Summary:
Zip code 32220 in Jacksonville, Florida, is home to two elementary schools—Thomas Jefferson Elementary and Whitehouse Elementary School—both serving grades PK-5 within the Duval school district, which ranks in the bottom quarter of Florida districts.
These two schools offer distinct academic strengths. Whitehouse Elementary School stands out as a STEM-focused school, with its 5th graders achieving exceptional results: 78% proficiency in Science (well above the state average of 60%) and 73% in Math (compared to the state’s 62%). It also has a slightly lower student-teacher ratio (16.5:1) and higher per-student spending ($10,622). However, it faces a significant challenge with a chronic absenteeism rate of 55%, far exceeding the state average of 31.4%. In contrast, Thomas Jefferson Elementary excels in English Language Arts (ELA), with 4th and 5th graders scoring 59% and 60% proficiency, respectively—competitive with or above district averages. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 37.1% is better than the district average of 44.8% but still above the state level. Thomas Jefferson’s state ranking has been more volatile, dropping to the 43rd percentile in 2025-2026, while Whitehouse holds a steadier 54th percentile ranking.
Key takeaways for parents include the paradox at Whitehouse, where high absenteeism coexists with strong STEM scores, suggesting effective instruction for regularly attending students. Thomas Jefferson’s literacy focus makes it a strong choice for students needing ELA support. Both schools operate in a challenging district context, yet each outperforms state averages in specific subjects. The choice between them likely depends on a child’s academic needs, with Whitehouse leaning toward STEM and Thomas Jefferson toward literacy. Chronic absenteeism remains a critical issue across the zip code, warranting attention from families prioritizing consistent attendance.
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