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.
608 square miles
292,466 residents*
88.6% white, 5.6% black/African American, 5.8% Asian and other minority
Ethnicity – 7.5% Hispanic or Latino
*estimated
Source: www.co.st-johns.fl.us and https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/stjohnscountyflorida/PST045221
18 Elementary Schools (K-5)
7 Academies (K-8)
7 Middle Schools (6-8)
9 High Schools (9-12)
1 Technical College
2 Alternative Schools (K-12)
1 Virtual School (K-12)
3 Charter Schools
1 Juvenile Justice Facility
51 TOTAL SCHOOLS
2,779 Total Classrooms (including relocatables)
59,634 Total Student Stations (including relocatables)
Facilities (Updated 02/22/23)
Total Acres: 1,878
Total Number of Permanent Buildings: 286
Total Schools: 51
Total Administrative Offices: 7
Total Building Net Square Feet (NSF): 6,813,996
Total Number of Relocatables: 495
Total Relocatable NSF: 425,033
Total NSF (including relocatables): 7,239,029
First Coast Technical College
As the first Technical College operated by St. Johns County School District, this accredited school has 26 programs of study ranging from automotive services to medical assisting. To learn more about the school and its programs, please visit http://fctc.edu/.
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) (Updated 01/31/23)
1:15.03 (PK-3)
1:17.64 (4-8)
1:18.97 (9-12)
A fleet of 306 school buses transports over 25,000 students an average of 26,000 miles per day for more than 4.7 million miles per year. Additionally, provides transportation services for 3,500 annual field study trips.
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.
Financial Facts (Updated 02/07/23)
Budget
Operating Budget – $469.6 million
Operating Fund Payroll – $338.7 million including salaries and benefits
Capital Outlay Budget – $481.2 million
Funding per Student – $8,139.25
Millage Rate – 5.483 mills
All Operating Income Sources – 43% local, 56.8% state and 0.2% federal
Half-Cent Sales Tax
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 new schools with sales tax proceeds, Picolata Crossing Elementary School and Freedom Crossing Academy. In addition to fully funding these two new schools, the half-cent sales surtax partially funded the construction of Palm Valley Academy, and Pine Island Academy, as well as expanded Liberty Pines Academy.
For more information and to view the critical project list visit www.halfcentsuccess.com.
The school district is the largest employer in the county with 6,299 full and part-time employees.
| 3,499 | Instructional Staff |
| 2,561 | Support Staff |
| 152 | School-Based Administrators |
| 87 | District Administrators |
Race
White – 87%
Black/African American – 8%
Other – 5%
Ethnicity – Hispanic 9%
Gender
Female – 77%
Male – 23%
825 full-time teachers hold advanced degrees.
Enrollment (as of February, 2023)
| PK-12 | |
| Elementary | 21,896 |
| Middle School | 11,495 |
| High School | 15,581 |
| Alternative Schools | 391 |
| Head Start/VPK | 478 |
| Other | |
| Charter Schools | 204 |
| Virtual School | 428 |
| Dept of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) | 50 |
| Total | 50,523 |
| First Coast Technical College (FCTC) | CTE Adult/Dual 656 CTE Secondary 87 |
| Race | Updated 03/03/2023 |
| White | 80.08% |
| Black or African-American | 6.38% |
| Asian | 5.88% |
| Multiracial | 6.97% |
| Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0.23% |
| Native American or Alaskan | 0.46% |
| Ethnicity | Updated 03/03/2023 |
| Hispanic | 12.52% |
| Non-Hispanic | 83.87% |
| Undeclared | 3.61% |
The student body represents 114 different countries speaking 79 different languages.
As of 2/13/23 – The student body includes 4,215 gifted students and 9,081 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 4,023 students receive accommodations through 504 plans.
2022 Florida State Assessment (FSA) and End-of-Course (EOC) 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 grade, 7th grade (tied), Second in state in Math: 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Fourth in state in Math: 8th grade
- First in state in Science: 8th grade, Second in state in Science: 5th grade
- First in state in EOC exams: Algebra 1, Biology 1, Geometry and US History. Second in state in EOC exams: Civics
For 2021-2022, St. Johns County had 29 “A” schools, 7 “B” schools, and 3 “C” schools. Visit FLDOE Know Your Schools for state, district, and school report cards.
2022 ACT – Readiness for College – 35% of St. Johns County graduates “ready” in all four areas tested (math, reading, science and writing) compared to the state average of 18%
2022 ACT – 22%, above both the state average of 19% and the national average of 19.8%
2022 SAT – 1127, above both the state average of 983 and the national average of 1050
2022 AP Exams – in St. Johns County, 74% received college credit compared to 60% nationally
2022 AP Exams – the average AP test score in St. Johns County was 3.3 which exceeded the national average of 2.92
2021-22 Graduation rate – 93.3% based on the federal graduation rate, compared to state average of 87.3%
2023 National Merit Semifinalists – 52 current seniors were named semifinalists based on top Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores, taken during their junior year.
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
2019 School Recognition Award Program – 31 schools received $3,467,042
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Government Finance Officers Association for fiscal years 2016-2021
Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Association of School Business Officials International for fiscal years 2016-2021
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.
2023 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year – Tracy Clauson, Sebastian Middle School
2023 St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year – Melinda Gillespie, Patriot Oaks Academy
2023 Outstanding School Principal of the Year: Bethany Groves, James A. Webster Elementary School
2023 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year: Drew Chiodo, Tocoi Creek High School
2023 School-Related Employee of the Year: Debra Sheets, Information Technology Dept.
2021 American Youth Character Awards – 39 seniors received $400 and 56 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.
2022 Winner – King Benford, PMHS
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.
2022 Winner – Jeff Holland, Tocoi Creek HS Athletic Director
2019-2020 Learning Legacy Lifetime Achievement Awards
Nancy Pellicer, a graduate of St. Augustine High School
Jeb Smith, a graduate of St. Augustine High School
More than 600 business partners support St. Johns County schools.
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, Tools-4-Schools, Take Stock in Children, License for Learning, One for the Kids, Fund-A-Project, FLY and Ancient City Explorers. www.ink-stjohns.org
2022 Florida DOE Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award for the SJCSD
- Children’s Home Society
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 development 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 26 classrooms at five elementary schools and FCTC; Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) in 54 classrooms at 14 elementary schools and FCTC; Pre-school Exceptional Student Education in 54 classrooms at 12 elementary schools and FCTC
27 High School Career Academies – https://cte.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies/
Bartram Trail High School
- The 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
- The Information Technology Academy – a coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards, content includes computer application skills, computer hardware, software applications, web applications, programming, web page design, systems support and network concepts
- The VyStar Academy of Business – an academic and internship program for students exploring career opportunities within financial service and entrepreneurship
Beachside High School
- Academy of Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management – connects students with infrastructure of business and design, content includes semantics and calibration to move products and the complexities of business
- Academy of Information Technology – focuses on software development, including the foundations of programming and software development, as well as procedural and object-oriented programming
- Academy of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences – a program offering two strands: Veterinary Assisting and Biomedical Sciences, which allows students to prepare for a career in Veterinary Science or explore the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health
Creekside High School
- Academy of Emerging Technology – a program offering strands in Digital Media, Cybersecurity, and Financial Technology, with emphasis on foundational skills in multimedia, marketing, operating systems, network security, and an introduction to applications in financial services and entrepreneurship
- Academy of Engineering and Environmental Sciences – this program offers two strands in Applied Engineering, with exposure to various areas of engineering as well as manufacturing and robotics, and Environmental Sciences, which focuses on the various interactions between ecosystems, wetlands, forests, wildlife, natural resources, and humans, and how all of this impacts on the environment
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers – a program exploring careers in education, using service-learning, cutting-edge technology, and full-year internships
Pedro Menendez High School
- Flagler Health+ Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals – a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for college and healthcare careers through hands-on, authentic field experience and internships provided by business and community partners
- The Academy of Architectural and Building Sciences – a program offering classroom instruction, building projects and internships for careers in architectural drafting, engineering, and other areas of building construction technology
- VyStar Academy of Business – an academic and internship program for students exploring career opportunities within financial service and entrepreneurship
Allen D. Nease High School
- 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
- Academy 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.
Ponte Vedra High School
- 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
- Academy of International Business and Marketing – a program offering two strands: International Business which focuses on the financial and legal aspects of business in the global arena or Marketing which focuses on the development and marketing of consumer goods and services
- Academy of Information Technology – a program providing relevant technical knowledge and skills in web design, programming, database design and management, IT systems, and network concepts
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Educators – a program exploring careers in education, using service-learning, cutting-edge technology, and full-year internships
St. Augustine High School
- Aviation and Aerospace Academy – a partnership program with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offering two strands focusing on Aviation Maintenance and Aerospace Studies, offering opportunities to explore aircraft, space flight, rockets, flight simulators, and drones
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers – a program exploring careers in education, using service-learning, cutting-edge technology, and full-year internships
- 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 Technical High School
- Academy of Aquaculture – offers students the technical knowledge and skills in agriculture, aquaculture species and organisms, soil-based farming, and aquaponics farming
- Academy of Culinary Arts – a curriculum that integrates academic and technical training for a variety of careers in the high-demand field of food service, food preparation and hospitality
Tocoi Creek High School
- Academy of Innovation in the Built Environment – offers students an opportunity to explore careers in the various fields of Construction Management. Engineering, design, and project management are integral components of the course curriculum.
- Academy of Leadership in Emerging Technologies – emphasizes the use of emerging technologies and the leadership, entrepreneurial, and technical skills needed to be successful in rapidly changing industries using future technologies
- Flagler Health+ Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals – a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for college and healthcare careers through hands-on, authentic field experience and internships provided by business and community partners
- AICE – Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (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. Johns County Center for the Performing Arts
- St. Augustine High School
R.J. Murray Middle School
Charter Schools
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 16-22, combining vocational training and integrated employment with community-based work experiences.
Tim Forson, Superintendent of Schools
Michael Degutis, Chief of Staff
District 1 – Mrs. Beverly Slough, Vice Chair
District 2 – Mr. Anthony E. Coleman Sr.
District 3 – Ms. Jennifer Collins
District 4 – Mrs. Kelly Barrera, Chair
District 5 – Mr. Patrick Canan
School Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at the School Board Administration Building at 40 Orange Street, unless otherwise posted.
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.
View our calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.
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 03.07.2023
