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.” 

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The Florida State University Schools (FSUS) Board of Directors and College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Dean Damon Andrew have announced the appointment of Dr. Christopher Small as interim executive director of FSUS — FSU’s developmental research school — for the 2024-2025 academic year. Small will start June 3.

Small succeeds Stacy Chambers, who Monday announced she will step down as executive director of FSUS to join the leadership team at Charter Schools USA after overseeing the K-12 charter school affiliated with Florida State University for nine years. 

“I want to thank Dr. Chambers for furthering Florida State University Schools’ mission to advance Florida’s K-12 education through exemplary teaching, research and service,” Andrew said. “I appreciate Dr. Small for his leadership as we plan to conduct a national search for a new executive director next year.” 

Christopher Small, who earned his doctoral degree at FSU in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2012, is the director of the online Educational Leadership/Administration programs and assistant teaching professor in the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and serve FSUS during this time of transition,” Small said. “Working in collaboration with the board, faculty, staff, students, parents and community partners will remain at the core of my leadership. I am committed to ensuring high achievement and increased educational opportunities for all learners through our lab school framework and do not doubt that FSUS will continue to elevate to new heights.” 

Small’s previous work experience includes time as a dean of students at Jefferson Elementary School, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at Nims Middle School, and school principal at Springwood Elementary School and Raa Middle School. His successes included increasing school grades, greatly reducing the number of discipline referrals, and building college-prep traditions. 

FSUS will conduct a national search for a new executive director in 2025.  

For more information about Florida State University Schools, visit https://www.fsus.school/. 

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