Umatilla High School has earned its first-ever A school grade from the Florida Department of Education, marking a historic milestone for the school.

According to school officials, Umatilla High earned 682 points in the state’s accountability system, making it the highest-performing traditional high school in Lake County and setting a new record for the highest score ever achieved by a traditional high school in the county.

The accomplishment follows years of steady improvement. Over the past five years, Umatilla High has increased its school grade score by nearly 300 points, reflecting what Principal Brent Frazier says has been a schoolwide commitment to student success.

“This accomplishment belongs to every member of our school family,” he says. “From our custodians and cafeteria staff to our front office team, paraprofessionals, support staff, coaches, assistant principals and teachers, every person on this campus has played a role in making this historic achievement possible.”

Frazier says the school’s success has been built on a shared vision centered on high expectations, strong relationships and a relentless focus on helping students succeed. The school’s guiding belief — “If you can dream it and believe it, you can achieve it” — has helped shape that culture.

“This school grade is certainly something to celebrate, but what excites me most is what it represents for our students,” Frazier says. “This achievement means greater opportunities, increased confidence and brighter futures for the young people we serve every day.”

As Umatilla High celebrates the achievement, school leaders say they remain committed to building on that success by continuing to provide students with opportunities for academic, athletic and personal growth.

“This achievement serves as a reminder of what is possible when an entire community works together toward a common goal,” Frazier says.