Bryceville Elementary is one of five Florida schools recognized for beating the odds in early literacy achievement.

Bryceville Elementary School, a public elementary school in Nassau County, has been named a Bright Spot School by The 74, a national nonprofit newsroom covering American education. The recognition places Bryceville Elementary among a select group of schools across the country that are beating the odds in literacy, with third-grade reading proficiency exceeding expectations based on local demographic factors.

“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Bryceville Elementary Principal Tammy Smith. “This recognition reflects years of intentional, dedicated work and our shared commitment to making sure every child develops the skills and confidence needed to become a successful reader. Our teachers believe deeply in our students, and they work every day to meet children where they are while maintaining high expectations for where they can go.”

The Bright Spots designation is part of The 74’s 50-state initiative, which analyzes data from approximately 42,000 public schools to identify schools where third-grade reading proficiency significantly exceeds what would be predicted based on local demographics. Five schools in each state are recognized and highlighted through an interactive map and accompanying reporting.

At Bryceville Elementary, literacy success begins long before third grade. Teachers place a strong emphasis on building foundational reading skills in the primary grades while continually using student data to identify individual strengths and areas of need. Classroom instruction is supported by targeted interventions, small-group instruction, progress monitoring, tutoring opportunities, and collaboration among classroom teachers, support staff, and interventionists. Skills are intentionally reinforced and built upon from one grade level to the next so that students develop a strong academic foundation.

The school also recognizes that literacy achievement is a partnership. Families are encouraged to be active participants in their children's learning through ongoing communication, family engagement opportunities, and schoolwide programs that promote reading both at school and at home.

During the 2025–2026 school year, 85% of Bryceville Elementary third graders met or exceeded grade-level reading benchmarks. Bryceville Elementary serves approximately 217 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in the rural community of Bryceville, Florida.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it validates what we see happening in our classrooms every day,” Smith said. “Our success is not the result of one program or one person. It comes from a school community working together, being willing to adjust when students need something different, and never giving up on the belief that every child can learn.”

To learn more about The 74’s Bright Spots project and explore the interactive map, visit the74million.org.