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)
8 High Schools (9-12)
1 Technical College
2 Alternative Schools (K-12)
1 Virtual School (K-12)
3 Charter Schools
1 Juvenile Justice Facility
48 TOTAL SCHOOLS
2,590 Total Classrooms (including relocatables)
55,386 Total Student Stations (including relocatables)
Facilities (Updated 1/25/22)
Total Acres: 1,778
Total Number of Permanent Buildings: 276
Total Schools: 50
Total Administrative Offices: 7
Total Building Net Square Feet (NSF): 6,514,906
Total Number of Relocatables: 389
Total Relocatable NSF: 329,634
Total NSF (including relocatables): 6,844,540
First Coast Technical College
As the first Technical College operated by St. Johns County School District, this accredited school has 27 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 2/17/22)
1:14.84 (PK-3)
1:17.73 (4-8)
1:18.89 (9-12)
A fleet of 293 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 3/25/22)
Budget
Operating Budget – $443.1 million
Operating Fund Payroll – $322.5 million including salaries and benefits
Capital Outlay Budget – $362.2 million
Funding per Student – $7,768
Millage Rate – 5.812 mills
All Operating Income Sources – 42% local, 57.8% 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 5,893 full and part-time employees.
| 3,266 | Instructional Staff |
| 2,406 | Support Staff |
| 142 | School-Based Administrators |
| 79 | District Administrators |
Race
White – 88%
Black/African American – 8%
Other – 4%
Ethnicity – Hispanic 8%
Gender
Female – 77%
Male – 23%
800 full-time teachers hold advanced degrees and 2 are National Board Certified.
Enrollment (as of December, 2022)
| PK-12 | |
| Elementary | 22,154 |
| Middle School | 11,474 |
| High School | 15,674 |
| Alternative Schools | 395 |
| Other | |
| Charter Schools | 200 |
| Virtual School | 423 |
| Dept of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) | 50 |
| Total | 50,370 |
| First Coast Technical College (FCTC) | 540 |
| Race | Updated 2/17/2022 |
| White | 81.16% |
| Black or African-American | 6.59% |
| Asian | 5.31% |
| Multiracial | 6.27% |
| Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0.25% |
| Native American or Alaskan | 0.42% |
| Ethnicity | Updated 2/17/2022 |
| Hispanic | 11.95% |
| Non-Hispanic | 83.81% |
| Undeclared | 4.24% |
The student body represents 114 different countries speaking 79 different languages.
As of 1/25/22 – The student body includes 4,195 gifted students and 7,868 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 3,510 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 the FL Department of Education Accountability web page for more information on state assessment scores.
2021 ACT – Readiness for College – 42% of St. Johns County graduates “ready” in all four areas tested (math, reading, science and writing) compared to the state average of 25%
2021 ACT – 23.2, above both the state average of 20.4 and the national average of 20.3
2021 SAT – 1140, above both the state average of 993 and the national average of 1060
2021 AP Exams – in St. Johns County, 68.9% received college credit compared to 55.8% nationally
2021 AP Exams – the average AP test score in St. Johns County was 3.1 which exceeded the national average of 2.8
2020-21 Graduation rate – 95.0% based on the federal graduation rate, compared to state average of 90.1%
2022 National Merit Semifinalists – 27 seniors placed in top 1 percent on the PSAT
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 2016-2018
Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting – by the Association of School Business Officials International for fiscal years 2016-2018
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.
2022 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year – Andrew Burk, Valley Ridge Academy
2022 St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year – Kaitlyn Holle, Mill Creek 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.
2020 Golden School Awards – 37 schools for parent volunteer programs
2020 Silver School Awards – 16 schools for student volunteerism (secondary schools only)
2019 Five Star School Awards – 13 schools for outstanding community involvement
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.
2021 Winner – Haley Provencal, Bartram Trail 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.
2021 Winner – Jen Harman, Bartram Trail HS Coach
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 and 26,657 volunteers donated 238,913 hours during the 2019-2020 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, 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; Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) in 48 classrooms at 13 elementary schools and FCTC; Pre-school Exceptional Student Education in 48 classrooms at 12 elementary schools
23 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, 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 – offers insight into the roles of logistics and supply chain management in a global economy where individuals and organizations have access to markets across the world
- Academy of Information Technology – focuses on software development and includes the fundamentals of programming
- Academy of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences –
- Veterinary Assisting Strand: a four-year program designed to prepare high school students for a career in Veterinary Science.
- Biomedical Sciences Strand: allows students to explore the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health
Creekside High School
- Academy of Emerging Technology – a program that focuses on two strands: Digital Media Technology or Cybersecurity
- Academy of Engineering and Environmental Sciences – a STEM program focusing on two strands: Engineering and Environmental Science
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers – a program exploring careers in education, students may earn their AA degree from St. Johns River State College teacher program while earning their high school diploma
Pedro Menendez High School
- The Flagler Health+ Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals – a business/educational partnership featuring internships and dual enrollment for those students interested in entering the medical field
- The Academy of Architectural and Building Sciences – a program offering classroom instruction, building projects and internships for careers in architectural drafting, carpentry, masonry and other building trades
- 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: Business which focuses on hands-on training in an integrated academic and business curriculum or Marketing which focuses on the foundations of marketing management and functions
- Academy of Information Technology – a program providing relevant technical knowledge and skills, content includes computer application skills, computer hardware, software applications, web applications, systems support programming and network concepts
St. Augustine 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
- St. Johns County Academy of Future Teachers – a program exploring careers in education, students may earn their AA degree from St. Johns River State College teacher program while earning their high school diploma
- 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 Coastal and Water Resources – a hands-on STEM program focusing on coastal, environmental and water resources
- 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, 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.
- 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 business/educational partnership featuring internships and dual enrollment for those students interested in entering the medical field
- 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)
- 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 – Mrs. Jennifer Collins
District 4 – Ms. 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 11.22.2022
