Students in seven Central Florida counties kicked off the school year Thursday.

Students, teachers and administrators returned to class in Flagler, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Brevard counties.

Students were all smiles at Quest Elementary School in Melbourne.

“I’m really excited to be here,” second-grader Kayla Rhan said.

The Brevard School District attained an "A" level grade after seeing grade levels rise at individual schools across the county. "A" level schools rose from a 34 to 40 percent and "B" level schools are up 26 to 30 percent.

Brevard County Fire Rescue workers greeted kids at Quest and nine other county schools.

“We’re happy to be here, helping the school out, welcoming kids back, helping and supporting our teachers. We're definitely wishing the kids a great first day back,” Brevard County firefighter Andy Dreisbach said.

The school implementing new learning incentives, even upgrading security.

“There will be doors installed where people will have to show their IDs, so we will be able to screen people, even allowing them to be buzzed in,” Quest Elementary Principal Christine Boyd said.

All Brevard schools should have this one-point-access security system by the new year.

District superintendent Dr. Desmond Blackburn said he's excited to see schools grow and even more student achievement this year as he starts his third year with the district.

"As far as student achievement is concerned which is the reason we're all here we started with some of our younger children and after two consecutive years of stagnation or third grade literacy we had a five point increase just last year Bring third grade literacy up to 65 percent," Blackburn said.

The school district also stated that it saw graduation rates rise to 87 percent last year.

Last year, enrollment in the district was around 93,700 students. The district expects enrollment to increase this year as more people move to the area.

The district says it does have plans to expand and build several new schools over the next few years.