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Average

#1532 of 3,777 schools in FL

Top 41% in state

Paxon School/advanced Studies

High School · DUVAL

3239 NORMAN E THAGARD BLVD, Jacksonville, FL 32254

Enrollment

1,285

Student-Teacher

20.4:1

Score

6.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Jacksonville

#45 of 184

public schools

Florida high schools

#82 of 748

In district

#50 of 194

DUVAL

Academic performance

8.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Paxon School/advanced Studies

Paxon School for Advanced Studies serves 1,285 students in grades 9-12 as a distinguished public high school in Jacksonville. With an impressive MySchoolScout rating of 8.3 out of 10 and ranking in the 89th percentile statewide at #434 out of 3,816 Florida schools, Paxon demonstrates exceptional academic achievement. The school's academic score of 9.5 out of 10 reflects its strong performance, with 82% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and reading across all grade levels.

The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.4 to 1 with 63 full-time equivalent teachers supporting the student body. This specialized institution focuses on advanced academic programming, attracting students ready for rigorous coursework and college preparation. Located on Norman E.

Thagard Boulevard, Paxon serves a diverse community where the median household income is $35,295 and median home value is $76,700. The surrounding ZIP code 32254 has a population of 14,338 residents, with 7% holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 34.5%. Despite these economic challenges in the broader community, Paxon stands out as an academic beacon, providing high-quality education and opportunities for students throughout Jacksonville's large urban setting.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Paxon School/advanced Studies 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency59%
Reading/ELA Proficiency83%
Reading vs. State Avg+30.4 pts
Overall Proficiency71%
Expected (poverty-adj.)60%
vs. Expected+11.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile82th
College Readiness10.0Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation96%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment4.4Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,703

Paxon School/advanced Studies — Students at Paxon School/advanced Studies score 71% 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

29.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 66.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 82.5%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
74%
ELA
84%
2021*
Math
59%
ELA
83%
2024
ELA
81.5%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How Paxon School/advanced Studies Compares

See how Paxon School/advanced Studies performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.8/10
60th percentile in FL
Academic
8.9/10
8.9/10
Growth
2.6/10
Below average
Environment
4.4/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
30%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
63 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
96% participation·206 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

3239 NORMAN E THAGARD BLVD, Jacksonville, FL 32254

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Paxon School/advanced Studies may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PALM AVENUE EXCEP. STUDENT CENTER (rated 7.9/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, GRAND PARK CAREER CENTER (rated 5.5/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Jacksonville, see our Jacksonville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON COLLEGE PREPARATORY MIDDLE SCHOOL Jacksonville 0.2 mi 6.6
PALM AVENUE EXCEP. STUDENT CENTER Jacksonville 0.3 mi 7.9
BILTMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 0.4 mi 5.1
ANNIE R. MORGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 0.7 mi 5.6
REYNOLDS LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 1.1 mi 6.2
KIPP JACKSONVILLE K-12 Jacksonville 1.0 mi 4.2
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE ACADEMY Jacksonville 1.2 mi 5.1
PINEDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 1.5 mi 5.0
GRAND PARK CAREER CENTER Jacksonville 1.5 mi 5.5
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ELEMENTARY Jacksonville 1.8 mi 7.1
THE BRIDGE TO SUCCESS ACADEMY AT W JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville 1.7 mi 6.5
LASCHOOL ACADEMY INC Jacksonville 1.7 mi
YOUNG KIDS IN MOTION ACADEMY Jacksonville 1.9 mi 4.3
TIGER ACADEMY Jacksonville 2.0 mi 4.8
R. V. DANIELS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 2.1 mi 4.4
SMART POPE LIVINGSTON ELEMENTARY Jacksonville 2.1 mi 5.3
HOSPITAL AND HOMEBOUND Jacksonville 2.1 mi 6.9
PICKETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jacksonville 2.3 mi 6.1
EPHESUS SDA JUNIOR ACADEMY Jacksonville 2.4 mi 4.1
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WESTSIDE Jacksonville 2.1 mi 5.9

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 Paxon School/advanced Studies 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
COCOA BEACH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Cocoa Beach, FL 6.8
HARDEE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Wauchula, FL 6.8
PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL Palmetto Bay, FL 6.7
SOUTH WALTON HIGH SCHOOL Santa Rosa Beach, FL 6.7
FERNANDINA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL Fernandina Beach, FL 6.9
CRESCENT CITY JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL Crescent City, FL 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Paxon School/advanced Studies

What grades does Paxon School/advanced Studies serve?

Paxon School/advanced Studies serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Paxon School/advanced Studies?

Paxon School/advanced Studies has an enrollment of approximately 1,285 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Paxon School/advanced Studies?

The student-teacher ratio at Paxon School/advanced Studies 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 Paxon School/advanced Studies rank in FL?

Paxon School/advanced Studies is ranked #1532 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is Paxon School/advanced Studies's MySchoolScout rating?

Paxon School/advanced Studies has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Paxon School/advanced Studies?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Paxon School/advanced Studies has 66.5% math proficiency and 82.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Paxon School/advanced Studies a charter school?

No, Paxon School/advanced Studies is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Paxon School/advanced Studies a Title I school?

No, Paxon School/advanced Studies is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Paxon School/advanced Studies?

29.9% of students at Paxon School/advanced Studies 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
31 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
32 Some Transit
Bike Score
56 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,285
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
63
Free/Reduced Lunch
29.9%
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
#50 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

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