St Johns Classical Academy in Fleming Island

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	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	6/10	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: May 10, 2026

This is our daughters first year here after almost four years on the waitlist and she is finishing up fourth grade. We have had a wonderful experience so far. The beginning was rocky with her teacher, but administration took the parents concerns seriously and a new teacher took over. Our daughter has had a wonderful year since, maintaining straight As, and absolutely loving school. I see comments about administration not being transparent or not listening, and we have had the polar opposite experience. Mrs. McCullough promptly responded when I emailed her about something; Mrs. Melquist called me to follow up on a concern. Our couple of admin experienced have been very solid. In addition, our daughters teacher, Mrs. Weaver, immediately nips bullying wherever she sees it. She discusses virtues, she assigns consequences, and she moves their desks so they dont get cliquey. Shes also an excellent teacher who breaks down concepts in a way they understand, and offers for students to write peer conflicts or school issues down when they dont feel comfortable verbalizing them. There are also so many opportunities to volunteer, and we love having the ability to come eat lunch with our daughter each week. Im a little worried about upper school based on the reviews here, but based on what Ive seen so far, I do have faith that admin will continue to address issues and turn over staff who deviate from the school virtues or do not have the students best interests for learning at heart.

Posted: May 10, 2026

Posted: April 30, 2026

As a parent who has experienced upper and lower school at SJCA, I can honestly say that the school needs a lot of work. The teacher turnover rate is very high, the teachers are not happy but need their job so they stay quiet. Major issues are covered up, drugs are in the upper school but you dont hear about them. Administration doesnt listen to the parents concerns. The sports programs are subpar. Students are told to
Sit still and talk less rather than giving them outlets for their energy and imagination to blossom. The uniforms and uniform policy is atrocious. Dual enrollment doesnt exist here which limits the students ability to get ahead. Bullying is very prevalent and ignored based on who contributes the most money to the school.

Posted: April 30, 2026

Posted: November 17, 2025

Oh my gosh. I cant even explain how bad the school is. All the parents say how great it is. It is great if you are in kindergarden to maybe fourth or fifth grade. Once you get upstairsoh man. So many of my friends have left the school because of how bad the bullying is and the teachers dont say a word about it. The teachers all seem miserable and dont make learning enjoyable. Some of them are fun such as my eighth grade Language arts teacher who actually seems to enjoy her job. You can very much tell how the teachers dont like us. I do not recommend this school. It can cause bad mental health. It makes you feel like nobody cares about you and everyones favorite thing to do is cause drama and bully people. It is not just me that feels this way. Everyone talks about it. There is absolutely no freedom here at all what so ever. Worst school ever. I have this one teacher that SCARES people so bad. I have trouble sleeping at night sometimes thinking of going to his class the next day. this school is insane and soo bad. Do NOT recommend.

Posted: August 27, 2025

This may initially look like a nice option to the crowded larger public schools, but beware. You find a cramped campus in which kids rarely see sunlight and some get essentially no exercise all day. The school hides behind a Board which parents do not elect and cannot freely speak with, and they will not respond to most questions at all. You can try to find time to show up at Board meetings and write your comment on a card as if it is a city council meeting. They show very little interest to no interest in the day to day issues of kids and parents. Headmasters/teachers leave suddenly with no reasons. Communication is not consistent at all. Homework is excessive, bordering on college level (hours per day). Our child says the virtues are really not applied in the school and it is just a shiny object to draw parents in, but does not really exist especially in operation between the Board/Admin/parent communication. The Board/Admin does not show respect for parental concerns, at all. I have seen people raise issues for years with no response, proving the Board/Admin just do not care. They seem far more concerned about getting their school "score" up than anything. If they can remove the Board or get one that cares, it may have a chance to turn itself around. Otherwise, this is a failed experiment of a school.

Posted: August 27, 2025

Posted: November 4, 2024

Our kids were on the waitlist for two years before they won "the lottery" and gained acceptance to the school. It was so worth the wait! Our oldest child is now attending his 6th year and is lightyears ahead of his public school peers. We appreciate that the school places as much emphasis on living virtuously as it does on academics. We are grateful to have such amazing teachers and administrators.

Posted: November 4, 2024

Posted: August 12, 2024

My granddaughter was bullied here for four years and the school did zero about it, but when we complained she was punished. Some of the teachers are bullies themselves so it isn't real surprising, we've transferred them out and I'm so glad we did!

Posted: August 12, 2024

Posted: May 3, 2024

I attended this school for a while and yes there were some positive moments, but humans are good at finding optimism even in the worst of conditions. The school got worse every year, every good part about the previous year that made students excited to stay they always got rid of. There is also severe favoritism with staff kids. They always talk about the virtues but when a staff student breaks the rules, the rules all of a sudden turn flexible.I have also been on the receiving end of bullying at this school, not from the students but from the teachers! The teachers have no regard for you and are down right nasty to you if you are not one of the feels selected students with a high GPA. The older you get at this school the worse the teachers are. They borderline indoctrinate you but disguise it as patriotism. If you are anything but a straight, white person you will be discriminated against. I cannot recommend more strongly to not attend this school, everyone is miserable and there is no freedom. They promise everything and deliver on nothing. The education is good but at the compromise of everything else. Do not go here!

Posted: May 3, 2024

Posted: February 22, 2023

as a student this school is not worth anything people say it is. there is no room for creativity and the rules are beyond stupid and the experience is awful

Posted: February 22, 2023

as a student i think it is awful

Posted: February 22, 2023

Posted: September 15, 2022

We are so grateful for this wonderful school!

Posted: September 15, 2022

Posted: August 11, 2022

The is school is a poor man excuse for private education. The school lacks diversity, and doesnt teach a forward way of teaching with technology. Great old school teaching, which a positive, but time doesnt stand still for nobody and having some computer skills is bad idea.

Posted: August 11, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Best school in Clay County. They teach virtues plus the curriculum is super challenging. The kids are well behaved, bright, and respectful. I have kids there and I also substitute there. The morale on campus is great!

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: June 28, 2021

Worst administration - leaders lack integrity and honesty. Would not recommend this school to any of our friends.

Posted: June 28, 2021

Posted: May 27, 2020

Love it! Will never take my kids anywhere else

Posted: May 27, 2020

Virtues Virtues Virtues Virtues Virtues Virtues Virtues Virtues

Posted: May 27, 2020

They serve ESE and 504 students like all other schools in the district

Posted: May 27, 2020

Posted: January 9, 2020

While I like some things I hardly ever saw anything come home

Posted: January 9, 2020

Theyre okay I guess. I wouldnt rave

Posted: January 9, 2020

My daughter has ADD and they could not provide any intervention or accommodations. They have to go the classical way or no way at all.

Posted: January 9, 2020

While this school had great fire behind it. I was not impressed. Theyre lunch policy is ridiculous. You cant go in the cafeteria but other public schools as long as you sign in and are allowed to be there youre fine. Nope. At SJCA you eat outside no matter what on small tables sometimes that are full. Rain. Cold. You name it. Sorry youre outside. The playground is so small and pathetic. My daughter has ADD and they couldnt provide any accommodations or I terventions a public school would be able to. If youre child can do multiplication at first grade. Sure go here. Push them to their limits. But if youre hold struggles any bit Id stick with public school. Get the help they need. This school is fast paced and hard curriculum. They tried this school but I dont see success. Lets not talk about the drop off and pick up junk.

Posted: November 15, 2019

It has been a tremendous blessing for our family and for the community. They love our kids and are incredibly effecting in educating our children. They go above and beyond for us. So grateful for this educational experience. My kids are being challenged at their level. Teachers are authentic and more than equipped to handle the needs of our kids. Thank you St. Johns Classical Academy for going above and beyond for our students!

Posted: August 23, 2019

Many parents (myself included) have transferred their kids to StJCA from other "A" rated schools. Why? Because StJCA has a unique culture and curriculum that simply does not exist at regular public schools. Most Clay County schools are amazing and I do not want to knock them, but the virtue-focused education StJCA provides is truly one of a kind.

Posted: August 21, 2019

Children are held accountable for completing their own homework. My daughter records hers in her planner and I make it her responsibility to bring it to me for checking when she is done.

Posted: August 21, 2019

We love it. There have been growing pains and several parents with negative attitudes but hopefully they will weed themselves out.

Posted: August 21, 2019

They practice and recite the school virtues. It is exemplified in the faculty and staff.

Posted: August 21, 2019

Weve been with the school since its first year. Each year administration gets better. We continue to stay involved as parents as charter school families should be.

Posted: August 21, 2019

This could be better. But I feel like as long as parents stay involved we will see better outcomes.

Posted: August 21, 2019

Overall were pleased with SJCA. We look forward to seeing our children grow and learn in such a rewarding academic environment.

Posted: August 21, 2019

Homework has a balanced approach. The school focuses on quality over quantity if books or worksheets a student does at home. Much if my kids homework is done before leaving school during study time.

Posted: August 21, 2019

My childs teacher treated him so well last year. She was a fellow boy mom who didnt focus on normal harmless boy behavior. Standards and expectations were gently enforced.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Overall experience has been great! One of the best decisions I could have made for my LO.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Excellent. The school has surpassed expectations. I would easily recommend it for anyone looking to avoid the nonsense of the typical public school where your child is another number.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The homework assigned was relevant to the learning process and helped with student proficiency in the classroom.

Posted: August 20, 2019

I had the pleasure of meeting most of the teachers and was pleasantly surprised at the level of care and concern for the scholars. As with any environment some changes needed to be made and they were.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Character is a cornerstone of this schools environment. It is unlike the typical public school environment of other local public schools in the area.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The school leadership has flourished in the short time the school has been open.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Im not knowledgeable enough on the subject to give a honest opinion.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Most of the other public schools in the area favor the chosen few based on certain criteria. This school effectively curtails this sort of behavior. Leaving everyone on equal footing.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Regular homework with feedback from teachers, not just checked off as completed.

Posted: August 20, 2019

They know their subjects, and are trained to make sure students master concepts before moving to next level.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The motto says it all! Learn the true. DO THE GOOD. Love the beautiful.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Leadership is good. Even with the changes from year to year, the structure has allowed continual leadership.

Posted: August 20, 2019

My friend's child who stagnated at his previous school has thrived at SJCA. He is performing at grade level or above in all subjects.m

Posted: August 20, 2019

It seems that not choosing someone to be a close friend is considered bullying by some. I know of no physical threats or violence occurring at SJCA.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The curriculum, structure and values at this school surpass every other school my children have attended. We are a military family, so we have a good bit of experience in a variety of schools, including two here.

Posted: August 20, 2019

We are entering our third year at SJCA and are very pleased with the curriculum and the focus on character development.

Posted: August 20, 2019

SJCA assigns homework as a review to the material taught in class.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The faculty and staff hold all students to a high standard. Most children thrive when provided structure and boundaries. The kids at SJCA are no exception

Posted: August 20, 2019

The virtues that students are expected uphold by are incredible.

Posted: August 20, 2019

There has been significant turnover in the school leadership each of the last two school years.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The teachers are experts in their field and the classical curriculum. The teachers continually receive additional training to be the best they can be for the students. The teachers really care!

Posted: August 20, 2019

The school teaches and upholds 9 virtues that not only produce great scholars but also great citizens.

Posted: August 20, 2019

They listen to parents, and teachers on how to resolve issues and make the school better.

Posted: August 20, 2019

SJCA understands each student is a unique human with different challenges and needs. I am so impressed with how the teachers go above and beyond especially with students who have learning disabilities.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The school immediately intervenes with any incident of bullying and addresses the issue with the child and the parent.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Our experience at SJCA has exceeded all expectations!

Posted: August 20, 2019

Homework isnt busy work, the homework strengthens what is taught in class. Students are sent home with material to learn on their own.

Posted: August 20, 2019

This school has been an amazing educational experience for all three of my children.

Posted: August 20, 2019

The teachers are dedicated to the classical style of education and teaching the scholars at their academic level, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Posted: August 20, 2019

They have met each accommodation for my child and have additional resources available as well.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Posted: July 4, 2019

Best education in clay county. Just finished their second year and I would only choose this public school

Posted: May 26, 2019

If anything, they hurt children. I know the school has been reported to the county for multiple issues.

Posted: May 26, 2019

This is purely based on the teacher. Some are great, some are not.

Posted: May 26, 2019

The administration and staff are the ones that are the worst about it. They can effectively deal with it if they are bullies.

Posted: May 26, 2019

While they use classical curriculum, not all the teachers use the classical method.

Posted: May 26, 2019

While there are some good teachers there, some of them are so-so. It is the administration that negates the hard work of the teachers. The admin are bullies and this has been a horrible experience. I dont understand how the admin werent fired.

Posted: May 26, 2019

They cant teach something they are lacking themselves.

Posted: May 26, 2019

Horrible, horrible, horrible. While the curriculum has been has been good, the administration has some serious problems. Unfortunately I dont see the school making it much longer.

Posted: May 25, 2019

I would agree with this statement if we were talking teachers but when you add in the administration it gets a big No.

Posted: May 25, 2019

I don't know why the Governing Board decided to terminate its contract with Principal Knapp and Vice Principal Bradley they were hands down top notch. This years administration is an utter disappointment. The lack of knowledge and experience is disturbing.

Posted: May 25, 2019

My children do not have learning disabilities so I can't properly answer.

Posted: May 25, 2019

No, they sweep these issues under the rug just like the majority of other schools.

Posted: May 25, 2019

Depends on the grade level and teacher. My current 5th grader has had less homework this year compared to last year. My current 8th grader the homework load is comparable.

Posted: May 25, 2019

The majority of the teachers are great. The school has had an issue both this year and last with the math department in the upper grades.

Posted: May 25, 2019

The inaugural year was a highly positive year with outstanding leadership, communication, respect, and family atmosphere. This current school year 2018-2019 has been a disappointment. The lack of leadership, communication, respect, and accountability has me questioning if the school can truly deliver the Classical education it built its reputation on.

Posted: April 19, 2019

I cannot say enough positive things about the curriculum. It is very difficult, and pushes my children to reach for a higher level of education and understanding. They are learning to be pillars of the community, not just how to pass a test. They are given homework on a regular basis, and are expected to maintain a level of maturity and sophistication. This is unlike any school I have seen in this area, and I am grateful for the opportunity for my children to learn and grow in this environment. Most of the people that are unhappy are not used to their kids being pushed, and held accountable for their actions. If you want your kids to be challenged, this is the school for them. There are no free passes. We have foreign language, art, and music. They learn cursive in first grade, and many of the 6 year olds are reading and understanding classical chapter books, including The Iliad.

Posted: April 19, 2019

The homework helps reinforce what is learned during the classroom period.

Posted: April 19, 2019

The teachers are constantly teaching the scholars to be their absolute best, and to work hard to be successful. The curriculum is difficult, and is not a good fit for every child.

Posted: April 19, 2019

There are virtues taught to the scholars every day, and the teachers and administration do their best to lead by example.

Posted: April 19, 2019

Dr. Williams has been a great example for the teachers and scholars. She is full of grace and poise.

Posted: April 19, 2019

I do not have any insight into this personally, but I know some accommodations are made for struggling students.

Posted: April 19, 2019

My child tells me all the time that the bullies usually end up leaving the school because that isn't tolerated. The staff has an open door policy for students and addresses problems head on. We have not had any issues with bullying from students, or staff.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Because that is at the heart of a classical education

Posted: March 4, 2019

Classical education at it's core is designed to educate the whole child -heart, mind and soul. Teachers teach the students, not the students teaching students.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Just as it is with any Clay County School, Bullying is not tolerated, however at SJCA, bullying is practically non-existent. The culture is so different here that students are developing good character and virtues that are the antithesis of hatred.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Because they understand the importance of balanced homework and home life. While homework is mandatory, it is not over burdensome.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Because each of them have been trained in Classical Education by Hillsdale College professionals.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Considering this is only their 2nd year since opening, they are Superior to any government run public school in Clay Co.

Posted: February 20, 2019

Some are good, upper school could use some replacements, in particular civics, band and pre algebra.

Posted: February 20, 2019

Students are stressed, bullied by aforementioned teachers (civics, band), belittled, mocked. Most students are depressed and on some sort of anxiety medication

Posted: February 20, 2019

Negative. Image PR seems to be priority

Posted: February 20, 2019

ZERO SPECIAL NEEDS. Useless if you have a child with a learning difference. Theyre clumped with all students and left behind, without a second thought

Posted: February 20, 2019

Awful. Saddened because we had high hopes with a few staff members being people we knew and liked from other schools. But the few bad apples and Principal PR , it has been a waste of a year

Posted: February 20, 2019

Absolutely no one is on the same page, even for one day.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Fleming Island Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	1.2 mi
2	Lighthouse at Fleming Island	Apartment Complex	Fleming Island	FL	1.2 mi
3	Waterford at Orange Park	Apartment Complex	Orange Park	FL	5.9 mi
4	Spencers Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	6.3 mi
5	Durbin Crossing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Saint Johns	FL	6.9 mi
6	Pine Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Middleburg	FL	7.3 mi
7	Oakleaf Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	7.5 mi
8	Eagle Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	9.1 mi
9	Bartram Springs	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	13.7 mi
10	Highland Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	19.6 mi
11	Wolf Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	19.8 mi
12	The Reserve at Wynnfield Lakes	Apartment Complex	Jacksonville	FL	20.3 mi
13	Waterleaf	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	21.6 mi
14	Kernan Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	22.7 mi
15	Reed Island	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	23.2 mi
16	Jacksonville Beaches	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville Beach	FL	23.5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Fleming Island	Orange Park	FL	0.8 mi
2	Orange Park	Orange Park	FL	4.8 mi
3	Green Cove Springs	Green Cove Springs	FL	8.1 mi
4	Mandarin	Jacksonville	FL	8.1 mi
5	Avondale	Jacksonville	FL	13.8 mi
6	San Marco	Jacksonville	FL	14.8 mi
7	Riverside	Jacksonville	FL	15.2 mi
8	Sandalwood	Jacksonville	FL	20.3 mi
9	Jacksonville Beaches	Jacksonville Beach	FL	23.5 mi

Base	Distance
Jacksonville NAS	8.8 mi.
Cecil Field	12.4 mi.
Camp Blanding	18 mi.
Coast Guard Mayport	26.5 mi.
Mayport Naval Station	26.9 mi.
Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base	48.9 mi.

St Johns Classical Academy

Fleming Island, FL 32003

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St Johns Classical Academy

Fleming Island, FL 32003

School Ratings

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