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Jacksonville Beach Elementary Claims the Top Spot
In a recent revelation by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 elementary school rankings, Northeast Florida stands out as a bastion of academic prowess. Jacksonville Beach Elementary School, a coveted magnet institution, clinches the coveted No. 1 position among 4,212 public elementary schools in Florida. Principal Cameron Mattingly expresses overwhelming pride, stating, “It’s still very overwhelming. … It’s owned by everyone.” The recognition isn’t confined to Jacksonville Beach, as a total of 10 elementary schools from the region secure positions among Florida’s top 100.
A Junior Version of Success: Elementary School Rankings Take Center Stage
While U.S. News has been evaluating high schools since 2007, the elementary school rankings made their debut in 2021. These rankings utilize state test results to gauge students’ proficiency in reading and math. To ensure fairness, the results are then measured against a statistical model accounting for socioeconomic factors. The compiled figures yield a comprehensive score of up to 100 points, allowing for precise rankings even in the case of identical scores.
Northeast Florida’s Academic Prowess: A Top-Ten Breakdown
The U.S. News & World Report highlighted the following Northeast Florida elementary schools in their top 100:
1. Jacksonville Beach Elementary (Duval K-5 Magnet)
- Ranking: No. 1 in Florida
- Overall Score: 100
- Math Proficiency: 100%
- Reading Proficiency: 100%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
2. Orange Park Elementary (Clay PK-6 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 19 in Florida
- Overall Score: 99.17
- Math Proficiency: 87%
- Reading Proficiency: 87%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
3. Valley Ridge Academy (St. Johns K-8 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 25 in Florida
- Overall Score: N/A
- Math Proficiency: 87%
- Reading Proficiency: 81%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
4. Wildlight Elementary (Nassau PK-5 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 32 in Florida
- Overall Score: 98.56
- Math Proficiency: 90%
- Reading Proficiency: 80%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
5. John Stockton Elementary (Duval K-5 Magnet)
- Ranking: No. 50 in Florida
- Overall Score: 97.73
- Math Proficiency: 87%
- Reading Proficiency: 83%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 14:1
6. Hilliard Elementary (Nassau PK-5 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 54 in Florida
- Overall Score: 97.55
- Math Proficiency: 90%
- Reading Proficiency: 75%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
7. Julington Creek Elementary (St. Johns PK-5 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 68 in Florida
- Overall Score: 96.9
- Math Proficiency: 88%
- Reading Proficiency: 83%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 17:1
8. Bryceville Elementary (Nassau PK-5 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 80 in Florida
- Overall Score: 96.34
- Math Proficiency: 82%
- Reading Proficiency: 77%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
9. Durbin Creek Elementary (St. Johns PK-5 Traditional School)
- Ranking: No. 90 in Florida
- Overall Score: 95.83
- Math Proficiency: 87%
- Reading Proficiency: 82%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
10. River City Science Academy Elementary (Duval K-5 Charter School)
- Ranking: No. 97 in Florida
- Overall Score: 95.55
- Math Proficiency: 82%
- Reading Proficiency: 75%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Beyond Numbers: The Legacy of Excellence
These rankings not only highlight the numerical achievements of these schools but also shed light on the broader commitment to providing quality education. The success is attributed not only to the proficiency of students in core subjects but also to the dedication of educators and the conducive student-teacher ratios that foster a more personalized learning experience.
As Northeast Florida’s elementary schools continue to set the standard for academic achievement, they pave the way for a brighter future for the region’s youth. The commitment to excellence evident in these rankings signifies a collective effort to nurture the minds of the next generation, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Also Read: Florida Senator Osgood Backs Bipartisan Effort to Deregulate Public Education
