River City Science Academy Mandarin in Jacksonville

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education, and using 2025 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education.
Student Growth	9/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Florida Department of Education.

Posted: August 1, 2026

I cannot recommend this school based on our familys experience.

Throughout our time here, we experienced ongoing communication issues, inconsistent responses to academic concerns, and a lack of transparency regarding grading and classroom expectations. Despite repeated efforts to work collaboratively with teachers and administration, many questions went unanswered, and meaningful solutions were difficult to obtain.

I was particularly disappointed by what I perceived to be inconsistent application of school policies, including concerns about assignment grading, opportunities for academic recovery, and the handling of concerns. Rather than feeling that our concerns were thoroughly investigated, we often felt they were minimized or dismissed.

As a parent, I expected open communication, fairness, and a genuine commitment to helping my child succeed. Unfortunately, that was not our experience.

I encourage prospective families to carefully review the schools policies, ask detailed questions about grading, communication procedures, and resolution outcomes before enrolling. Every familys experience may differ, but based on ours, I cannot recommend this school.

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: May 20, 2026

Parents beware: Only a handful of the teachers here have an actual degree or teaching certificate. Many have quit for their mental health in the middle of the year/semester, because they were not properly trained. Most seem as if they dont like children, why they chose this job is beyond me. Most let the computer teach them. I might as well have home schooled them.
Both of my childrens FAST scores have dropped dramatically since moving them from public school. They arent excited about school or learning anymore.
These charter schools are truly just a money grab. Im sorry I ever moved my children out of public school.

Posted: May 20, 2026

Posted: September 27, 2024

I absolutely love my children's school. The faculty and staff go above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive environment, and it truly shows. My children have learned so much, not only academically but also in ways that have helped them grow socially and emotionally. Watching them flourish, make meaningful friendships, and become more confident in themselves has been such a joy. Im incredibly grateful for the positive impact the school has had on their development.

Posted: September 27, 2024

Posted: September 19, 2024

In my experience, students at this school are not excited or motivated about what they are learning or how they are learning.
Teachers at this school forgot how to be respectful, supportive, and motivate their students. Many of so called licensed teachers in this school have actually no license or scamming. This school doesn't supports students' mental health and emotional well-being. The students suffer because they are in an unsafe environment. The family engagement is there to raise funds for profit rather then engaging parents to children's education. Do your due diligence before bringing your child to this school!

Posted: September 19, 2024

Posted: May 6, 2024

I absolutely love this school and my daughter is excited about learning from these amazing teachers.

Posted: May 3, 2024

This school is top-notch. River City Science Academy Mandarin has so much to offer that many local schools do not.

RCSAM uses research based curriculum to ensure the best quality of education. They offer a wide variety of clubs (literally probably atleast 20-30 different clubs every year.) Clubs include fun academic clubs where students learn about topics of their interest, creative clubs such as drama, music, or art. They offer more social clubs such as dance club and yoga. They offer competitive clubs for students interested in competing in Science Olympiad, Model UN debates, SeaPerch, and more.

RCSAM offers tutoring weekly for students who may be having a hard time academically. They also offer tutoring on Saturdays if needed! Gifted services are available for students who are advanced as well.

RCSAM offers exciting experiences through quarterly field trips and in-school events.

The staff is made of genuinely good people who care about the best interest of their students and their school. The administration works hard to ensure that all students achieve their goals and ensure staff is supported.

RSCAM has a very active Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO.) The PVO offers movie nights for families, spring fairs, the Scholastic book fair, and so much more. They also work hard to ensure staff feels appreciated for their hard work. Parents have many opportunities to get involved in the school including PVO, All Pro Dad, chaperoning field trips, reading to classes, career day, and more. There are many ways for parents to be involved if they are interested!

River City Science Academy Mandarin boasts so many accolades including:
- Florida School of Character for encouraging positive character development.
- Florida Department of Education has recognized it as a School of Excellence
- RCSAM maintains an A School Grade for high-achieving academics.
- The many academic and competitive clubs have received countless awards as well including Science Olympiad, SeaPerch, Model UN, and others.

All that being said, no other local school can compare to the education and opportunities that River City Science Academy Mandarin has to offer.

Posted: May 3, 2024

Posted: April 28, 2024

Our family has been attending RCSA Mandarin for 2 years in the elementary building. The teachers have been exceptionally wondering and engaging. The staff is friendly and helpful. The school environment seems fun with field trips planned throughout the year and school wide events. The children have playground time daily as well as a different resource class daily to enjoy - stem, music, art, media and physical education. There is plenty of opportunity for parental engagement and volunteering. I enjoy that it feels like a small school where the staff know you and your children personally. Weve had great experiences here.

Posted: April 28, 2024

Posted: April 21, 2024

Its a community and everyone feels special.

Posted: April 21, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

I am Beyond ecstatic about the excellent educational experience.My son has received. The teachers are amazing.And the administrative staff are easy to communicate with and very responsive. He has had an opportunity to participate in Spanish club, violin club, soccer, basketball And junior legal league. This is all before second grade. My favorite opportunities are the family movie nights. We enjoy movies on the lawn or in the gymnasium. I am excited about the opportunities that are coming such as involvement in science olympia, Or a sea perch. Drop off And pick up our well organized and a smooth transition. The school is in a school and a school of high honor and integrity recognized by the state. The course work is challenging but the students are supported through tutoring opportunities. It feels like a high end private school education. I would encourage and recommend any friends and family Send their children here.

Posted: April 19, 2024

We have been here since the inaugural year of the Mandarin campus and we LOVE it!! All three of my girls have excelled through the academic STEM program. We have been so blessed with amazing and caring teachers as well. We can't say enough about the Mandarin Campus!!

Posted: April 19, 2024

Fantastic school and top notch teachers! My son, a straight A student, started in first grade and it took two years to catch up to the students and education at RSA Mandarin. I could not be more happy with the education my son is receiving, the many academic clubs offered, the loving learning environment, and positive atmosphere my son has experienced learning remotely during COVID and in the classroom setting! A+++

Posted: April 19, 2024

It is a great learning community starting from staff, teachers, office and Everybody there. All four of my kids went to the school still have one in the school and she loves it there. Every day is a learning environment, and they even do events outside of school time. Offer tutoring and help student needs it.

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: November 11, 2023

As a student as this school, it is the absolute WORST school for children, even if your sobbing they DO NOT CARE and the teachers teach absolute nonsense. one time a teacher even CURSED at a student. I hate this stupid school.

Posted: November 11, 2023

Posted: June 25, 2023

I am a former student of rcsam. This is the worst school I have EVER stepped foot in. The elective teachers mistreat the students and some teachers are extremely racist. On another occasion we had a student threaten to shoot the school, when reported once again admin did nothing but suspend the student for one day. Multiple people were bullied on multiple occasions throughout my entire middle school experience and yet again admin did nothing. I was physically abused by a student with multiple witnesses and even camera footage. Multiple other students reported this student multiple times within 2 school years and they never received any punishment at all. The only thing that made my year bearable were the amazing 8th grade core teachers.

Posted: June 25, 2023

Posted: May 15, 2023

As part of the River City Science Academy Mandarin community, I wholeheartedly recommend River City Science Academy to anyone seeking an outstanding educational experience for their young learner. This institution excels in providing a well-rounded education, combining academic excellence with character development, technological innovation, and a vibrant community. The impact it has on students is truly transformative, preparing them to become lifelong learners and contributing members of society. River City Science Academy Mandarin undoubtedly deserves five stars for its unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Posted: May 15, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2022

RCSA Mandarin is an amazing school with a fantastic learning environment for the students. The staff is extremely involved in all aspects including making differences in students' lives. I truly enjoy being a part of the RCSAM Family!

Posted: September 27, 2022

Posted: December 11, 2019

Very pleased with positive and safe learning environment. The challenge is there and I need challenge for my kids here.

Posted: December 11, 2019

Great adaptive curriculum at the right level of rigor (iready is awesome)

Posted: December 11, 2019

My childs teacher is so sweet and caring

Posted: December 11, 2019

Second step program and restorative justice are great programs

Posted: December 11, 2019

Hard working leaders who are very strong on holding school together

Posted: December 11, 2019

Amazing strategies on learning in small groups and giving right rigor

Posted: December 11, 2019

Tough on handling bullying with proactive approaches instead of reactive

Posted: July 22, 2019

My 3rd child is getting ready to attend this fall. Kids are all well adjusted and making friendships well.

Posted: July 22, 2019

Staff is friendly and approachable. Sometimes there is miscommunication between departments but overall the leadership system is well organized.

Posted: July 22, 2019

Teachers take the time to get to know each student.

Posted: July 22, 2019

I haven't seen any instances of bullying- I'm sure it happens, but with the strict uniform dress code and frequent activities, I don't think the bullies have time to bully. I could be wrong though.

Posted: July 22, 2019

My kids have been here for 2nd, 3rd grades, and now fourth and kindergarten. I don't know how the middle school grades are, but we have had an amazing experience with the elementary level. I like that they do balance all subjects, even with the name "science academy' and I'm glad my daughters are getting a STEM focused education.

Posted: July 22, 2019

Great blend of digital and pencil/paper resources.

Posted: July 22, 2019

The teachers are very involved and communicative. We even had a few of them over to the house for them to get to meet our family. Extremely impressed.

Posted: June 27, 2019

Overall extremely pleased with the staff at their attentiveness to the needs of students and parents.

Posted: June 27, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

Flexible homework assigned throught the week. It is convenient for us to see progress with easy to use apps.

Posted: March 29, 2019

It is great to see very dedicated teachers , prompt responses to inquiries, live updates for academic and behavior

Posted: March 29, 2019

Steong character education class with emphasis on literacy to improve reading levels.

Posted: March 29, 2019

School leaders provide safe and well organized structure with very clear communication on expectations. The newsletters dojo messages and social message gives great updates.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Teachers provide differentiated insteuction while some groups wre pulled out for smaller settings on their needs.

Posted: March 29, 2019

School provides auick and effective bullying policy to take an action before it happens.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Amazing experience for my daughter who attends since the school opened its foors in 2016. She loes her teachers and friends and does excel in coding stem fields and high in academic levels.

Posted: March 25, 2019

Most do not even have a real teaching certificate

Posted: March 25, 2019

It is made to sound like something its not. Most of the teachers are unqualified. There are better public schools in the area. Choose better for your children than this.

Posted: December 1, 2018

Bad. Should have known with how easy this school was to get into. Go to the charter school down the road, Duval charter had been around for a while and from talking with other parents they recommend and the teachers care. This is supposed to be a school with heavy influence in science and math, but this school doesnt have any better programs than others. They are selective and have their cliques and groups who excel here. Afterschool programs and clubs are the same, and i believe they handpick who can be involved in what.

Posted: December 1, 2018

My daughter is in middle school. They want us to use an app to track grades and upcoming assignments and progress. Then they want us to stay connected using another app for announcements, reminders etc. They need to get it together. Each teachers approach to using the app for assignments is different and its completely out of control. They need to standardize how these teachers assign work and how we as parents can keep up, because i have never been so out of the loop in my life. One teachers posts things as missings even when they are not, another doesnt post anything to upcoming and were expected to keep up by how she has it posted by her class. This school is disorganized and everyone who works here is unprofessional. This is a newer school but these these are major concerns.

Posted: December 1, 2018

Unprofessional and disorganized are the two words that come to mind. My daughter has been in gifted since she was in kindergarten but when she started here they told her she was not. When asked about it. They said they would look into it. Never heard about it again.

Posted: December 1, 2018

They do post things about kids having good character traits, although my daughter and her friends have told me about how the teachers just ignore kids who bully and disrespect.

Posted: December 1, 2018

I haven't had any bad experiences but this school seems to be more about how they look and their appearances than how they teach and how effective their methods are. If i were to assume right, this is because leadership is poor. People who work here are constantly rotating through.

Posted: December 1, 2018

They have no programs for kids with learning disabilities. None.

Posted: December 1, 2018

Ive been told how teachers have completely IGNORED bullying. That should not be tolerated. But like i said previously, kids are valued more on their appearance here.

Posted: May 18, 2018

Great adaptive curriculum designed to mold student needs ( iReady, Achieve
3000, Journeys , Math in Focus, )

Posted: May 18, 2018

Dedicated teachers, amazing communication with well established routines and procedures. Staff work very hard to provide the best education to students and resources to teachers

Posted: May 18, 2018

Right balance for weekly assignment approach to lower school.

Posted: May 18, 2018

Staff work very hard to provide the best education to students and resources to teachers

Posted: May 18, 2018

Amazing community projects and character education in action

Posted: May 18, 2018

work very hard to provide the best education to students and resources to teachers

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Waterford at Orange Park	Apartment Complex	Orange Park	FL	7.6 mi
2	Bartram Springs	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	7.9 mi
3	Durbin Crossing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Saint Johns	FL	8.6 mi
4	Fleming Island Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	9.2 mi
5	Lighthouse at Fleming Island	Apartment Complex	Fleming Island	FL	9.3 mi
6	Highland Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	10.6 mi
7	Spencers Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	10.9 mi
8	Wolf Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	10.9 mi
9	The Reserve at Wynnfield Lakes	Apartment Complex	Jacksonville	FL	11.6 mi
10	Oakleaf Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	13 mi
11	Waterleaf	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	13 mi
12	Kernan Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	14.2 mi
13	Jacksonville Beaches	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville Beach	FL	14.5 mi
14	Pine Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Middleburg	FL	14.9 mi
15	Reed Island	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	15.3 mi
16	Sea Oats Apartments	Apartment Complex	Atlantic Beach	FL	15.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Mandarin	Jacksonville	FL	2 mi
2	Orange Park	Orange Park	FL	5.9 mi
3	Fleming Island	Orange Park	FL	8.5 mi
4	San Marco	Jacksonville	FL	9.2 mi
5	Avondale	Jacksonville	FL	10.3 mi
6	Riverside	Jacksonville	FL	10.6 mi
7	Sandalwood	Jacksonville	FL	11.6 mi
8	Green Cove Springs	Green Cove Springs	FL	13.5 mi
9	Jacksonville Beaches	Jacksonville Beach	FL	14.5 mi

Base	Distance
Jacksonville NAS	5.7 mi.
Cecil Field	16.8 mi.
Coast Guard Mayport	17.7 mi.
Mayport Naval Station	18.1 mi.
Camp Blanding	26.9 mi.
Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base	42.6 mi.

River City Science Academy Mandarin

Jacksonville, FL 32257

School Ratings

Refine Search

National Ad

River City Science Academy Mandarin

Jacksonville, FL 32257

School Ratings

Refine Search

National Ad

Email Address *

*We take your personal information very seriously and will never give it to a 3rd party. If you don't enjoy the email series, you can always unsubscribe at anytime.*

We take your personal information very seriously and will never give it to a 3rd party. If you don't enjoy the email series, you can always unsubscribe at anytime.