Central Riverside Elementary School

Central Riverside Elementary School in Jacksonville, FL, serves 347 students in grades PK-5 within the Duval County School District, offering a stable and reliable option for families in a moderately diverse socioeconomic area where about half of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Central Riverside stands out for its consistent academic performance over the past decade, typically earning 3 or 4 stars, and its exceptional strength in mathematics—especially in 4th grade, where 77% of students were proficient in 2025-2026, significantly outpacing the district average of 61%. This math success is a key differentiator from nearby schools like West Riverside Elementary School, which has similar demographics but generally lower test scores. The school also maintains a lower chronic absenteeism rate (33.9%) than the district average (44.8%), showing it does a better job getting students to class regularly compared to many surrounding schools like Wayman Academy Of The Arts (76.9%) or Pinedale Elementary School (63.4%).

However, a recent dip in performance is worth noting—the school dropped from the 80th percentile in 2024-2025 to the 55th percentile in 2025-2026, with declines in subjects like 5th grade science (from 79% to 59%) and 3rd grade ELA (from 66% to 57%). This trend warrants attention, but Central Riverside still outperforms its closest neighbor, West Riverside, in nearly every subject and grade level. With moderate spending per student ($11,787) and a mixed-income population, the school achieves results far better than higher-poverty peers like Annie R. Morgan Elementary School or R. V. Daniels Elementary School, making it a solid middle-ground choice for families seeking consistency and strong math instruction.