Summary:
In zip code 32202 (Jacksonville, FL), there is one middle school, Lavilla School Of The Arts, a magnet school serving grades 6 through 8 with a substantial enrollment of 972 students.
Lavilla School Of The Arts is a standout institution that dramatically outperforms its home district, Duval, which ranks in the bottom third of Florida districts (23rd percentile). The school has consistently ranked in the top 25% of Florida middle schools over the last three years, earning a 4-star rating. Its academic excellence is most striking in high-level STEM subjects, with 99% proficiency in Biology 1 and 97% in Geometry, far exceeding district averages. However, there is a notable contrast in math performance: while advanced math scores are exceptional, grade-level math proficiency lags, particularly in 8th grade (44% proficient, below the state average of 61%). Chronic absenteeism stands at 28.2%, which is significantly better than the district's 44.8% and slightly below the state average, indicating a relatively strong school culture. Only 24.9% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, a figure much lower than typical urban districts.
This school presents an "arts school paradox," where its arts focus is paired with top-tier STEM results, suggesting a rigorous academic environment that attracts motivated students. The school is a clear "island of excellence" within a struggling district, highlighting the power of magnet schools to create high-performing pockets. For parents, this means a school that offers both a specialized arts curriculum and exceptional academic outcomes, though attention may be needed for students not on the accelerated math track. The school's consistent state ranking and low disadvantage indicator make it a compelling choice within the 32202 area.
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