Making a Grand Debut

FLORAHOME – Q.I. Roberts Junior-Senior High School is no newcomer to high rankings, but its middle school academics hit national charts this month. 

U.S. News & World Report published a list of the best middle schools nationwide for the first time, and Q.I. Roberts ranked the No. 1 middle school in Putnam County and No. 147 out of the state’s 1,708 middle schools for the 2022 listings. 

“We’re very proud of our entire program,” Principal Joe Theobold said. 

He said it is fantastic to be recognized, and he is grateful for any opportunity to share the school’s message and accomplishments. 

Q.I. Roberts offers the Cambridge program that is geared toward preparing students for college. The students work to obtain an Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma, an internationally recognized achievement touted to challenge students. 

Before this year, the publication’s report covered only the best high schools, but it now includes preschool, elementary schools and middle schools. 

Q.I. Roberts is also ranked the top high school in the district and 251st out of 1,073 Florida high schools. 

“It’s exciting they’re recognizing middle school students in the same way as high school students,” Theobold said. 

Superintendent Rick Surrency said it is great for a district school to be recognized by such a reputable national publication.

“I’m very happy for Q.I. Roberts and the hard work they do,” he said.

Crescent City Junior-Senior High School ranked No. 2 districtwide and 480th in the state. Palatka High School ranked third in Putnam and 482nd in Florida, while Interlachen came in at No. 4 in Putnam and No. 491 in the state. 

“I just want to say all four of our high schools are doing well with the merger (of middle and high schools),” Surrency said. 

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