Summary:
Zip code 32081 in Ponte Vedra, FL, is home to two highly-rated K-8 schools, Palm Valley Academy and Valley Ridge Academy, both part of the top-tier St. Johns County School District, which holds a 5-star rating and ranks in the 94th percentile statewide.
While both schools are exceptional, Palm Valley Academy stands out as the higher-performing school overall. It ranks 114th in Florida (95th percentile) compared to Valley Ridge Academy's 139th place (94th percentile). Palm Valley also posts higher math proficiency scores (85.7% vs. 84.5%) and has a lower chronic absenteeism rate (10.2% vs. 11.3%), which is roughly half the district average. However, Valley Ridge Academy is a standout for its resilience, achieving nearly identical ELA proficiency (85.5% vs. 84.8%) despite serving a student body with nearly three times the percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch (17.23% vs. 6.61%). Both schools achieve a perfect 100% proficiency in Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC exams, far exceeding state averages, and they share a notable "7th grade math dip" where proficiency dropped significantly in 2024-2025 before recovering in 2025-2026.
Key metrics show Palm Valley Academy has a slightly lower student-teacher ratio (16.6:1 vs. 17.6:1) and higher per-student spending ($9,370 vs. $9,309), despite its more affluent demographic. Chronic absenteeism at both schools (10.2% and 11.3%) is a shared strength, being roughly one-third the state average of 31.4%. For parents, the choice comes down to priorities: Palm Valley Academy offers the highest overall rankings and test scores, while Valley Ridge Academy demonstrates remarkable effectiveness in closing achievement gaps, making both schools excellent options in this area.
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