Summary:
Zip code 32234, serving the Jacksonville and Baldwin areas of Florida, is home to three public schools spanning elementary through high school grades, split between the Duval and Clay County school districts.
The standout school in this area is Clay Hill Elementary School, which significantly outperforms its peers. Despite having the highest rate of economic disadvantage (71.6% free/reduced lunch), it earned a 4-star district rating and a 3-star state rating, ranking in the 62nd percentile statewide. In the 2025-2026 school year, it beat both district and state averages in 7 out of 9 tested subjects, including a 78% proficiency rate in 3rd Grade Math. This success is supported by the highest per-student spending ($12,882) and the lowest student-teacher ratio (12.5:1) in the zip code. In contrast, the two Duval County schools—Baldwin Middle-Senior High School and Mamie Agnes Jones Elementary School—both rank in the 29th percentile (1-star) and struggle with chronic absenteeism rates near 45-48%, far above the state average of 31.4%.
A key paradox emerges at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School, which boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate despite low test scores and high chronic absenteeism (48.2%). This suggests a strong focus on ensuring students earn diplomas, possibly through credit recovery, even as academic proficiency lags. Meanwhile, Clay Hill Elementary’s lower absenteeism rate (32%) and rising state ranking (from the 44th to 62nd percentile over three years) highlight how district-level support in Clay County appears more effective for this area. For parents, the data clearly shows that Clay Hill Elementary offers the strongest academic foundation, while the Duval County schools face significant challenges with attendance and performance that families should investigate further.
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