Today is February 28, 2026, and we have some exciting news coming from the educational landscape right here in Bonita Springs, Florida. The Florida Department of Education recently released graduation rates for the class of 2025 on January 13. It’s a moment for celebration as our local schools have achieved remarkable milestones.
Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) proudly reported a graduation rate of 94.4%, which surpasses the state average of 92.2% by a solid 2.2 percentage points. This achievement marks the highest graduation rate in the history of Collier County and sets the standard in Southwest Florida. With a significant leap from 25th to 13th place among the 67 school districts in Florida, CCPS is making strides in educational excellence.
Highlights from Collier and Lee Counties
Superintendent Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli expressed immense pride in the class of 2025, emphasizing the importance of high-quality instruction and support in reaching these goals. Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, the Lee County School District also celebrated a historic achievement with a graduation rate of 89.8%—the highest in its history—and a dropout rate reduced to an impressive 1.5%, the lowest recorded.
Lee County Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin referred to this as a historic moment for the schools, highlighting the critical role of investing in teachers and student support. Both districts are committed to further enhancing their educational offerings, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an ever-evolving learning environment.
The Path Forward
As we look ahead, both Collier and Lee Counties are dedicated to maintaining and building upon these successes. With a focus on quality education and robust support systems, these school districts are not just achieving numbers but are also fostering a culture of learning that benefits students and the community alike.
For more insights on this topic, check out the full article on Florida Weekly.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to recognize the hard work of educators, administrators, and students that contribute to these achievements. The future looks bright for our local schools, and we can look forward to seeing how these graduation rates translate into future opportunities for our young learners.