Summary:
The seven elementary schools in Jacksonville's 32218 zip code, all part of the Duval County school district, serve grades Pre-K through 5th (with one charter extending to 7th) and present a mixed picture of academic performance, with a clear standout and a significant challenge with chronic absenteeism.
San Mateo Elementary School is the top performer, consistently earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 57th percentile, while spending the least per student ($8,840). In contrast, Highlands Estates Academy is the lowest-performing school, ranking in the 3rd percentile despite having the highest per-student spending ($10,967), showing that money alone doesn't drive success. Oceanway Elementary School is a reliable strong performer with a 3-star rating and the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (36.4%). Biscayne Elementary School stands out for exceptional math scores, with 84% of 4th graders proficient. The two charter schools show divergent paths: Somerset Academy-Elementary Eagle Campus has dramatically improved from the 13th to the 36th percentile, while Seaside Charter North Campus has remained low-performing with a 1-star rating for three years.
A critical issue across the entire zip code is chronic absenteeism, with an average rate of 47.9%—far exceeding the state average of 31.4%. The two lowest-performing schools, Highlands Estates Academy (64.1%) and Garden City Elementary School (54.4%), also have the highest absenteeism rates, highlighting a strong link between attendance and academic outcomes. Overall, while San Mateo and Oceanway offer the most consistent quality, families should be aware that most schools in this area face significant socioeconomic challenges, with an average of 55.65% of students receiving free or reduced lunch.
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