Global Leadership Academy Intercoastal

Global Leadership Academy Intercoastal is a K-7 school in Jacksonville, FL, serving 433 students within the Duval County School District, where 45.5% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The school holds a 3-star rating from Schooldigger, ranking in the 53rd percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year, a decline from its peak at the 66th percentile in 2023-2024.

This school shows a striking contrast in academic performance. It excels in advanced End-of-Course (EOC) exams, with a 94% proficiency rate in Geometry and 84% in Biology, far outpacing district and state averages. However, it struggles significantly in 5th grade, where only 34% of students are proficient in math and 48% in science—well below nearby schools like River City Science Academy Intracoastal, which achieves 82% in 5th grade math. This "5th grade wall" suggests a potential curriculum gap or transition issue. The school also has a very low student-teacher ratio of 12.3:1, offering a more personalized learning environment than many peers, yet it faces a severe chronic absenteeism rate of 41.5%, slightly better than the district average of 44.8% but still a major concern.

Compared to River City Science Academy Intracoastal, a 4-star school just 3.71 miles away, Global Leadership Academy underperforms in nearly every subject despite spending $11,248 per student versus River City's $8,819. This spending gap highlights potential inefficiencies in resource allocation. The school's inconsistent performance—strong in early grades, weak in 5th, then rebounding in middle school—combined with a declining state ranking, indicates challenges that need attention. For parents, this school offers strong advanced math and science programs but requires careful consideration of the 5th-grade dip and high absenteeism.