Skip to main content

Average

#1703 of 3,777 schools in FL

Top 45% in state

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

Middle School · DUVAL

3276 NORMAN E THAGARD BLVD, Jacksonville, FL 32254

Enrollment

957

Student-Teacher

20.4:1

Score

6.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Jacksonville

#52 of 184

public schools

Florida middle schools

#151 of 573

In district

#58 of 194

DUVAL

Academic performance

9.5 / 10

Exceptional

About James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School serves 957 students in grades 6-8 in Jacksonville's Duval County, delivering impressive academic results that place it among Florida's top-performing middle schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranking 537th out of 3,816 schools statewide, the school demonstrates exceptional educational achievement that puts it in the 86th percentile. The school's academic performance is particularly noteworthy, with 80% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, and 76% reaching proficiency in Math.

These strong outcomes reflect the dedication of 47 full-time equivalent teachers who maintain a student-teacher ratio of 20.4 to 1, allowing for meaningful classroom engagement despite the school's substantial enrollment. James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School operates as a regular public school in Jacksonville's 32254 ZIP code area, where the median household income is $35,295 and home values average $76,700. The school's success is especially remarkable given that it serves a community where 34.5% of residents live below the poverty line and only 7% hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

The school stands as an educational beacon on Norman E Thagard Boulevard, providing college-preparatory opportunities in Jacksonville's urban landscape.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is 20.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.4Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.65 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics9.5Exceptional35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency76%
Reading/ELA Proficiency80%
Math vs. State Avg+20.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+25.6 pts
Overall Proficiency78%
Expected (poverty-adj.)60%
vs. Expected+17.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile92th
Resources & Environment4.4Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,703

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School — Students at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School score 78% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

28.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 79.3%
School
State
55.1%
ELA Proficiency 80.6%
School
State
51.8%

Based on 9 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
89%
ELA
84%
2021*
Math
76%
ELA
80%
2024
Math
76%
ELA
79.7%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.4/10.

How James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School Compares

See how James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
55th percentile in FL
Academic
9.5/10
9.5/10
Growth
5.4/10
Above average
Environment
4.4/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
29%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
47 teachers

Location

3276 NORMAN E THAGARD BLVD, Jacksonville, FL 32254

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. PALM AVENUE EXCEP. STUDENT CENTER (rated 7.9/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ELEMENTARY (rated 7.1/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, HOSPITAL AND HOMEBOUND (rated 6.9/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Jacksonville, see our Jacksonville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
PAXON SCHOOL/ADVANCED STUDIES Jacksonville 0.2 mi 6.8
PALM AVENUE EXCEP. STUDENT CENTER Jacksonville 0.2 mi 7.9
BILTMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 0.5 mi 5.1
ANNIE R. MORGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 0.7 mi 5.6
REYNOLDS LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 0.9 mi 6.2
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE ACADEMY Jacksonville 1.1 mi 5.1
KIPP JACKSONVILLE K-12 Jacksonville 1.1 mi 4.2
PINEDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 1.3 mi 5.0
GRAND PARK CAREER CENTER Jacksonville 1.7 mi 5.5
YOUNG KIDS IN MOTION ACADEMY Jacksonville 1.8 mi 4.3
LASCHOOL ACADEMY INC Jacksonville 1.7 mi
THE BRIDGE TO SUCCESS ACADEMY AT W JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville 1.7 mi 6.5
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ELEMENTARY Jacksonville 2.0 mi 7.1
TIGER ACADEMY Jacksonville 2.2 mi 4.8
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WESTSIDE Jacksonville 2.0 mi 5.9
RAMONA BOULEVARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 2.3 mi 6.4
BROACH SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE Orange Park 2.3 mi 6.1
BROACH WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 2.4 mi 6.5
SMART POPE LIVINGSTON ELEMENTARY Jacksonville 2.1 mi 5.3
HOSPITAL AND HOMEBOUND Jacksonville 2.1 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 32254 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$36,449

Median Home Value

$85,100

Median Rent

$1,111/mo

Population

14,653

College Educated

9.5%

Homeownership

50.5%

Avg Commute

23.6 min

Poverty Rate

33.4%

Median Age

34.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School has a median household income of $36,449. It is a community where 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $85,100, with a median rent of $1,111/month. The area has a poverty rate of 33.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
BAKER COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL Macclenny, FL 6.6
BAY POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL St. Petersburg, FL 6.6
CUTLER BAY MIDDLE Cutler Bay, FL 6.6
DAVIDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Crestview, FL 6.6
DEERLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Tallahassee, FL 6.6
FOX CHAPEL MIDDLE SCHOOL Spring Hill, FL 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

What grades does James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School serve?

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School?

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 957 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is 20.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School rank in FL?

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is ranked #1703 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School has a composite rating of 6.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School has 79.3% math proficiency and 80.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School a charter school?

No, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School a Title I school?

No, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School?

28.8% of students at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
30 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
59 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
957
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
47
Free/Reduced Lunch
28.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Duval County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

DUVAL
District Enrollment
127,971
Schools in District
208
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,578
District Rank
#58 of 194

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.