Florida State University’s K-12 laboratory schools — The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City, Florida State University Schools in Tallahassee (FSUS) and FSU Pembroke Pines — have each secured an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-25 school year.
These accomplishments, driven by dedicated faculty, staff and students, reflect FSU’s commitment to creating environments where students thrive. For the schools, these ratings enhance their reputation, attract top talent and strengthen community ties.
“Not only do these schools provide some of the best education in Florida, but they have an impact on classrooms around the state and country by conducting important research on how to better improve our schools.”
– Damon Andrew, Anne’s College dean and superintendent
At FSU Panama City, The Collegiate School secured its second consecutive “A” rating, a remarkable feat as the school doubled its enrollment this year. It distinguished itself as the highest-ranked school in Bay County, further amplifying the positive impact FSU is making across the Florida Panhandle.
Debbi Whitaker, The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City director, emphasized the efforts being made to elevate educational standards.
“Earning an ‘A’ grade from Florida’s DOE is a great indicator of our school’s continued success, especially considering we earned an ‘A’ last year, our inaugural year,” Whitaker said. “The ‘A’ in both years shows the commitment from students, families, faculty and staff. We were also the highest ranked school in Bay County, demonstrating TCS to be an excellent educational opportunity for students across our area.”
In Tallahassee, FSUS maintained its “A” rating and also achieved a significant leap in performance, increasing its total points from 884 in 2023-24 to 939 this year. This improvement propelled FSUS from 23rd to 14th in Florida’s public school rankings, placing it on the cusp of a top 10 position statewide.
Under the leadership of Dean and Superintendent Damon Andrew of the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, FSUS continues to set a high standard for innovative teaching and student achievement.
“The Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is fortunate to have three exceptional lab schools, and these latest rankings are a reflection of their excellence,” Andrew said. “Not only do these schools provide some of the best education in Florida, but they have an impact on classrooms around the state and country by conducting important research on how to better improve our schools.”
In South Florida, FSU Pembroke Pines continued its tradition of excellence by earning an ‘A’ rating for the 2024-25 school year, marking the 21st consecutive year the school has maintained this distinction and solidifying its status as a premier educational institution in Broward County. Under the leadership of Principal Lisa Maraj, the school has implemented innovative STEM programs and expanded extracurricular opportunities, fostering a holistic approach to student development.
The school’s robust community partnerships and focus on college preparatory curricula have empowered students to excel academically and pursue ambitious career paths, making it a cornerstone of educational excellence in South Florida.
“I am incredibly proud of our students, staff and families for achieving an ‘A’ rating again for the 2024-25 school year,” said Pembroke Pines Principal Lisa Maraj. This marks the 21st year the school has earned this distinction. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of all of the school’s stakeholders.”
As FSU continues to push the boundaries of excellence, its laboratory schools will remain at the forefront of K-12 education.
For more information about FSU’s laboratory schools, visit annescollege.fsu.edu and pc.fsu.edu.