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
Enrollment
957
Student-Teacher
20.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
28.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)
Based on 9 test records from FL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 89% (2019) to 76% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 84% (2019) to 80% (2021).
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 miNeighborhood 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (904) 693-7600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
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- Best Public Schools in Jacksonville, Miami & Tampa for Families Exploring School Choicebest schools
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- Florida School Choice Guide: Public vs Private vs Charter — What the Data Showsguides
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