Annunciation Catholic School

Middleburg, FL 32068

Phone: (904) 282-0504
Fax: (904) 282-6808

NR

GreatSchools Rating

private • Grades PK-8 • 371 students

Annunciation Catholic School is a private school in Middleburg, Florida. It is coed and Catholic affiliated, serving 420 students in grades PK-8.

Annunciation Catholic School is a private school located in Middleburg, FL. 371 students attend Annunciation Catholic School.

Posted: February 26, 2026

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Posted: February 26, 2026

Ever since the new principal took over it’s gone downhill. He’s dismissive, socially unaware/awkward, and is money hungry. Sure, running a private school isn’t cheap or free but on top of tuition there’s many, many, many other extras added on and strange things that have occurred. For example, he’s maxed out class sizes with lots of classes having up to 24 kids. This includes kindergarten! That is INSANE and that’s not even allowed in Florida public schools. I think teachers are very overwhelmed here. There’s been many teachers leaving and that’s never a good sign. I feel bad for the teachers, I really do. They’re trying to max out every single grade. They’re constantly asking for donations/money for things that we’ve seen no work being put into. They’ve been collecting money for a cafeteria. Where’s it at? They BEG parents every year to fill out the title one sheet to give “our students more opportunities”. Where are those opportunities at?? We have 1 guidance counselor for the entire school and that just started THIS YEAR! Where’s the rest of that funding going? Where did it go in the previous years when we didn’t even have the 1 guidance counselor? Sure seems odd. The funding goes to the school but our kids don’t actually see any of it so are we really helping our kids out by filling that out? No! They’re getting even more money and none of that is being put back into the kids. Anything nice done for parents (the parents that spend their money to have their kids go here) isn’t even paid for by the school. They want donuts for grandparents day? They ask PARENTS to provide them. They want teachers to have a sweet treat? They ask PARENTS to provide it. They hand out some random treat once a year in the car line to parents? Those have been donated by PARENTS to the school too!! Everything is about money and each year it’s becoming more and more. Throughout the year they do many donations for charities (which is great! We support them)! However, I can’t help but wonder if this is just another quick scheme for them to get a tax break. So sad. There’s also barely any after school programs for kids unless they’re in 5th grade or higher. They recently added a dance class for girls under 5th grade because the principal has 2 daughters that can benefit from that. But nothing for boys under 5th. How strange! My daughter and son won’t be returning to this school. For the price we pay I don’t believe they’re getting a good education or experience. Very disappointed.

Posted: January 30, 2026

I should have listened to other reviews. We are extremely disappointed with our experience at this school after three years of enrollment. While the school promotes Catholic values, the reality does not reflect compassion, inclusion, or support—especially for children with special needs. If your child does not “fit the mold,” they are clearly not welcomed or supported here. There are little to no meaningful accommodations, and the overall attitude from leadership feels judgmental rather than Christ-centered.
The principal presents himself as values-driven, but his actions tell a different story. Inclusion and understanding are preached, not practiced.
Additionally, the school serves fast food–style lunches daily while repeatedly asking families for donations to build a cafeteria. After three years, there has been no visible progress on this project, yet fundraising requests continue.
Families are constantly nickel-and-dimed for extra fees, and mandatory volunteer hours are enforced with little regard for working parents or families with limited availability. Rather than feeling like a supportive school community, it feels transactional and exclusionary.
If you are a family with a child who has special needs, or if you are looking for a school that truly lives out Catholic values of compassion and inclusion, I would strongly encourage you to look elsewhere.

Posted: January 30, 2026

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Posted: January 20, 2026

This is considered a college prep school. If your child struggles in the slightest, they will suggest medication or just push you out. Honestly my son being dismissed from this school was the best thing that ever happened to him. He has THRIVED since leaving this place.

Posted: January 20, 2026

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Posted: November 20, 2025

I had my daughter at this school last year for
Pre-k. Never felt welcomed. My daughter hated coming to school. Honestly felt judged the whole time. It doesn’t feel like a traditional Catholic school. Don’t recommend

Posted: November 20, 2025

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Posted: February 1, 2023

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Posted: February 1, 2023

They need a lot of improvements starting with their Principal to the staff. Very supremacist and cold. They are pretending that theh will treat your child like a family but the truth, they would not. Please think multiple times if you want to send your kids to this pretend home of God.

Posted: February 1, 2023

Posted: September 29, 2022

DO NOT send your child here if they have even the slightest trouble paying attention or fidgeting. Any kind of learning struggles and they will be made to feel like less than every single day. Bullying isn't dealt with because it is usually being done by staff members and teachers. I would not recommend this school and my family has had a lot of years under our belt at Annunciation.

Posted: September 29, 2022

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Posted: April 22, 2021

Love this school. Small enough to give individual attention to each child and large enough to provide strong academics. This is our third year at Annunciation Catholic School and we would not want to be anywhere else.

Posted: April 22, 2021

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Posted: April 22, 2021

Acs is an amazing school. The teachers are all patient and adaptable to different learning styles and struggles. My kids will continue to go hear as they all become of age

Posted: April 22, 2021

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Posted: December 7, 2020

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Posted: December 7, 2020

My son had a great experience and has kept friends for many years. The teachers teach individuality and responsibility. They really bring out their talents and treasures.

Posted: August 24, 2018

My daughter is great, but my son tends to procrastinate and is slow to catch things first go, they make learning individual for each student. They understand what works for one child may not be the best for another.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Bullying seems to be a prevalent conversation at all schools these days. Yes we had an incident and they handled it quickly. Kids are kids, you will have some that are naturally aggressive, it is how the administration handles the situation that sets them apart.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Teachers work with the kids. There is a lot of homework, but this is not your run of the mill school, they demand excellence.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Some of the best in the county!

Posted: August 24, 2018

Character is a pillar in their system of developing the whole child.

Posted: August 24, 2018

The leadership is wonderful and supportive. Very involved.

Posted: August 24, 2018

We love ACS, don't be fooled by bad reviews, if you get notes home or letters home about behavior or learning challenges - it is not for lack of trying on their part to work with your child(ren). They go far above and beyond to make sure every kid is in the right learning environment, they are safe, nurtured and supported. If you want a rigorous education that opens doors, then this is the school! We have found you MUST be an involved parent though. Parents who are not involved will be dissatisfied. It is an equal partnership as it should be. You're paying tuition for a great education, but that doesn't mean you won;t play a huge part. We have been here since 2nd grade for my son after trying 3 public schools and one other private school - none compare. My kids have converted to being Catholic due to the love and support this school and parish have provided.

Posted: June 4, 2018

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Posted: June 4, 2018

My child went to VPK at this school. We had him previously in a mothers day out program and we occasionally would have issues with his behaviour. When our child started Vpk at Annunciation we constantly received emails from the teacher saying he has not behaving. He had pushed some children and wasn't listening to the teacher. He was not being the BEST child but his teacher didn't know how to handle a headstrong child. She immediately schedule a meeting with her, the principal and a counselors. The counselors never said a word just sat they're taking notes as if my child was a 10th grader who was constantly fighting kids and doing drugs. My child would come home everyday HATING SCHOOL. He said some kids was bullying him but yet all we heard from the teacher was what He was doing. A second meeting was scheduled with the teacher, principal and the counselor (once again didn't say a word). Principal asked us to pray with her and then after that basically said my child wasn't aloud to come back. We asked for more time for my child to prove himself which they gave a week. It seemed that was a mistake asking for more time and next day we received a letter from the teacher stating my child tore up a bulletin board and she even included paper from the board in pieces. MY CHILD NEVER EVER DID ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE. This school was far from Catholic as it seems if your child is not perfectly behaved, you're not welcome. They offered no solutions such as us coming to sit with him or transferring him to another class. Now he is AFRAID to go back to school as he doesn't wish to have the same experience.

Posted: August 29, 2017

I do not know other schools first hand. ACS was our first choice because my husband & I were both brought up with Catholic educations. We may not be the best parents, but we understand the importance of prayer. I may not be as well behaved as my children (ok, it's not even close!), but I try to share agape. Why am I sharing this?! I feared, 5 years ago, becoming part of this school community ... that we wouldn't fit "the mold" ... that we weren't "private school material" ... and I can honestly say that there is no mold. Our school has teachers and staff that go out of their way to keep us informed & reassured that our kids are in the best hands possible. We have volunteers who give of their time because they want to see the school excel & the kids have fun. I have formed bonds with families who have improved my life with their presence. I come away from school events feeling loved & affirmed in our choice for our 3 children.

Posted: August 29, 2017

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Posted: February 1, 2015

Dear Parents, Thank you for considering Annunciation Catholic School. At ACS we seek to educate the whole child in concert with our parents. Our academics strive for excellence while still including "extras" like Spanish, music, art, and PE for all students. We are a 21st Century school that has not lost sight of the essential fundamentals. Our greatest fundamental, of course, are the values we help you to foster in your children. I hope you will email or call for a tour. May God bless and keep you. J. Mullarkey, principal

Posted: July 29, 2014

We are looking forward to the start of another school year. My daughters can't wait to get back to their friends and their teachers. My fifth grader is a little nervous about going to the upper building, but she can't wait to try out for basketball (she's been practicing her dribbling.) If you want a great academic school with a great atmosphere, this place is it!

Posted: May 13, 2014

This has been our first year at Annunciation and we love it. Our son is excited each day to go to Mrs. Kenny's kindergarten class. He has made great friends and we have seen noticeable progress in his learning and behavior. Oh and he loves Run-Walk Club and we have found that parents are very friendly. Annunciation is a great Christian place and we plan to be here for the duration.

Posted: May 6, 2014

Annunciation is like an extension of my family. I have had two children at the school and one is graduating this year to go to BJS. I have been very happy with the teachers and the preparation my children have received here. They care about the children and they work with me to help them improve and it shows! It is a great place to raise your kids.

Posted: May 5, 2014

Horrible!!! Please do not send your child here! Notice that after bad reviews there are several good reviews all on the same day or one day apart? They do not follow Christian values here. The staff is rude and the communication leaves a lot to be desired! My child has repeatedly been bullied and physically assaulted by other children and it 's ignored!!

Posted: February 25, 2014

Horrible! There is a major bullying problem here and the school just doesn't seem to care.

Posted: February 11, 2014

Annunciation has been wonderful for my children!! I love the teachers. They go out of their way to make me and my children feel loved and validated!!!!!

Posted: February 11, 2014

Annunciation offers enrichment classes not offered in the public system. It provides a nurturing learning environment. I am very pleased with the progress and development of my children.

Posted: February 11, 2014

Annunciation provides an excellent education focusing on both the academic and the spiritual. They challenge students academically and have a strong STEM program. Students are involved in community service. The school provides a nurturing environment where students can grow to their fullest potential.

Posted: February 8, 2014

ACS is an outstanding school. The teachers are like family and the students are very welcoming to new students. My children came from a Catholic school up in Detroit. I was worried that they would not fit in, but the students befriended them almost immediately. I have been very happy with their education over the last two years. My oldest is nearing graduation and we could not be happier.

Posted: July 16, 2013

Since the first time I walked on the grounds of Annunciation, I felt like it was an extension of my family. The faculty, staff, administration, and parents made us feel welcome. It is excellent academically and forward thinking. My kids are set to attend Bishop Snyder HS and I know from what I have heard from parents and teachers at BJS, my students will have a strong educational foundation. I am really happy that I chose to have my children sent here.

Posted: July 15, 2013

Annunciation Catholic School is a great school to assist our family in achieving goals for our children but also our family. It is a wonderful environment for our children to grow and flourish, surrounded by Christian values and students with similar expectations. The academics are challenging and continue to encourage our children to use all their talents and skills to meet the current requirements. We love this school and all the families that help to make this a wonderful place for our children to receive their education.

Posted: July 15, 2013

I have two children who differ in personality and approach to academics and both have thrived and grown at ACS. We have been a part of the ACS family for a long time. Both of my children started at ACS in PreK and one is now a junior in high school. My high school child was well prepared for life as a high school student. Academic achievement, critical thinking skills, independent and cooperative work skills, study skills, and technology skills are all things that she took with her from ACS to high school. We have found ACS to be a loving community of families and teachers who enjoy being together, care for one another, and worship together in a richly spiritual environment.

Posted: June 28, 2013

This school does not meet its mission statement or act as an extension of our church community. It is for a small group (the principal says "college bound") only -- not for any children with any area of struggle. My child's class had about 9 boys and about 30 girls -- what happened to the boys? I am sorry to say this, because I actually help to finance the school through my church. Curriculum was excellent, but no help if a child doesn't get things quickly. I heard there was tutoring, but when I asked for help for my child, none was available.

Posted: February 9, 2013

We were at the school over six years. We loved the teachers and made us feel like part of their family, but the leadership of the school has left us unhappy. We withdrew our children before the end of the year because my child and several other children were afraid of one child and the leadership of the school was afraid to draw attention to the problem. Although, they prefer to send other children home for not following a minor dress code violation but not for bullying. I am not sure I follow the logic behind that. I would of kept my children in the school until 8th grade, but the health and safety of my child came first.

Posted: February 3, 2013

I agree with the comments about good and challenging academics, however I also agree with the comment before mine. I would strongly suggest that any child needing anything more than the "traditional and basic - one fits all" academics and culture go elsewhere. The school is good if your child fits their mold. We have been there for 3 years, and while we love the academics, we do not like the overall ridged culture. I personally know many people who have had the same experience, and I hope they will speak out to help change this about the school.

Posted: September 13, 2012

I would rate this school without a star at all but I had to click on a star in order to leave a review. I would definitely agree with the post dated on May 28th 2008-which, in my opinion, is very sad being that the same negative information still applies 4-5 years later. The principal attitude is one that believes she is better than others. She's very rude and doesn't respect, care of appreciate special needs children. When asked if the school accommodate special needs children, she immediately stated that there are schools for special needs kids and all the room is occupied by "typical children". When asked if they would every consider it being it's such a big school, she stated "that's not our area". So, rather than accepting all of God's children, and having respect for parents, she doesn't and is extremely rude and unwelcoming!

Posted: March 30, 2012

Excellent teachers, strong leadership, curriculum is above grade level, high expectations for students behavior, very organized and communicative, open to new ideas, teaches respect for God and life.

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