Excellent public schools are one of the hallmarks of this community. The high-quality education is why many families choose to call Weston home and why this city is continually ranked among the nation’s best places to live.
All of the Broward County Public Schools serving the Weston community earned an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2018-2019 school year. Congratulations to the students, teachers and administrators at Country Isles Elementary, Eagle Point Elementary, Everglades Elementary, Gator Run Elementary, Indian Trace Elementary, Manatee Bay Elementary, Falcon Cove Middle School, Tequesta Trace Middle School, Cypress Bay High School, Western High School and Imagine Charter School at Weston. These Weston schools were among only 69 Broward County Public Schools to earn an “A” grade.
Indian Trace Elementary Principal Amy Winder says she is proud that her school once again achieved “A+” status. “The key to our school’s success continues to be the partnership of inquisitive students, supportive and involved parents, and a staff that is committed to their own professional learning for the good of the students.”
Principal Mindy Morgan, from Country Isles Elementary School, also credits the school community, citing the importance of children, parents and staff working together. “Our staff is committed and relentless and will continue to close the achievement gap for all students and push students to their maximum potential.”
Of course, a quality education is about much more than just test scores. Gator Run Elementary Lead Learner Keith Peters believes a letter grade does not accurately reflect all that takes place within the school. “At Gator Run, we pride ourselves on our culture of high expectations without the constant focus on testing. Our goal is to develop lifelong learners who know that a score cannot and will not define them.”
Manatee Bay Elementary also focuses on developing the whole child through a variety of academic and hands-on problem-solving programs. According to Principal Heather Hedman-DeVaughn, “Not only do we encourage our students to excel, but to find who they are and work on being the best they can be. Our ‘A’ represents the diversity, perseverance and belief in our caring staff, motivated teachers, and supportive community.”
The Florida Department of Education’s school grades are based on a variety of factors including results from the Florida Standards Assessments and End of Course exams, as well as levels of achievement and learning gains, industry certifications earned and graduation rates.