According to district officials, the acceleration rate increased 15 percentage points to 72.8%, meaning nearly three out of every four graduates in the Class of 2025 earned at least one accelerated credential before receiving their high school diploma. The achievement highlights significant progress in preparing students for success beyond graduation.

Students contributed to the record-setting rate by earning college credit through Dual Enrollment, passing Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and/or earning approved industry certifications.

By completing these rigorous programs while still in high school, students and their families are able to save money on college tuition and reduce the time required to complete a postsecondary degree.

District data shows strong gains across campuses:

• Non-charter schools achieved a 73.5% acceleration rate.

• Charter schools reached 66.0%.

• All traditional non-charter high schools improved compared to last year, with several campuses posting significant increases:

  • Liberty High School: +39 percentage points

  • Gateway High School: +34 percentage points

  • Osceola High School: +21 percentage points

“This record-breaking acceleration rate reflects the dedication of our students, the commitment of our educators, and the support of our families,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “Preparing students for college, careers, and life is at the heart of our mission, and these results show that our collective efforts are truly making a difference.”

The milestone reinforces the district’s continued focus on expanding access to advanced coursework and workforce-ready credentials, ensuring Osceola County students graduate with both academic momentum and career-ready skills.

Distrito Escolar de Osceola alcanza la tasa más alta de aceleración universitaria y profesional en su historia

El Distrito Escolar de Osceola anunció que ha alcanzado la tasa más alta de aceleración universitaria y profesional en la historia del distrito para el curso escolar 2025–2026.

La tasa aumentó 15 puntos porcentuales hasta el 72.8%, lo que significa que casi tres de cada cuatro graduados de la Clase de 2025 obtuvieron al menos una credencial acelerada antes de recibir su diploma de escuela superior. Este logro representa un avance significativo en la preparación de los estudiantes para el éxito después de la graduación.

Los estudiantes lograron este récord al obtener créditos universitarios mediante matrícula doble, aprobar exámenes de Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), International Baccalaureate (IB) o Advanced Placement (AP), y/o conseguir certificaciones aprobadas por la industria.

Al completar estos programas rigurosos mientras aún están en la escuela superior, los estudiantes y sus familias pueden ahorrar dinero en la matrícula universitaria y reducir el tiempo necesario para completar un título universitario.

Entre los resultados destacados:

• Las escuelas públicas que no son chárter alcanzaron una tasa del 73.5%.

• Las escuelas chárter alcanzaron el 66.0%.

• Todas las escuelas tradicionales que no son chárter mejoraron respecto al año pasado, con aumentos notables en varios planteles:

  • Liberty High School: +39 puntos porcentuales

  • Gateway High School: +34 puntos porcentuales

  • Osceola High School: +21 puntos porcentuales

“Esta tasa récord refleja la dedicación de nuestros estudiantes, el compromiso de nuestros educadores y el apoyo de nuestras familias”, expresó el superintendente Dr. Mark Shanoff. “Preparar a los estudiantes para la universidad, las carreras y la vida está en el corazón de nuestra misión, y estos resultados demuestran que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos realmente están marcando la diferencia.”

El logro reafirma el compromiso del distrito de ampliar el acceso a cursos avanzados y credenciales profesionales, asegurando que los estudiantes de Osceola County se gradúen con impulso académico y habilidades listas para el mundo laboral.

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The record-setting figure represents a 2.3 percentage point increase over last year and a 6.3 percentage point climb since the 2022–2023 school year, highlighting sustained progress across Osceola County schools.

When charter schools are excluded, the graduation rate for traditional public high schools surged to 93%, with all non-charter, non-alternative high schools in Osceola County exceeding a 93% graduation rate—a notable achievement reflecting district-wide consistency and improvement.

School Board Chair Heather Kahoun credited the collective efforts of students, educators, families, and the broader community for the success.

“This record-breaking graduation rate is a true testament to the steadfast work of our students, educators, families, community, and our School Board,” Kahoun said. “Getting students across the stage is only part of the mission. We are equally committed to ensuring every graduate leaves with a postsecondary plan—whether college, career, or military—so they are prepared to be productive, successful members of society.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff emphasized that the achievement reflects years of intentional investment in students and innovation throughout the district.

“Osceola School District’s newly released graduation rate tells a powerful story about what can happen when students are surrounded by belief, opportunity, and unwavering support,” Shanoff said. “The Class of 2025’s success is the result of years of commitment from educators who nurtured learning from the very beginning, counselors who championed student goals, leaders who pushed for innovation, and a community that never stopped showing up.”

Shanoff added that while the milestone is worth celebrating, the district remains focused on continued growth and ensuring every student graduates prepared for what comes next.

“While our work continues until every student leaves us equipped for the future, this moment affirms that our School Board and more than 8,000 SDOC team members are boldly shaping the future of education—raising expectations, opening doors, and leading with purpose each and every Day One.”

District leaders say the historic graduation rate underscores Osceola County’s ongoing commitment to student success and serves as a strong foundation for future classes to build upon.

El Distrito Escolar de Osceola alcanza la tasa de graduación más alta de su historia

El Distrito Escolar de Osceola alcanzó un logro histórico al registrar su tasa de graduación más alta jamás obtenida: 91.1% durante el año escolar 2024–2025, según datos recientemente publicados por el distrito.

Esta cifra récord representa un aumento de 2.3 puntos porcentuales con respecto al año anterior y un incremento total de 6.3 puntos porcentuales desde el año escolar 2022–2023, lo que refleja un progreso constante y sostenido en las escuelas del condado de Osceola.

Al excluir las escuelas chárter, la tasa de graduación de las escuelas secundarias públicas tradicionales aumentó a un impresionante 93%. Además, todas las escuelas secundarias no chárter y no alternativas del condado de Osceola superaron el 93% de graduación, un logro que destaca la consistencia y el éxito académico en todo el distrito.

La presidenta de la Junta Escolar del Condado de Osceola, Heather Kahoun, atribuyó este éxito al esfuerzo conjunto de estudiantes, educadores, familias y la comunidad en general.

“Esta tasa récord de graduación es un verdadero testimonio del trabajo incansable de nuestros estudiantes, educadores, familias, la comunidad y nuestra Junta Escolar,” expresó Kahoun. “Llevar a los estudiantes a la tarima en la graduación es solo una parte de nuestra misión. Estamos igualmente comprometidos a garantizar que cada graduado salga con un plan postsecundario —ya sea universitario, profesional o militar— para que estén preparados para ser miembros productivos y exitosos de la sociedad.”

Por su parte, el superintendente del Distrito Escolar de Osceola, Dr. Mark Shanoff, destacó que este logro es el resultado de años de compromiso e inversión intencional en los estudiantes del distrito.

“La tasa de graduación recientemente publicada del Distrito Escolar de Osceola cuenta una historia poderosa sobre lo que puede ocurrir cuando los estudiantes están rodeados de creencia, oportunidades y apoyo incondicional,” señaló Shanoff. “El éxito de la Clase Graduanda de 2025 es el resultado de años de compromiso de educadores que fomentaron el aprendizaje desde el principio, orientadores que defendieron los objetivos de los estudiantes, líderes que impulsaron la innovación y una comunidad que nunca dejó de presentarse.”

Shanoff añadió que, aunque este logro merece ser celebrado, el distrito mantiene su enfoque en la mejora continua y en garantizar que cada estudiante se gradúe preparado para el futuro.

“Si bien nuestro trabajo continúa hasta que cada estudiante nos deje completamente equipado para lo que sigue, este momento confirma que nuestra Junta Escolar y más de 8,000 miembros del equipo del SDOC están moldeando con valentía el futuro de la educación—elevando expectativas, abriendo puertas y liderando con propósito desde el Día Uno.”

Los líderes del distrito indicaron que esta tasa histórica de graduación refuerza el compromiso continuo del condado de Osceola con el éxito estudiantil y establece una base sólida para que las futuras generaciones sigan avanzando.

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The events are designed for students entering sixth or ninth grade, along with their parents or guardians, and offer an opportunity to become familiar with their future schools before the academic year begins.

During Orientation Nights, families will have the chance to meet school principals and key staff members, tour campuses, learn about academic programs, and explore extracurricular opportunities such as athletics, clubs, and arts programs. Attendees will also receive important information about schedules, transportation, school policies, and tips to support a smooth transition into middle or high school.

Incoming Sixth Grade Orientation Night

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Locations: Middle schools and K–8 schools

Note: Osceola County School for the Arts will not participate in the districtwide sixth-grade Orientation Night. The school will contact parents of newly accepted sixth-grade students directly to share details about a site-specific orientation scheduled later in the spring.

Incoming Ninth Grade Orientation Night

Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Locations: High schools

Note: NeoCity Academy, Professional and Technical High School (PATHS), and Osceola County School for the Arts will not be included in the districtwide ninth-grade Orientation Night. These schools will communicate directly with parents of accepted students regarding their individual orientation events, which will take place later in the spring.

District officials encourage parents or guardians with questions about Orientation Night to contact the middle or high school their child will attend during the 2026–2027 school year.

Información en Español

El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Osceola llevará a cabo Noches de Orientación Estudiantil en enero para ayudar a los estudiantes que ingresarán a sexto y noveno grado y a sus familias a prepararse para el año escolar 2026–2027.

Las Noches de Orientación brindarán a las familias la oportunidad de conocer a los directores y al personal escolar, explorar los campus, aprender sobre los programas académicos y conocer las oportunidades extracurriculares, además de recibir información importante sobre horarios, transporte y políticas escolares.

6.º grado: 22 de enero de 2026, de 6:00 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. (escuelas intermedias y K–8)
9.º grado: 26 de enero de 2026, de 6:00 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. (escuelas secundarias)

Los padres con preguntas sobre las Noches de Orientación deben comunicarse directamente con la escuela a la que asistirá su hijo el próximo año escolar.

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“It’s going to be a surprise, because none of us knows what’s in it,” said Principal Dr. Millie Torres. “Our media specialist has been here the longest, but this was already there when he came, even though he’s been here 29 years. He said that all he heard was they wrote notes and things like that,” she said.

Because the school didn’t have yearbooks in the early 1990s, Torres said she wasn’t able to find and contact former students about the capsule’s opening. “After we open it, we are going to invite like the community to come view the contents of it.”

First out of the capsule was a letter from the principal at the time, Virginia Phillips. “The hard work and dedication of this staff was unsurpassed by any with whom I’ve worked during my career,” Phillips wrote. “The challenge to those who come after is to learn all that you can become productive, moral, educated, and enlightened citizens. May God bless you all in your achievements.”

Among the contents were class photos, handwritten papers, artwork, and a teddy bear — many showing signs of water damage but still filled with nostalgia. As the items were laid out for viewing, onlookers could be heard reacting with delight: “Oh! Look at that picture!” “‘My music is DJ Jazzy Jeff.’” “‘My goal for 1991 is to drive a car.’”

“The people who sealed this capsule all those years ago believed in the power of education, in the strength of teamwork, and in the bright future of this school,” Torres said. “And today, we’ve proven them right.”

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The milestone event will shine a spotlight on the district’s innovative academic programs, career pathways, and specialized learning experiences designed to help students discover their passions and prepare for success beyond the classroom. Families will have the opportunity to learn more about programs in STEM, Fine Arts, International Baccalaureate, Dual Language, and Career & Technical Education, among others.

Throughout the evening, guests can visit booths from every SDOC school, connect with educators and program leaders, and take advantage of free resources, giveaways, and books. The event will also feature student performances and art exhibits, health screenings, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Admission and parking are free.

“This is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of choice, growth, and the bright futures of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “Reaching the tenth year of the Choice Fair underscores our district’s ongoing commitment to innovation and student success.”

For more information about the 2025 Choice Fair and available programs, visit osceolaschools.net/choice or myosceolachoice.school

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Paraprofessionals play an essential role in Osceola County classrooms, providing valuable support to teachers and students throughout the district. The event offers an opportunity for individuals passionate about education to join the team and make a meaningful impact in local schools.

To be eligible for a paraprofessional position, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold an Associate’s degree or higher

• Have 60 semester hours of college coursework

• Possess a High School Diploma or GED and a passing score on the ParaPro Test

The starting hourly rate is $16.71, and advance registration for the job fair is encouraged but not required. Those interested can register at Employ Florida.

For more information, visit CareerSource Central Florida’s Osceola County Career Center.

#OsceolaNews #JobFair #JoinTheTeam #CareerSourceCentralFlorida

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Graduation caps will fly on the following days and times for Osceola County’s 2026 high school graduates:

May 18, 2026 – Location: Osceola County School for the Arts

• Osceola County School for the Arts at 6:00 p.m.

May 19, 2026 – Location:  Osceola Heritage Park

• Poinciana High School at 1:30 p.m.
• Tohopekaliga High School at 5:30 p.m.

May 20, 2026 – Location: Osceola Heritage Park

• Liberty High School at 9:30 a.m.
• Harmony High School at 1:30 p.m.
• Osceola High School at 5:30 p.m.

May 21, 2026 – Location: Osceola Heritage Park

• Celebration High School at 9:30 a.m.
• St. Cloud High School at 1:30 p.m.
• Gateway High School at 5:30 p.m.

May 22, 2026 – Location: Osceola Heritage Park

• Osceola Virtual School/Zenith Accelerated Learning Academy at 9:30 a.m.
• NeoCity Academy at 12:30 p.m.
• Professional and Technical High School (PATHS) at 3:30 p.m.

May 28, 2026 – Location: Osceola County School for the Arts

• Osceola Technical College (oTECH) at 5:30 p.m.

June 24, 2026 – Location: Osceola High School

• Adult Learning Center Osceola (ALCO) at 6:00 p.m.

Graduaciones del Distrito Escolar de Osceola 2026

Los birretes de graduación ondearán en los siguientes días y horarios para los graduados de escuela superior del condado Osceola de 2026:

18 de mayo de 2026 – Lugar: Osceola County School for the Arts

• Osceola County School for the Arts a las 6:00 p.m.

19 de mayo de 2026 – Lugar:  Osceola Heritage Park

• Poinciana High School a la 1:30 p.m.
• Tohopekaliga High School a las 5:30 p.m.

20 de mayo de 2026 – Lugar: Osceola Heritage Park

• Liberty High School a las 9:30 a.m.
• Harmony High School a la 1:30 p.m.
• Osceola High School a las 5:30 p.m.

21 de mayo de 2026 – Lugar: Osceola Heritage Park

• Celebration High School a las 9:30 a.m.
• St. Cloud High School a la 1:30 p.m.
• Gateway High School a las 5:30 p.m.

22 de mayo de 2026 – Lugar: Osceola Heritage Park

• Osceola Virtual School/Zenith Accelerated Learning Academy a las 9:30 a.m.
• NeoCity Academy a las 12:30 p.m.
• Professional and Technical High School (PATHS) a las 3:30 p.m.

28 de mayo de 2026 – Lugar: Osceola County School for the Arts

• Osceola Technical College (oTECH) a las 5:30 p.m.

24 de junio de 2026 – Lugar: Osceola High School

• Adult Learning Center Osceola (ALCO) a las 6:00 p.m.

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On August 20, 2025, the School Board and the Osceola County Education Association (OCEA) finalized agreements that include an $8.1 million package for instructional employees and $1.3 million for education staff professionals (ESP). Earlier this month, on August 13, 2025, the Board also reached agreement with Teamsters Local No. 385 on a $900,000 package.

Salary Increases for 2025–26

• Instructional employees will see performance pay raises based on final evaluation ratings:

  • Highly Effective = $500

  • Grandfathered = $400

  • Effective = $350
    In addition, all instructional staff will receive a recurring 2% retention supplement based on their 2024–25 minimum base salary.

• Education Support Professionals (ESP) and Teamsters employees will each receive a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their minimum base salaries.

Expanded Benefits Package

The tentative agreements also strengthen employee benefits, including:

• An increase in the Board’s contribution toward health insurance, now totaling $8,722.60 per employee, with a no-cost option remaining available for individual employees.

• Innovations to the district’s medical insurance plan to provide new choices and cost savings while ensuring fiscal stability of the Health Benefits Trust Fund.

• A Flexible Spending Account match of $250 for employees who contribute $750 or more.

• Continued support for the district’s Center for Employee Health.

Leaders Praise Collaborative Effort

“Our employees are the heart of our schools, and their passion and dedication change lives every single day,” said School Board Chair Heather Kahoun. “By finalizing these agreements, the Osceola County School Board is affirming the deep value we place on their work and their role in shaping brighter futures.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff highlighted the district’s focus on compensation, noting that since 2023, the Board has invested in approximately 11% in salary increases. “This sizable investment affirms the value each of our SDOC team members plays in pursuit of engagement, alignment, community, achievement, and culture,” Shanoff said.

OCEA President Janet Moody called the agreement “a reflection of the power of collective action and the voice of our members,” pointing to gains in pay, workplace protections, and professional recognition, while acknowledging ongoing challenges with healthcare costs.

Next Steps

The agreements now move forward for ratification by both the School Board and union members. Once finalized, salary increases and benefits enhancements will take effect for the 2025–26 school year.

Full details of the tentative agreements can be found on the district’s website at osceolaschools.net.

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NeoCity Academy earned the district’s highest distinction, ranking #2 in Florida and #34 nationally, while also claiming the #1 spot in the Orlando Metro Area and among Osceola County’s public high schools.

Osceola County School for the Arts (OCSA) followed with strong results, ranking #30 in Florida and #343 nationally, continuing its tradition of blending academic achievement with artistic excellence.

Professional and Technical High School (PATHS) was also recognized for its career-focused curriculum, securing #40 in Florida and #651 nationally.

All other Osceola high schools were included in the national rankings as well, reflecting district-wide progress.

“These rankings are proof that Osceola schools are preparing students to thrive at the very highest levels,” said Heather Kahoun, Chairman of the Osceola County School Board. “We are incredibly proud of NeoCity Academy, OCSA, and PATHS for earning this recognition. Their success reflects the dedication of our teachers, the passion of our students, and the strong support of families across the district. This is a win not just for these schools, but for our entire community.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff highlighted the unique contributions of each school: “Whether it’s pioneering STEM innovation at NeoCity Academy, artistic excellence at OCSA, or career readiness at PATHS, our students are being prepared in diverse and powerful ways for the future. These rankings affirm that Osceola schools are not only keeping pace, but helping to define what education should look like in Florida and across the nation.”

The U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 24,000 public high schools nationwide, ranking nearly 18,000 based on six factors: college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates.

For the full rankings, visit: U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings.

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