Tracy McCormick-Dishman
editor@floridanewsline.com
Principal Sara Bravo has spent 26 years in Duval County Schools, and she’s never been more proud of what the district has accomplished. For the first time in its history, Duval County has earned an A rating, and Mandarin High School played a significant role in that achievement.
“To get an A rating as a district, it’s such pride because Duval County has so many wonderful things going on in every school,” said Bravo, who is entering her 14th year as a principal and her sixth year leading Mandarin High. “Like every single corner of the district has amazing teachers and amazing programs and amazing communities.”
The achievement feels particularly meaningful to Bravo because of her diverse experience across the district. Before arriving at Mandarin, she served as principal at Englewood High School for five years, a Title I school with more than 500 ESOL students that earned a B rating for the first time in years.
“I was in those halls. I was part of that world. And I know how hard they work to get there,” she said. “So it’s exciting to see all of the work come to fruition around me.”
But Bravo is quick to point out that this success didn’t happen overnight. When she arrived at Mandarin three years ago, the school had a B rating, and she was tasked with getting it back to an A.
“It wasn’t an immediate change a few things, be strategic, do the chess game, play the math, and get the A,” she explained. “It was more of a, what do we need to put in place for sustainable growth?”
That sustainable approach is paying dividends. Mandarin High is now the highest-performing total point school among all non-magnet high schools in the district, and the school boasts a 93% acceleration rate, meaning 93% of graduating seniors earn one or more college credits or industry certifications.
This year brings additional excitement with the opening of Mandarin’s new wing, which houses the culinary and medical academies. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 11 a.m., with Superintendent Christopher Bernier attending.
“Being able to sort of open the doors with a new facility is really exciting,” Bravo said, noting the relief of finally moving beyond portable classrooms to provide students with “beautiful, safe, comfortable spaces.”
The new facilities support Bravo’s vision for high school: giving students options to explore their interests and potential career paths. From medical academies to culinary programs, from dual enrollment classes to Advanced Placement courses, Mandarin offers pathways for every type of learner.
“For them to have options, for them to say, I could do a medical career. I could be interested in culinary. I could learn entrepreneurial business work,” she said. “That’s what high school is about. Giving them options.”
Despite the success, Bravo refuses to become complacent. This year’s theme is “In Pursuit of Progress,” reflecting her belief that there’s always room to grow.
“The worst mistake in my opinion that a leader can make is to become complacent and comfortable,” she said. “There’s always room to grow. There’s always ways to reinvent and do new and exciting things.”
As students return to campus, they’ll find a principal who celebrates achievements while constantly pushing for more — a philosophy that helped earn Duval County its historic A rating and promises to keep Mandarin High moving forward.
