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)
10* 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
51 TOTAL SCHOOLS
*Hallowes Cove Academy K-8 Opening August 2025
Total Acres: 2,119
Total Number of Permanent Buildings: 292
Total Schools: 52
Total Administrative Offices: 7
Total Building Net Square Feet (NSF): 7,238,095
Total Number of Relocatables: 527
Total Relocatable NSF: 494,000
Total NSF (including relocatables): 7,732,095
As the first Technical College operated by St. Johns County School District, this accredited school has 21 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)
1:14.85 (PK-3)
1:18.14 (4-8)
1:18.04 (9-12)
Food & Nutrition Services
School cafeterias serve 83,750 breakfast and lunch meals as well as 65,000 a la carte items weekly.
Approximately 25% of the district’s students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Student Transportation
A fleet of 316 school buses transports over 26,571 students an average of 29,699 miles per day for more than 5.5 million miles per year. Additionally, our buses provide transportation services for 4,000 annual field study trips.
Financial Facts
Operating Budget –$539,313,225
Operating Fund Payroll – $398,877,143 includes salaries and benefits
Capital Outlay Budget –$693,143,308
Funding per Student – $8,927.17
Millage Rate – 5.278 mills
All Operating Income Sources – 57% Local, 39% State, 4% Federal
On November 5, 2024, the citizens of St. Johns County voted to continue 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. An expansion to South Woods Elementary is currently under construction. In addition, sales tax funds have been spent to maintain school roofs, enhance technology for teachers and students, as well as implement many safety improvements.
On November 5, 2024 the citizens of St. Johns County voted to levy an additional ad valorem tax of one mill annually for four years to ensure continued student achievement by providing funding in the following areas:
- Recruit and retain high-quality teachers and staff by paying competitive compensation as compared to surrounding school districts.
- Continue to invest in school safety and student welfare including school nurses and special education.
- Reserve and enhance educational programs including science, technology, art, music, and athletics for the benefit of traditional public and charter schools.
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 6,424 full and part-time employees.
Positions
1,114 full-time teachers hold advanced degrees.
Race
White – 87%
Black/African American – 8%
Other – 5%
Ethnicity
Hispanic 8%
Gender
Female – 78%
Male – 22%
Students
Enrollment
Please visit 2024-2025 Ninth 20-Day Enrollment for detailed enrollment information
Race
Ethnicity
The student body represents 114 different countries speaking 79 different languages.
As of 01/28/25 – The student body includes 4,053 gifted students and 9,902 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 4,500 students receive accommodations through 504 plans.
Test Scores
2024 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, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades
- First in state in Math: 3rd, 4th, and 8th grades; Second in state in Math: 6th grade; Third in the state in Math: 5th grade; Tied for 10th in the state in Math: 7th grade
- First in state in Science: 5th grade; Second in the state in Science: 8th grade
- First in state in EOC exams: Algebra 1, Biology 1, Civics, and US History (tied); Second in the state in EOC exams: Geometry
For 2023-2024, St. Johns County had 34 “A” schools, 5 “B” schools, 2 “C” schools, and 1 “D” school.
The St. Johns County School District is one of only 2 districts in the state to have received a district grade of ‘A’ every year since the state first began assigning grades to districts in 2004. For the 2023-2024 school year, the St. Johns County School District ranks 2nd in the state, out of 67 districts, in total accountability points.
Visit FLDOE Know Your Schools for state, district, and school report cards.
2024 ACT – 22.1, above both the state average of 19.0 and the national average of 19.4
2024 SAT – 1143, above both the state average of 948 and the national average of 1024
2024 AP Exams – in St. Johns County, 79.5% earned college credit (compared to 66.7% nationally)
2024 AP Exams – the average AP test score in St. Johns County was 3.45 (which exceeded the national average of 3.12)
2023-24 SJCSD Graduation rate – 95.0% based on the federal graduation rate, compared to the state average of 89.7%.
2025 National Merit Semifinalists – 35 current seniors were named semifinalists based on top Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores
Awards
2024 School Recognition Award Program – 32 schools received $5,900,254
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Government Finance Officers Association for fiscal years 2016-2023
Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Association of School Business Officials International for fiscal years 2016-2023
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.
2025 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year – Jill Adams, Creekside High School
2025 St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year – James Tansey, Fruit Cove Middle School
2025 Outstanding School Principal of the Year – Kirstie Gabaldon, Sebastian Middle School
2025 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year – Earl Brown, St. Augustine High School
2025 School-Related Employee of the Year – Anthony Major, Life Work Program
2025 American Youth Character Awards – 40 seniors received $500and 70 juniors were 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:
2025 Winner – Emily Tobuck, Pedro Menendez 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:
2025 Winner – Tony Williams, Founder/Coach – Passport to Prosperity
Community Support
Hundreds of business partners support St. Johns County schools and 25,767 volunteers donated 202,554 hours during the 2023-2024 school year.
Investing in Kids (INK!) the St. Johns County Education Foundation, is recognized by the state of Florida and St. Johns County School Board as the direct support organization for the SJCSD. INK! has cultivated success for students and teachers through funding, initiatives, and inspiration since 1994. INK! sponsors various programs including the Teacher of the Year Celebration, Educators Thriving, Take Stock in Children, Five Learning Years, Cash for Classrooms, Tools 4 Schools, PIVOT, and manages several scholarships for graduating seniors.
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 Interest, Dual Enrollment and/or St. Johns Virtual Instruction
- Supplemented through Head Start in 27 classrooms at four elementary schools and FCTC; Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) in 62 classrooms at 16 elementary schools and FCTC; Pre-school Exceptional Student Education in 59 classrooms at 14 elementary schools and FCTC
The St. Johns County School District has 29 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 services 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, and Financial Technology.
- 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.
- Communications Academy– offers one of two career-themed paths: TV Production or Digital Design.
- 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 field.
- Academy of Architectural Design and Technology – A true STEM education offering certifications in the latest drafting/CAD software to prepare students for a future in architecture/building trades.
- VyStar Academy of Business– Learn entrepreneurial business and/or graphic design through project-based education with the opportunity to work in the credit union, school store 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 Academy of Hospitality and Tourism – The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism gives 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.
- Aviation and Aerospace Academy – 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 (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 Public Montessori – provides a learning culture grounded in the Montessori philosophy to students ages 3-12 in grades PK-6.
St. Johns Community Campus –provides a vocationally focused opportunity for students to prepare for gainful employment and practical life skills upon graduation.
Therapeutic Learning Center – serving children with developmental and/or medical disabilities from birth to 5 years old.
Treaty Oaks Preparatory Academy (Opening Fall 2025) – A tuition-free public charter school serving grades K-8. Enrolling grades K-6 for 2025-2026.
District 1 – Mrs. Beverly Slough
District 2 – Mr. Anthony E. Coleman Sr. – Chair
District 3 – Ms. Jennifer Collins – Vice Chair
District 4 – Mrs. Kelly Barrera
District 5 – Dr. Linda Thomson
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, Executive Director for 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 05/30/25)
