list of 2025 Best School Districts in Florida" with a rating of A-.

Last year, Niche ranked Miami-Dade Public Schools 21st with a B+ score.

The overall ranking for the 511 total schools in Miami-Dade with 334,090 students is based on a methodology that includes parent, student and alumni reviews and surveys as well as data from the U.S. Department of Education, including state assessment proficiency, test scores and college enrollment data. The ranking also is determined based on teacher salaries and teacher absenteeism.

Specific categories include academics, teachers, clubs and activities, sports, resources and facilities, diversity, college prep, administration and food.

Miami-Dade's listing included more than 1,600 reviews.

Seminole County and Sarasota County led the state rankings.

Niche also ranked M-DPS:

• No. 2 for "Best Places to Teach in Florida"

• No. 10 for "Districts with the Best Teachers in Florida"

• No. 28 for "Best School Districts for Athletes in Florida"

• No. 47 for "Most Diverse School Districts in Florida"