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Global Leadership Academy Discovery

Public, Charter Grades K-8

2170^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 2,240 Florida Elementary Schools

Better than 3% of Florida elementary schools

Summary

Global Leadership Academy Discovery is a K-8 charter school in Jacksonville, FL, serving 1,068 students in the Duval school district, where nearly 65% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This school is significantly larger than nearby schools, which average around 380 students, but it faces serious challenges: it ranks in the bottom 3% of Florida elementary schools and has received a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger for the 2025-2026 school year.

The most critical issue at Global Leadership Academy Discovery is chronic absenteeism, which affects nearly half of its students (49.8% in 2023-2024). This rate is much higher than at nearby schools like Lone Star Elementary (39.4%) and Lake Lucina Elementary (39.9%), and it has climbed sharply from 24.3% in 2019-2020. This absenteeism problem closely mirrors the school's declining academic performance over the same period. For example, in 4th Grade ELA, only 23% of students were proficient, compared to 78% at Lone Star and 50% at Lake Lucina. The school also spends less per student ($9,264) than any nearby school with available data, which may contribute to these struggles.

Despite these challenges, there is a surprising bright spot: 87% of students taking Algebra 1 passed the End-of-Course exam, far exceeding the district (61%) and state (63%) averages, and even outperforming Duval Charter Scholars Academy (69%). This suggests the school may have a strong program for advanced math students, even as general math scores for grades 3-8 remain low. Compared to Duval Charter Scholars Academy, which serves a similar high-poverty population and also ranks in the bottom 5%, Global Leadership Academy Discovery shows a slight edge in several subjects for older students. However, the school's overall trajectory is declining, and addressing absenteeism is likely the most impactful step it could take to reverse this trend.

1,068

Students ?

18.7

Student/teacher ratio ?

$9,264

Per pupil spending ?

64.8%

Free/discounted lunch ?

8985 Lone Star Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32211

(904) 551-7104

District: Duval

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

71.3%

White:

14.8%

African American:

10.4%

See top rated Florida elementary schools

Compare Global Leadership Academy Discovery to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 17th percentile in 2016 → 3rd in 2026

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Florida average (37% vs 62% meeting standards)

!In the lower quartile statewide (3rd percentile)

!High chronic absenteeism (50% vs 31% Florida)

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school37%

District avg55%

Florida avg62%

Elementary school

2,170^th of 2,240

Florida public elementary schools ?

Bottom 3%▼ down 14 pts since 2016

From bottom 17% (2016) to bottom 3% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

1,070^th of 1,216

Florida public middle schools ?

Bottom 12%▼ down 15 pts since 2016

From bottom 27% (2016) to bottom 12% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Florida Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

111^th of 118Elementary Schools in the Duval

54^th of 70Duval among Florida districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	8.0	2170 of 2240	3.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2025	11.2	2119 of 2258	6.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	15.4	2020 of 2256	10.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	15.1	2024 of 2240	9.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	9.0	2118 of 2219	4.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	9.1	2146 of 2247	4.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	29.3	1610 of 2182	26.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	26.7	1613 of 2118	23.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2017	21.3	1746 of 2112	17.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2016	20.4	1729 of 2087	17.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2014	24.7	1635 of 2064	20.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	23.4	1647 of 2029	18.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	29.7	1455 of 1984	26.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	28.4	1530 of 1985	22.9%	★☆☆☆☆

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Florida percentile	Rating
2026	16.5	1070 of 1216	12.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	24.1	949 of 1205	21.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	24.2	937 of 1196	21.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	16.9	1019 of 1177	13.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	25.8	872 of 1148	24.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	24.7	868 of 1136	23.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	40.4	672 of 1099	38.9%	★★☆☆☆
2018	27.5	764 of 1035	26.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2017	36.9	651 of 1031	36.9%	★★☆☆☆
2016	28.1	725 of 997	27.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2014	29.7	714 of 999	28.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	32.5	666 of 956	30.3%	★★☆☆☆
2012	26.5	675 of 897	24.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	52.1	467 of 891	47.6%	★★☆☆☆

By subject vs Florida (2025-2026) ?

Algebra 187%+24 vs state

Civics47%-30 vs state

English Language Arts36%-25 vs state

Math34%-28 vs state

Science32%-24 vs state

3.4

13 ratings · 9 written reviews

5★7

4★1

3★0

2★0

1★5

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What people are saying

by a parent
Monday, August 30, 2021

I love this school!!! Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, August 21, 2021

Multicultural school. Amazing. Feels like home for anyone. Close Quote

by a citizen
Sunday, August 20, 2017

All I can say about Global Outreach Charter Academy that it was a time waste, teachers lack education therefore how can they teach my kids, Owner of the school and his wife are ignorant without education, so how can I trust them offering education for my kids. administration people lacking education too, regency square is the most unsafe location in Jax, GOCA is just a nightmare. Close Quote

by a parent
Sunday, August 20, 2017

Away forever, if you love your kids stay away from Global Outreach Charter Academy"GOCA" Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, July 1, 2017

Global Outreach is an amazing school. My son loved going there because everyone was so helpful. If he struggled with any class, the teachers were always there to support him. Here you'll get the individualized attention you don't get in a regular public school. They also have an awesome soccer team! Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, June 14, 2017

I love GOCA! All my children attend there. I love the world cultures that my children are exposed to. They have a student exchange program and have met students from Germany and France. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, March 10, 2017

Director /Principal and Dean have poor attitudes and feel they make their own rules because they area charter school. Very unprofessional when addressing issues that are brought to their attention.. Punishment and Rules that are implemented on children are far fetched and unreasonable. Mistake sending my children to this school Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, October 22, 2015

I like the size of the school. Not too big, classrooms are spacious. So far I've had the best teachers for my son. I would never think that teachers can care so much for their students as they did for my son. The school does many free events for the students. Another thing that I like is that my son is learning a few languages starting KG. I didn't hear of any school in the area that does that. As a parent, I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a safe, professional and fun environment for their children. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, August 31, 2015

Global Outreach Charter Academy is the best school in Jacksonville that I would highly recommend to any parent. I am extremely pleased with their holistic approach to every child's development, starting from academics, sports, nutrition, social development. Just to mention, it is such a relief for me that Global Outreach Charter Academy provides all THREE (!!!) meals a day. I personally had an opportunity during orientation days to try the meals school will be serving this year, and must admit, food is simply amazing! Fresh fruits and vegetables every day with low fat sauces and dips to motivate children eat healthily. I mean I can rest my head knowing that my 6 Grader will be fed throughout the day, and more importantly, I know every single meal follows strict state standards. This is such an important benefit for me as a working mother with three children. Everything that Global Outreach Charter Academy does just deserves admiration! Amazing teachers, great principals, excellent curriculum, latest technology, nutritious free meals, great educational experience!!! Close Quote

Schools Near Global Leadership Academy Discovery

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				FAST English Language Arts (2026)						FAST Math (2026)						Statewide Science Science (2026)		EOC Algebra 1 (2026)	EOC Biology 1 (2026)	EOC Civics (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 6th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 7th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 8th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	FAST Math 6th Grade	FAST Math 7th Grade	FAST Math 8th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 8th Grade	EOC Algebra 1 End of Course	EOC Biology 1 End of Course	EOC Civics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Global Leadership Academy Discovery	Public, Charter	K-8	8985 Lone Star Rd	Jacksonville	32211	Duval County	Duval	Yes	No	No	Yes	(904) 551-7104	1,068	57	18.7	64.8%	158 (14.8%)	111 (10.4%)	761 (71.3%)	12 (1.1%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	22 (2.1%)	8	2170^th of 2240 public elementary schools	3.1%		11.2	2119^th of 2258 public elementary schools	6.2%	51	28.0	23.0	34.0	39.0	43.0	47.0	52.0	30.0	39.0	24.0	30.0	29.0	31.0	33.0	87.0		47.0	$9,264	$1,419	$7,846
Parkwood Heights Elementary School	Public	K-5	1709 Lansdowne Dr	Jacksonville	32211	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 720-1670	322	14	23.0	62.4%	60 (18.6%)	151 (46.9%)	74 (23.0%)	10 (3.1%)	2 (0.6%)	1 (0.3%)	24 (7.5%)	27.7	1721^st of 2240 public elementary schools	23.2%		12.7	2090^th of 2258 public elementary schools	7.4%	369	56.0	35.0	41.0				56.0	33.0	53.0				57.0					$9,582	$1,047	$8,536
Merrill Road Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-2	8239 Merrill Rd	Jacksonville	32277	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 745-4919	363	24	15.1	55.1%	60 (16.5%)	183 (50.4%)	72 (19.8%)	6 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	42 (11.6%)								(n/a)																		$13,573	$1,629	$11,943
Seacoast Charter Academy	Public, Charter	K-5	9570 Regency Square Blvd	Jacksonville	32225	Duval County	Duval	Yes	No	No	Yes	(904) 562-4780	444	35	12.6	47.5%	110 (24.8%)	128 (28.8%)	162 (36.5%)	11 (2.5%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (7.0%)	31.8	1626^th of 2240 public elementary schools	27.4%		38.1	1417^th of 2258 public elementary schools	37.2%	209	54.0	47.0	42.0				61.0	60.0	47.0				50.0					$11,667	$1,919	$9,748
Don Brewer Elementary School	Public	3-5	3385 Hartsfield Rd	Jacksonville	32277	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 745-4990	286	15	19.0	51.0%	57 (19.9%)	142 (49.7%)	50 (17.5%)	9 (3.1%)	3 (1.0%)	1 (0.3%)	24 (8.4%)	37.3	1468^th of 2240 public elementary schools	34.5%		18.4	1964^th of 2258 public elementary schools	13.0%	496	64.0	46.0	43.0				64.0	62.0	53.0				49.0					$11,809	$1,260	$10,550
Woodland Acres Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	328 Bowlan St N	Jacksonville	32211	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 720-1663	495	25	19.8	65.1%	84 (17.0%)	246 (49.7%)	114 (23.0%)	18 (3.6%)	3 (0.6%)	2 (0.4%)	28 (5.7%)	15.1	2037^th of 2240 public elementary schools	9.1%		14.6	2048^th of 2258 public elementary schools	9.3%	11	29.0	45.0	30.0				41.0	50.0	39.0				52.0					$10,557	$2,147	$8,411
Lone Star Elementary School	Public, Magnet	K-5	10400 Lone Star Rd	Jacksonville	32225	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 565-2711	318	18	17.6	51.6%	97 (30.5%)	121 (38.1%)	59 (18.6%)	6 (1.9%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	33 (10.4%)	59.7	883^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	60.6%		63.3	794^th of 2258 public elementary schools	64.8%	89	52.0	78.0	73.0				58.0	73.0	55.0				61.0					$10,567	$957	$9,611
Lake Lucina Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6527 Merrill Rd	Jacksonville	32277	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 745-4916	331	16	20.6	59.5%	67 (20.2%)	130 (39.3%)	88 (26.6%)	7 (2.1%)	2 (0.6%)	1 (0.3%)	36 (10.9%)	59.4	895^th of 2240 public elementary schools	60.0%		37.7	1426^th of 2258 public elementary schools	36.8%	531	65.0	50.0	63.0				82.0	71.0	60.0				63.0					$9,906	$1,032	$8,873
Arlington Heights Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1520 Sprinkle Dr	Jacksonville	32211	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 745-4923	314	12	26.1	64.6%	69 (22.0%)	116 (36.9%)	82 (26.1%)	27 (8.6%)	4 (1.3%)	1 (0.3%)	15 (4.8%)	17.9	1976^th of 2240 public elementary schools	11.8%		19.1	1937^th of 2258 public elementary schools	14.2%	39	36.0	38.0	41.0				46.0	58.0	41.0				47.0					$9,535	$829	$8,706
Duval Charter Scholars Academy	Public, Charter	K-8	100 Scholars Way	Jacksonville	32216	Duval County	Duval	Yes	No	No	Yes	(904) 724-1536	501	27	18.5	84.2%	60 (12.0%)	239 (47.7%)	171 (34.1%)	8 (1.6%)	4 (0.8%)	2 (0.4%)	17 (3.4%)	10.5	2133^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	4.8%		19.7	1918^th of 2258 public elementary schools	15.1%	215	25.0	47.0	47.0	41.0	40.0	38.0	36.0	35.0	15.0	39.0	46.0	45.0	38.0	32.0	69.0	100.0	56.0	$11,053	$1,235	$9,818

Frequently Asked Questions about Global Leadership Academy Discovery

Is Global Leadership Academy Discovery a good school?

Global Leadership Academy Discovery ranks in the bottom 3.1% of Florida elementary schools.

What district is Global Leadership Academy Discovery in?

Duval

What is the racial makeup of Global Leadership Academy Discovery?

Students at Global Leadership Academy Discovery are 71% Hispanic, 15% White, 10% African American, 2% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

How many students attend Global Leadership Academy Discovery?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,068 students attended Global Leadership Academy Discovery.

Rate Global Leadership Academy Discovery!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.