Walton County has a lot to be proud of — and this week, that pride shines brightly on the youngest learners in our community. The Walton County School District has announced that Bay School and the Freeport Learning Center have each earned an “Excellent” designation under the Florida Department of Education’s new Summer Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) accountability system for Summer 2025.

That “Excellent” is no small thing. It’s the highest rating possible, and it proves what many of us already know: Walton County is setting the bar high when it comes to early childhood education.

What “Excellent” Means
The state’s updated VPK accountability system looks at more than just attendance. It measures how well teachers deliver instruction, how students progress, and how ready they are for kindergarten. That means this recognition isn’t just a gold star — it’s a direct reflection of the incredible work happening inside these classrooms every day.

Both Bay School and the Freeport Learning Center exceeded the state’s highest standards across the board. That means kids in Walton County are not only learning, they’re thriving before they even walk into kindergarten.

A Summer of Growth
During the Summer 2025 term, students logged 300 hours of instruction. That’s a big investment of time — and it paid off. Teachers and staff guided children through lessons in literacy, numeracy, and social development, giving them the tools they need to start their kindergarten journey strong.
It’s part of the district’s mission to ensure students are “EPIC” — a vision that begins long before the first day of school.

“This rating reflects the dedication and talent of our early learning educators and the families who partner with us,” said Superintendent A. Russell Hughes. “We know that a high-quality VPK experience helps set the stage for long-term academic success, and we are incredibly proud of the outstanding work happening at Bay School and the Freeport Learning Center. Congratulations to all of the young learners and their families, our School Board that supports early learning initiatives, teachers, staff, and community. It is never too early to be EPIC!”

The VPK enrollment window for the 2025-2026 school year is still open. Families interested in giving their child the very best start should reach out directly to their local VPK site for details.

In Walton County, education doesn’t wait until kindergarten to begin — it starts the moment a child walks through the door of programs like Bay School and the Freeport Learning Center. These “Excellent” ratings remind us all that our schools, teachers, and families are working together to build a stronger future, one bright young learner at a time.