Summary:
The seven schools in Jacksonville's 32277 zip code, all part of the Duval County school district, serve primarily elementary grades (six schools) and one middle school, with an average of 55.8% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, indicating high economic disadvantage.
Lake Lucina Elementary School stands out as the top academic performer, earning a 3-star rating and consistently exceeding state and district averages in math and ELA, despite having a high student-teacher ratio (20.6:1) and the lowest per-student spending ($9,906). In stark contrast, Grasp Academy is the most struggling school, ranking in the 1st percentile with critically low test scores (e.g., 11% proficiency in 3rd-grade ELA and math) while spending the most per student ($16,686). Jacksonville Classical Academy East shows a dramatic turnaround, jumping from the 3rd to the 57th percentile, driven by massive gains in 3rd-grade proficiency (91% in ELA), though a sharp drop-off in 4th-grade scores (41%) raises concerns about sustainability. Fort Caroline Middle School presents a unique anomaly: while overall scores are below state averages, 100% of its Biology 1 EOC takers were proficient, suggesting a strong STEM program for advanced students.
The most critical issue across the area is chronic absenteeism, averaging 48%—far above the state average of 31.4%—with Fort Caroline Elementary School having the highest rate at 59.8%. This foundational problem directly undermines academic performance. Additionally, the data reveals that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes, as Merrill Road Elementary School and Don Brewer Elementary School also show mixed results relative to their spending levels. For parents, Lake Lucina Elementary is the clear academic choice, while Grasp Academy and Fort Caroline Elementary face significant challenges that require careful consideration.
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