District Facts
Mission
The St. Johns County School District will inspire good character and a passion for lifelong learning in all students, creating educated and caring contributors to the world.
Vision
All students will choose a learning path that leads to a well-rounded graduate who demonstrates good character and leadership.
District
600.6 square miles
320,110 census residents*
Learn more about St. Johns County.*estimated as of July 2023
Source: St. Johns County Government and Census.gov
18 Elementary Schools (K-5)
9* Academies (K-8)
7 Middle Schools (6-8)
9 High Schools (9-12)
1 Technical College
2 Alternative Schools (K-12)
1 Virtual School
3 Charter Schools
1 Juvenile Justice Facility
51* TOTAL SCHOOLS
*Trout Creek Academy and Lakeside Academy opening August 2024
Total Acres: 2,022
Total Number of Permanent Buildings: 286
Total Schools: 51
Total Administrative Offices: 7
Total Building Net Square Feet (NSF): 6,870,675
Total Number of Relocatables: 598
Total Relocatable NSF: 490,180
Total NSF (including relocatables): 7,360,855
As the first Technical College operated by St. Johns County School District, this accredited school has 19 full-time programs of study ranging from automotive services to practical nursing and firefighter/EMT. To learn more about the school and its programs, please visit the First Coast Technical College (FCTC) website.
The St. Johns County School District is fully accredited as a quality school system by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), a division of AdvancED Accreditation. AdvancED Accreditation is the highest level of accreditation that a school system can receive.
Class Size (Teacher-Student Ratio)
1:15.03 (PK-3)
1:17.64 (4-8)
1:18.97 (9-12)
Food & Nutrition Services
School cafeterias serve 73,375 breakfast and lunch meals as well as 44,900 a la carte items weekly.
Approximately 25% of the district’s students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Student Transportation
A fleet of 300 school buses transports over 25,700 students an average of 29,000 miles per day for more than 5.2 million miles per year. Additionally, our buses provide transportation services for 3,500 annual field study trips.
Financial Facts
Operating Budget – $511,826,844.61
Operating Fund Payroll – $384,845,438 including salaries and benefits
Capital Outlay Budget – $507,838,963
Funding per Student – $8,547.97
Millage Rate – 5.410 mills
All Operating Income Sources – 56% local, 40% state and 4% federal
On November 3, 2015, the citizens of St. Johns County voted to approve a half-cent sales tax to be used for capital improvements within the school district.
The District has completed construction on two schools with sales tax proceeds, Picolata Crossing Elementary School and Freedom Crossing Academy. In addition to fully funding these two schools, the half-cent sales surtax partially funded the construction of Palm Valley Academy and Pine Island Academy, as well an expansion at Liberty Pines Academy.
For more information and to view the critical project list visit the Half-Cent Sales Tax Referendum website.
Staff
The school district is the largest employer in the county with 6,299 full and part-time employees.
Positions
825 full-time teachers hold advanced degrees.
Race
White – 87%
Black/African American – 8%
Other – 5%
Ethnicity
Hispanic 9%
Gender
Female – 78%
Male – 22%
Students
Enrollment
Race
Ethnicity
The student body represents 114 different countries speaking 79 different languages.
As of 2/6/24 – The student body includes 3,917 gifted students and 9,072 students with disabilities who have learning or intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavioral or autism spectrum disorders, speech/language, sensory, orthopedic or other health impairments and developmental delays. An additional 4,079 students receive accommodations through 504 plans.
Test Scores
2023 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), End-of-Course (EOC), and Statewide Science Assessment St. Johns County School District State Rankings:
- First in state in Reading: 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades; Second in state in Reading: 5th grade
- First in state in Math: 3rd grade, 4th grade (tied), and 8th grade; Second in state in Math: 5th and 6th grades; Eighth in state in Math: 7th grade (tied)
- First in state in Science: 5th and 8th grade
- First in state in EOC exams: Algebra 1, Biology 1, Civics, and US History; Third in the state in EOC exams: Geometry (tied)
For 2022-2023, St. Johns County had 32 “A” schools, 7 “B” schools, and 3 “C” schools. Visit FLDOE Know Your Schools for state, district, and school report cards.
2023 ACT – 21.7, above both the state average of 18.9 and the national average of 19.5
2023 SAT – 1120, above both the state average of 966 and the national average of 1028
2023 AP Exams – In St. Johns County, 73.3% received college credit (compared to 61.8% nationally)
2023 AP Exams – The average AP test score in St. Johns County was 3.2 (which exceeded the national average of 2.96)
2022-2023 Graduation rate – 94% based on the federal graduation rate, compared to state average of 88%.
2024 National Merit Semifinalists – 35 current seniors were named semifinalists based on top Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores, taken during their junior yea
Awards
Second in the state out of 67 districts – in total school accountability points for the past nine years and is one of only two districts in Florida with a grade of A each year since 2010
2023 School Recognition Award Program – 33 schools received $7,163,479
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Government Finance Officers Association for fiscal years 2016-2022
Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Association of School Business Officials International for fiscal years 2016-2022
2019-2021 Healthy School District Silver Award – one of only seven districts in Florida to earn the Silver level for maintaining a healthy environment for students, employees and the community
Governor’s Points of Light Award – CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative.
2024 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year – Tina Hemby, Mill Creek Academy
2024 St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year – Aimee Monie, Tocoi Creek High School
2024 Outstanding School Principal of the Year: Tiffany Cantwell, Ocean Palms Elementary School
2024 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year: Holli Winter, Fruit Cove Middle School
2024 School-Related Employee of the Year: Sylvia Bass, Transportation Dept.
2023 American Youth Character Awards – 41 seniors received $500 and 71 juniors honored for exemplifying the Six Pillars of Character
Pursuing Victory with Honor – only school district in the state to implement the David Mathis PVWH Award given annually to an outstanding high school athlete
2023 Winner – Avery Upton, Creekside HS
The Dr. Joseph G. Joyner Sportsmanship Award – Awarded to an adult individual in the community or school system who recognizes that athletics is an important part of the total school program in St. Johns County
2023 Winner – George Vancore
Community Support
Thousands of business partners support St. Johns County schools and 27,863 volunteers donated 215,002 hours during the 2022-2023 school year.
Investing in Kids (INK!) is recognized by the state of Florida as the only direct support organization for the SJCSD. INK! sponsors various programs including the Teacher of the Year Celebration, Teacher Lead Council, Cash for Classrooms, Tools-4-Schools, Take Stock in Children, Five Learning Years, and PIVOT.
2024 Florida DOE Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award for the SJCSD
- STG Contracting, Inc.
Instruction
SJCSD instruction is:
- Offered with high expectations which leads to higher performance as stated in the Core Values and the Strategic Plan
- Supported by professional learning with an emphasis on reading, writing and critical thinking across all content areas
- Differentiated to meet individual student needs
- Supported by technology at all levels PreK-12
- Provided through standard and advanced programs including Programs of Choice, Dual Enrollment and/or St. Johns Virtual Instruction
- Supplemented through Head Start in 28 classrooms at five elementary schools and FCTC; Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) in 63 classrooms at 14 elementary schools and FCTC; Pre-school Exceptional Student Education in 59 classrooms at 12 elementary schools and FCTC
The St. Johns County School District has 28 High School Career Academies.
- Design Academy – A rigorous and relevant Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program focusing on one of three concentrations: Interior Design, Fashion Design or Architectural Design.
- Information Technology Academy – A comprehensive computer science program that includes computer application skills, computer hardware, software applications, web applications, systems support, programming, Cloud, and network concepts.
- VyStar Academy of Business – An academic and internship program for students exploring career opportunities within financial service and entrepreneurship.
- Academy of Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management – This program teaches students the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to understand the procurement and coordination in the movement of goods and materials.
- Academy of Information Technology – A comprehensive computer science program focusing on software development, including foundations of procedural and object-oriented programming.
- Academy of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences – A STEM academy with two strands. Biomedical Science explores concepts of human medicine and body systems. Veterinary Science prepares students for a career as a certified Veterinary Assistant.
- Academy of Emerging Technology – STEM programs focusing on the high demand, career-themed tracks of Cybersecurity, Digital Media, Financial Technology, and TV Production.
- Academy of Engineering and Environmental Sciences – STEM programs focusing on two career-themed strands that offer a broad base of knowledge, skills, and experience in Engineering and Environmental Science.
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers – The four-year curriculum, rich with dual enrollment opportunities, embraces a core of exploratory teaching courses which allow students the advantage to begin student teaching while in high school.
- UF Health Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals – Experience true clinical education with the latest STEM technology and lab setting for hands-on learning to prepare students for fields in the medical industry.
- Academy of Architectural and Building Sciences – A true STEM education offering certifications in the latest drafting software and/or carpentry, plumbing, and electrical to prepare students for a future in architecture/building trades.
- VyStar Academy of Business– Learn entrepreneurial business and/or graphic design through project-based STEM education with the opportunity to work on the credit union, school store or yearbook team.
- The Stellar Academy of Engineering – a STEM program that offers students a broad base of knowledge, skills and experience in drafting and design technology
- Communications Academy – offers one of two career-themed paths: TV Production or Digital Design
- St. Johns County of Hospitality and Tourism – The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism has partnered with the North Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, and local companies including Ponte Vedra Inn and Club and Sysco, to give students the professional skills and real-world experience they will need to find success in the Hospitality and Tourism industry.
- Academy of Biotechnology and Medical Research – A STEM program focusing on the use of living organisms to solve problems or make useful products from biological systems. The skills learned will prepare students for medical and science related fields.
- Academy of International Business and Marketing – A program offering two strands: Business which focuses on the financial and legal aspects of business and Marketing which focuses on the development and promotion of consumer and industrial goods and services.
- Academy of Information Technology – A comprehensive computer science program that includes computer application skills, computer hardware, software applications, web applications, systems support, programming, Cloud, and network concepts.
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Educators – The four-year curriculum, rich with dual enrollment opportunities, embraces a core of exploratory teaching courses which allow students the advantage to begin student teaching while in high school.
- Academy of Aviation and Aerospace – A partnership program with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offering an introduction to STEM careers in Aviation and Aerospace Engineering.
- Academy of Law and Homeland Security – A program providing preparation for work in careers to serve and protect the public, state and country in law, law enforcement and Homeland Security related fields.
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers – The four-year curriculum, rich with dual enrollment opportunities, embraces a core of exploratory teaching courses which allow students the advantage to begin student teaching while in high school.
- Academy of Aquaculture – A hands-on STEM program studying freshwater and saltwater aquatic species in natural and commercial environments including governing rules and regulations associated with aquatic farming, marine biology, and environmental science.
- Academy of Culinary Arts – A four course curriculum that integrates theory and technical skills training for a variety of high-demand careers in the food service and hospitality industry.
- Academy of Innovation in the Built Environment – A program providing students instruction that begins with the basics of the built environment and culminates in the opportunity for hands-on career exploration in the various fields of Construction Management.
- Academy of Leadership in Emerging Technologies – A program that emphasizes the use of emerging technologies and the leadership, entrepreneurial and technical skills needed to be successful in rapidly changing industries using future technologies.
- UF Health Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals – A program offering students a unique opportunity that combines classroom learning with real world experiences in the medical field.
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Educators – The four-year curriculum, rich with dual enrollment opportunities, embraces a core of exploratory teaching courses which allow students the advantage to begin student teaching while in high school.
- AICE – Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (BHS, SAHS)
- AP – Advanced Placement Courses (All Schools)
- DE – Dual High School/College Enrollment
- Early College Program (formerly Collegiate High School) (PMHS, TCHS)
- Early Career Program (SAHS)
- IB – International Baccalaureate Program (NHS, PMHS)
- Air Force JROTC – Bartram Trail High School
- Army JROTC – St. Augustine High School
- Navy JROTC – Allen D. Nease High School
- St. Augustine High School
- R.J. Murray Middle School
St. Augustine Public Montessori – provides a learning culture grounded in the Montessori philosophy to students ages 3-12 in grades PK-6.
Therapeutic Learning Center – serving children with developmental and/or medical disabilities from birth to 5 years old.
St. Johns Community Campus – provides alternative education to developmentally disabled students ages 18-22, combining vocational training and integrated employment with community-based work experiences.
District 1 – Mrs. Beverly Slough – Chair
District 2 – Mr. Anthony E. Coleman Sr. – Vice Chair
District 3 – Ms. Jennifer Collins
District 4 – Mrs. Kelly Barrera
District 5 – Mr. Patrick Canan
School Board Meetings are held on the second Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the School Board Administration Building at 40 Orange Street, unless otherwise posted.
School Board Workshops are held at 9 a.m. on the first and fourth Tuesday of the month as needed.
The SJCSB has earned the designation of Master Board.
Contact Us
For additional information contact:
Christina H. Upchurch, Chief of Community Relations
St. Johns County School District
40 Orange Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Phone: (904) 547-7504
Fax: (904) 547-7523
The St. Johns County School District is an equal opportunity employer.
(Updated 03/20/2024
