Controlled Open Enrollment, also known as COE, is for families who would like their student to attend a school they are not zoned to attend. For more information, please visit our Controlled Open Enrollment webpage by clicking the button below!

All Secondary Schools, North & Central Elementary Schools
Open January 27- February 24

South Elementary Schools
Open March 2-March 30

Visit: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/controlled-open-enrollment
3 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Graphic promoting OCSD Controlled Open Enrollment. The design features notebook-style lined paper with colorful doodles, including a globe, pencil, and paper airplane. A circular photo on the left shows a student using a tablet. The OCSD logo appears at the top center, and bold blue text below reads “Controlled Open Enrollment.”

Kindergarten & New Student Registration

All Secondary Schools, North & Central Elementary Schools - OPEN NOW!
South Elementary Schools - Opens March 2nd!

Visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration for more information!

4 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Graphic for OCSD Kindergarten & New Student Registration. The OCSD logo appears on the top left with bold yellow text below reading “Kindergarten & New Student Registration.” On the right, a child sits at a laptop with arms raised in excitement, framed by a circular border. Colorful graphic elements and shapes decorate the background.
Okaloosa County School District schools and district offices will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents' Day.
5 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
A graphic announces that Okaloosa County Schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents' Day. The design includes the OCSD logo, small American flags, and red, white, and blue stars on a blue background.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞!

This year’s theme, “Little Acts, Big Hope,” reminds us that even the smallest gesture can bring light to someone’s day and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Our school Care Crews are leading the way by spreading positivity, kindness, and connection through a variety of uplifting activities. The District Office is joining in as well, participating in daily themes designed to inspire change—one hopeful act at a time.

𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲! We encourage everyone to wear yellow to show unity, encouragement, and support as we celebrate the power of hope across our community.

Let’s make this week brighter with every little act!
5 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
A colorful graphic shows a heart-shaped design with nature and sunshine elements surrounding a human silhouette, promoting “Hope Week” with the dates February 9–13. The OCSD logo appears at the top.
What a great turnout! Over 150 families joined us at Regal Cinemas Santa Rosa for our FREE Kindergarten & VPK Family Movie Afternoon on February 1st.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, and the Florida Department of Health, helped families prepare for VPK and kindergarten in a fun, welcoming setting.

Families enjoyed:
🍿 Free movie tickets & kids’ snack packs
📝 On‑site VPK & Kindergarten registration help
🎁 Goodie bags with books, treats & more

“Our goal is to make the transition to kindergarten welcoming and supportive,” said Amy Dale, OCSD Director of Elementary Curriculum.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! For questions about kindergarten registration please visit www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration.
9 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
A person in a large red dog mascot costume hugs a young child indoors, while another adult walks nearby in a public lobby or hallway with patterned carpet and tiled walls.
A group of five people stand behind a table covered with colorful backpacks and tote bags, holding copies of the book The Queen of Kindergarten. The table is draped with an Okaloosa County School District banner, and a movie theater snack display is visible in the background.
𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 2025 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏

The 2025 high school football season showcased outstanding dedication and success from student-athletes across the district. Baker finished with an impressive 11–1 record and an undefeated regular season before falling in the Regional Semifinals. Choctaw had a standout year, ending 12–2, going 3–0 in district play to earn the District Championship, and advancing to the Final Four. Niceville also had a strong season, finishing second in their district and competing in the Regional Quarterfinals. The season’s achievements reflect the hard work of the athletes and the strong support of coaches, families, and the community.
9 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Team photo of the 2025 Niceville Eagles football program, showing players in maroon uniforms seated and standing in rows on stadium bleachers with coaches behind them, alongside a banner reading “2025 Niceville Eagles.”
A football team in maroon “Gators” uniforms poses on a football field with coaches, arranged in rows, with goalposts and trees in the background during a team photo.
A dynamic graphic showing a football team in white and green uniforms running through a large green banner, with the text “2025 Final Four District‑Regional Champions” displayed prominently.
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆!

Today we celebrate the incredible men and women who keep our students safe every single day. Whether rain or shine, hot or cold, our crossing guards greet families with a smile, guide children safely across busy streets, and help ensure a smooth start and end to every school day.

To all of our dedicated crossing guards: THANK YOU for your commitment, your kindness, and your unwavering focus on student safety. Our schools and communities are better because of you!
10 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
A crossing guard wearing a reflective safety vest holds a stop sign while guiding two children with backpacks across a street, with trees in the background and the message “Thank You Crossing Guards!” displayed prominently.
The Fall cross country season delivered outstanding performances across the district. In girls' cross country, Choctaw's Izzy Harter earned District and Regional Runner-up honors and finished 10th out of 250 at the State Meet. Niceville's team placed third in Districts, with sophomore Riley Marise finishing 14th at State.

In boys' cross country, Baker placed 5th in Districts and 14th at Regionals, led by Michael Richards with times of 17:48 and 17:51. Niceville became District Champions and FHSAA State Runner-Up, with freshman Bryant Olson placing 15th at State.

Congratulations to all the teams on an outstanding season! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, families, and community for their unwavering support of our talented student-athletes throughout this memorable season.
14 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Izzy Harter earned the title of District and Regional Runner-up, finishing 10th out of 250 competitors at the State Meet
NHS Girls Cross Country  secured third place in the District
Baker Cross Country Team
NHS Boys Cross Country
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸'𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀!

We are excited to announce that Bruner Middle School has earned Kitchen of the Month for January. Their teamwork, consistency, and commitment to serving students each day truly shine.

We also celebrate Liz Perez from Southside Primary School, who has been named Kitchen Employee of the Month. Liz’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional service have truly set her apart.

Thank you to all of our incredible school nutrition professionals for the outstanding contributions you make each and every day. You keep our students nourished, supported, and ready to learn.
16 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Bruner Middle School has earned Kitchen of the Month
Liz Perez from Southside Primary School  has been named Kitchen Employee of the Month.
The Fall golf season showcased strong performances across the district. In girls' golf, Choctaw qualified for Regionals with Hayden Michael placing 11th at the Regional Tournament. Niceville went undefeated in the regular season and finished 3rd in Districts, with Sharron Tenley winning the District singles title and both Tenley and Ariel Kim qualifying for state.

In boys' golf, Baker placed 5th in Districts with Champ Stokes as the top finisher, qualifying for 1A Regionals where he tied for 12th. Choctaw's Aidan Conner qualified for Regionals and the team finished 5th in Districts. Niceville's Josh Kelley won 1st place at Districts and advanced to Regionals, while the team placed 3rd in Districts.

We really appreciate the coaches, families, and community for supporting our talented student athletes during this unforgettable season.
17 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Aidan Conner
Baker Golf Team
Choctaw Girls Golf Team has qualified for Regionals
NHS Boys Golf Team
NHS GIrls Golf Team
NHS' Sharron Tenley won the overall District singles title, becoming the district champion and a state qualifier.
Niceville's Josh Kelley secured 1st place at Districts and advanced to Regionals

The 2025 swim season concluded with exceptional performances across the district. In girls' swimming, Fort Walton Beach earned 2A District 1 Runner-Up with individual district champions Kaitlyn Hamel (200 Free), Taelyn Mahieu (200 IM), and Josie Lang (500 Free). Niceville went undefeated as District Champions, finished 9th at state, and celebrated Elisabeth Breck's district title and state championship (100 Backstroke) as well as Abby Gunter's state championships in the 50 and 100 Freestyle (S6 Adaptive).

In boys' swimming, Crestview's Donovan Morales won state titles in both the 50 and 100 freestyle. Fort Walton Beach placed 9th at state for the third consecutive year, with Sawyer Downs and Brenden Hamel reaching state finals and setting school records. Niceville finished 3rd at state, winning two relay events (200 and 400 free) with Logan Michel, Nick Venture, Tripp Gallemore, and William Pugh, while Nick Venture also claimed the state championship in the 50 free.

Congratulations to all the teams on a fantastic season! We really appreciate the coaches, families, and community for supporting our talented student athletes during this unforgettable season.

18 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
High School Swim team State Champions
High School Swim team State Champions
High School Swim team State Champions
High School Swim team State Champions
High School Swim team  State Champions
High School Swim team  State Champions
High School Swim team State Champions
High School Swim team  State Champion
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 & 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 - 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!

Join us for an empowering Youth Mental Awareness & Support parent training designed to help you better understand children's behavior from childhood through adolescence.

Together, we’ll talk about:
✔️ What behaviors are typical as kids grow
✔️ Signs that may need extra attention
✔️ When and how to seek support
✔️ Practical strategies to strengthen communication and support your child’s well-being

You’ll leave with tools and confidence to better understand and support your child.

Following the training, we invite you to stay for the ESE Parent Advisory Committee meeting—open to all parents of students with IEPs who want to share input, provide feedback, and partner with the District to support students with exceptionalities.

We hope to see you there!
19 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Parent Training Youth Mental Awareness and Support
Our Fall sports season is over, but we are excited to celebrate the incredible achievements of our high school athletes. " From thrilling victories to personal bests, our students have shown remarkable dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. I'm proud of these student athletes as it takes so much hard work and dedication to achieve excellence," stated Superintendent Chambers. Join us in celebrating their success!

Baker School advanced to the Rural Regional Semifinals, led by seniors Carleigh Krumnow, Kat Price, Peyton Hardy, and Annalese Saunders. Choctawhatchee finished 15-13 and earned the District Champions title, while Niceville posted a 16-9 record and reached the Regional Quarterfinals with key players Carnley Summerlin, Kate Jannazo, and Aprille Trotter leading a young team that will return in full next season.

We really appreciate the coaches, families, and community for supporting our talented student athletes during this unforgettable season.
21 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
Choctaw Volleyball Team - District Champions
Baker Volleyball Team
Niceville Volleyball Team
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today and every day. His reminder that “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education” continues to inspire our work with students across the district.
28 days ago, OCSD Webmaster
"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education," Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
$10,000 Grant Powers Blessing Bag Ministry Forward!

What started as a small act of service in 2022 has grown into a vital program meeting the hygiene needs of students in Okaloosa County. The Blessing Bag Ministry, founded by St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, provides essential items to students enrolled in Title I and Title IX programs.

Through a strong partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the ministry has expanded its reach. In 2024, the Foundation contributed $19,000 in supplies, and in early 2025, awarded a $10,000 grant that funded two packing events—producing 620 Blessing Bags and 200 lice kits for students in need.

We are excited to share that in December, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation secured a surprise $10,000 grant from Florida Blue to support the Blessing Bag Ministry. This funding is now propelling the program forward, with the ministry team actively purchasing inventory for the January 31st packing event, which will produce an additional 400 bags.

This collaboration ensures students have access to basic hygiene necessities that support health, confidence, and success. The ministry’s goal for 2026: 800 Blessing Bags, continuing the mission of caring for students—one bag at a time.

about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
$10,000 Grant Powers Blessing Bag Ministry Forward! - Grant Presentation
Helping Children Grow Self-Awareness and Self-Management

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to understand themselves and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. For the month of January, our students will be focusing on the resiliency skill of self-awareness and self-management. These skills are foundational to children’s mental health, learning, and relationships.

What is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is a child’s ability to recognize their feelings, thoughts, strengths, and challenges. When children can name what they are feeling and understand why, they are better equipped to communicate their needs and make thoughtful choices.

How can Parents Help at Home?
• Name emotions out loud. “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated because that was hard.”
• Normalize all feelings. Remind children that emotions like anger, sadness, and worry are normal—and manageable.
• Reflect together. Ask gentle questions such as, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What felt tricky today?”

What is Self-Management?
Self-management is the ability to regulate emotions, behaviors, and impulses—especially during challenging moments. It helps children calm themselves, persist through difficulties, and respond rather than react.

Ways to build self-management skills:
• Teach calming strategies. Deep breathing, stretching, quiet time, or drawing can help children reset.
• Practice problem-solving. Walk children through steps like identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and choosing a next step.
• Encourage routines. Consistent schedules for sleep, homework, and meals support emotional regulation.

Why these skills Matter
Children who develop strong self-awareness and self-management skills are better able to handle stress, build healthy relationships, and succeed academically. These skills also strengthen resilience—helping children bounce back from setbacks with confidence and hope.

A Final Word of Encouragement
Children learn these skills over time and through experience. Progress may be slow, and that’s okay. Every conversation, every calm moment modeled, and every opportunity to practice helps your child grow. Together, families and schools can support children in becoming confident, emotionally healthy learners—ready to navigate both the joys and challenges of life.


about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
Helping Children Grow Self-Awareness and Self-Management - Little girl doing homework
On November 20, Fort Walton Beach High School’s Building Trades program hosted an exclusive preview of its student-built tiny house, welcoming Okaloosa County School District administrators, school board members, local business owners, and community supporters. Guests toured the impressive project in progress, watching students demonstrate professional-level skills in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing. They also met the dedicated FWBHS Project Management team, set to represent the school at the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® in Orlando this February.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students’ craftsmanship and teamwork, calling the tiny house a powerful example of hands-on learning that prepares them for high-demand careers. “Supporting their journey to the International Builders’ Show is an investment in the future workforce of Okaloosa County,” he said.

The event marked the official launch of a fundraising campaign to cover travel, registration, materials, and competition expenses, ensuring the team can compete on the international stage. Instructor James Martin, a former professional contractor, highlighted the project’s role in developing tomorrow’s skilled trades professionals and expressed gratitude for the community’s enthusiasm. Principal Lindsey Smith echoed the pride, noting the project embodies innovation and commitment to quality career education. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the trip, donating materials, or expressing interest in purchasing the completed tiny house are invited to contact Mr. James Martin at James.Martin@okaloosaschools.com. Join us in supporting these talented students as they build brighter futures—for themselves and our community!
about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
James Martin
The Okaloosa County School District will be closed Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday
In an inspiring conversation with Nicole Welch, a seasoned healthcare professional with nearly 20 years of experience, we delved into the world of high school allied health education at the Health Academy in Fort Walton Beach. Drawing from her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medication Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, and leadership roles, Nicole infuses her teaching with authentic, real-world perspective.

She began her career in 2006 and has worked across diverse settings—long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, hospitals, and management—gaining profound insight into patient care for all ages and conditions. This experience shapes her dynamic classroom, where hands-on learning takes center stage. Through realistic simulations, labs, and cutting-edge technology, students master essential skills like taking vital signs, providing first aid, and operating medical equipment. Case studies foster critical thinking and teamwork, bridging theory to practice. “I want learning to feel active and relevant,” Nicole shares, ensuring students see exactly how their skills save and improve lives. For those daunted by complex terminology, she breaks words into prefixes, roots, and suffixes, uses relatable analogies and visuals, and adds fun with activities like medical terminology bingo—always reinforcing concepts in practical labs.

Nicole’s greatest goal is graduating confident, compassionate caregivers. The Health Academy builds strong foundations in anatomy, physiology, terminology, and professional skills while emphasizing ethics, communication, and real-world readiness—preparing students for college or immediate allied health careers. Her passion is contagious, turning students into capable professionals ready to make a difference. Inspired to answer the call? Sign up now for Allied Health and Practical Nursing classes next school year.
about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
Nicole Welch
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀!

Teachers, Counselors, Interpreters, and Itinerant staff from all schools came together at designated locations to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new resources. These sessions were all about building strategies, asking questions, and gaining fresh perspectives from peers.

By learning from one another, we continue to grow and strengthen our commitment to excellence—working together to become the best School District we can be!

Visit https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict for a full gallery of photos.
about 1 month ago, OCSD Webmaster
Teachers in auditorium during Professional Development day