Summary:
There are three middle schools serving grades 6-8 in Jacksonville, FL (zip code 32218), all part of the Duval school district, which ranks in the bottom quarter of Florida districts.
Somerset Academy-Middle Eagle Campus is the standout school in the area, consistently earning a 2-star rating and ranking in the 32nd percentile—the highest in the zip code. Despite having the highest percentage of students on free/reduced lunch (78.53%), it achieves the best overall test scores, including 58% proficiency in 7th Grade ELA and 55% in 6th Grade Math, both well above local peers. Its Civics EOC score of 86% also exceeds the state average. In contrast, Oceanway School shows a split profile: it excels in advanced high school-level courses like Algebra 1 (78% proficient) and Biology 1 (94% proficient), but its grade-level core subjects (6th-8th ELA and Math) are mediocre, often below district averages. Highlands Middle School faces the most significant challenges, with a 0-star rating, a state rank in the 8th percentile, and a chronic absenteeism rate of 59.5%—the highest in the area and nearly double the state average.
Key takeaways for parents: Somerset Academy proves that high poverty rates do not prevent academic success, as it outperforms wealthier schools in core subjects. Oceanway is a strong choice for advanced learners but may not serve the general student body as effectively. Highlands Middle School struggles with attendance and performance, making it the least competitive option. Per-student spending varies only slightly (from $8,934 to $9,866), but outcomes differ dramatically, suggesting that school culture and instructional focus matter more than budget size. Overall, Somerset Academy offers the most consistent and reliable middle school education in zip code 32218.
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