Mount Dora High School has reclaimed its place as the top-ranked high school in Lake County, earning an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-2025 academic year. It is a testament to the leadership of first-year principal Kyle Bracewell, who returned to Mount Dora High last year to take the helm along with former principal Marlene Straughan who set the school up for much success the past few years.

Bracewell succeeded former principal Marlene Straughan, who was promoted to Regional Executive Director for Region 1, overseeing schools in Lake County.

The A rating reflects statewide accountability measures based on factors such as student achievement, learning gains, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. Mount Dora High showed notable gains across the board, including significant improvement in English Language Arts and Math proficiency, acceleration in Career and Technical Education pathways, and increased participation in Advanced Placement coursework.

Bracewell brought a deep familiarity with the Mount Dora High community when he stepped into the role. His educational career began at Umatilla Middle School as an English Language Arts teacher before moving to Leesburg High School, where he served as a literacy coach, focusing on improving reading and writing outcomes for students across all grade levels.

His connection to Mount Dora High spans nearly a decade. Prior to his appointment as principal, Bracewell served eight years as an assistant principal at the school, working closely with students, staff, and families to advance academic achievement. In January 2023, he took on the principalship at Seminole Springs Elementary School, where he emphasized early learning and academic excellence before returning to Mount Dora High.

Mount Dora High Continues to be among the area’s top public school’s and has a 97% graduation rate which is one of the highest in Lake County. Congratulations to all the teachers, students, parents and faculty who made it happen!