Palm Beach Students Excel in Reading, Struggle in Math: New Test Results!

Palm Beach County, Florida - On July 1, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis held an enlightening press conference at Florida Atlantic University, focusing on the latest education metrics in Palm Beach County. The discussion primarily revolved around the recent results from the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) exams, which have replaced the previous Florida Standards Assessments. These new exams assess student performance in reading and mathematics among various grade levels, and the results reveal a snapshot of how local students are faring compared to state averages.

Third graders in Palm Beach County performed commendably, hitting the state average in reading with 57% of students meeting or exceeding the benchmark. However, they outdid the state in math, with 64% scoring at grade level or above, indicating a healthy grasp of mathematical concepts among young learners. This trend of solid performance continued in seventh grade, where students surpassed the state average in reading—60% versus the state’s 57%—even as they fell behind in math, posting a 42% proficiency compared to Florida’s average of 50%.

Insight into Examination Structure

As noted by the Florida Department of Education, the FAST exams include a comprehensive range of questions, typically 35 to 40, covering material from the entire academic year. This format aims to provide a clearer picture of student learning and achievement throughout the school year. The testing occurs three times within the year, with the final assessment significantly impacting both school and district scores.

The newly implemented assessments are aligned with Florida’s academic standards under the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.), and they are crucial for educators and parents alike in gauging student progress and areas needing improvement. The emphasis on student learning informs efforts statewide to enhance educational outcomes.

Standout Schools in Palm Beach County

A standout performance in reading and mathematics was noted among various schools in the county. The top five elementary schools for third-grade reading scores include:

• Morikami Park (96%)
• Equestrian Trails (89%)
• Addison Mizner School (88%)
• Beacon Cove Intermediate School (88%)
• Western Academy Charter (88%)

When it comes to math, Morikami Park again led the pack with an impressive 97%, followed by:

• Timber Trace (95%)
• Panther Run (94%)
• Beacon Cove Intermediate School (93%)
• Equestrian Trails (91%)

Moving on to middle schools, the top performers in reading featured:

• North Grade K-8 (100%)
• Addison Mizner School (96%)
• Bak Middle School of the Arts (94%)
• Somerset Academy Boca Middle (93%)
• Western Academy Charter School (92%)

In terms of math excellence, North Grade K-8 also took the lead:

• North Grade K-8 (100%)
• Western Academy Charter School (97%)
• Bak Middle School of the Arts (94%)
• Somerset Academy Canyons Middle (78%)
• Franklin Academy — Palm Beach Gardens (78%)

Looking Ahead

As students move forward, the results point towards both achievements and challenges within the Palm Beach County school system. Tenth graders recorded a reading success rate of 59%, just edging past Florida’s average of 58.5%. The standout institutions for this grade level included the prestigious Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where 94% of students scored at grade level.

Overall, while some grades celebrated success in reading, the math results indicate there’s still work to be done. The county’s educational leaders will need to focus on strategies to uplift math performances across all grades. The Bureau of K-12 Assessment, according to the Florida Department of Education, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the assessments align with the academic standards that guide education in our state.

The future of Palm Beach County education looks promising, but there’s always room for improvement. For more comprehensive educational statistics and performance metrics, the National Center for Education Statistics provides a detailed dashboard for reviewing Florida’s educational landscape here.