ORANGE BEACH — Orange Beach City Schools is beaming with pride as they have received distinctions, grants and good report card scores over the past few weeks.

The Orange Beach school district received an overall performance score of 95 on its state report card, placing it among the top-performing districts in the state. The elementary school raised its score from 95 in the 2022-2023 school year to 97 this year. The middle/high school jumped from a score of 85 to 94.

A press release on the report cards quoted the district’s superintendent, Randy Wilkes, saying, “Our focus on creating a culture of commitment and excellence has truly paid off. It’s a testament to our dedicated staff, hardworking students and supportive community that we continue to achieve new heights.”

Orange Beach City Schools also was named a 2024 A+ College Ready School of Distinction for their academic achievement and dedication to their goals in the A+ College Ready program.

“Academics are everything for our kids,” Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said. “You know, we can be good at art and sports, but without academics where would you go in life.”

According to the program’s website, www.aplusala.org, A+ College Ready partners with high schools “to raise academic expectations for all students” and prepare them for college courses.

Orange Beach City Schools also received a second Alabama K-12 Capital grant for the enhancement of the safety and security of the athletic complex that is currently under construction.

According to a city press release, the capital grant of $182,804 will go toward the installation of “advanced surveillance cameras” along with “door access equipment” for the athletic complex. The installments are scheduled for spring 2025 with completion expected in July 2025.

“In its brief history, the dedicated nine-member grant-writing team at OBCS has secured 36 grants totaling an impressive $5,877,161,” the press release said, “These funds have been pivotal in elevating the district’s facilities and educational programs, further cementing its place among Alabama’s elite school systems.”