Fruit Cove Middle School in Saint Johns

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	10/10	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: April 23, 2026

Probably the worst school my kids have ever been to. They do not care about the students in any way shape or matter. Don't truly wish to resolve matters that come up. Took my student out, would never recommend to anyone.

Posted: April 23, 2026

Posted: July 9, 2025

I was an old student from Fruit Cove Middle School 5-6 years ago. I absolutely despised going to that school due to the relentless bullying and harassment from the students and from some of the staff as well. The food was also questionable and the school layout seemed prison-like. That school is not worth for enrolling your children

Posted: July 9, 2025

Posted: April 14, 2025

The past three years at this school have been incredibly challenging for my child. I am relieved that there are only six weeks remaining in the school year. The persistent bullying from students, coupled with the authoritarian attitudes exhibited by some teachers and administrators, is truly horrible. It appears that favoritism prevails, as different students are held to disparate standards for similar behaviors. The sole positive aspect of this experience was Officer Lema, who is no longer part of the staff. I eagerly anticipate the last day of school.

Posted: April 14, 2025

Posted: December 29, 2024

Coming from New England, Ive realized how lacking Florida schools are. Its no wonder why the literacy rate in Florida is 7th -8th grade level. Fruit Cove MS has a deficit of adequately qualified teachers and Im mortified by the low expectations. Test scores here are shameful compared to most states. For the time we had our student here, we had to supplement her education with tutors to keep up with the schools back in Rhode Island. We were one year and done here, then transferred to a private school. Its disturbing how many of these students will be ill prepared for high school & beyond,?

Posted: December 29, 2024

Posted: December 14, 2024

Wonderful school! 5 stars. Administration is excellent. They follow the district code of conduct and have many fun, positive programs like WEB leaders and clubs. My kids enjoy it there and are happy with their teachers.

Posted: December 6, 2024

This place is a glorified prison. Maybe prison food is better than the hockey pucks they call cheeseburgers. Not allowed to stand up at lunch? If you have gym and then have to walk all the way across the school to your next class and are 20 seconds late, you can get a referral. We couldnt choose our seats at lunch for no reason! They care about dress code and phones more than the important stuff. You can get a referral for joking around with your friends, a referral for wearing PJ pants. No hats. Lots of the teachers are mean, in 3 years of going there, I had 2 teachers that were good out of the 24 teachers I had. Kids are really mean, but staff are mean. Teachers did not teach at all and then yelled at kids because of low grades. All my friends struggled BADLY with mental health. They also press heavily on kids to get perfect grades, which is completely unrealistic. Out of all three years, I had 3 or 4 hours of homework a night. It was a nightmare if you missed a day, and all the teachers would expect you to make it up. I would have 6 or 7 hours of homework a night the day after I came back to school. The dress code is completely sexist. Girls are definitely treated unfairly. I was dress coded for a longer black skirt that was longer than some of the boys shorts. Theres two teachers (if youve been there you know exactly who) that dress code everyone for no reason. On my last year of school there, I was dress coded for something not breaking rules on the third to last day of school. Instead of celebrating with my friends, I was sitting in the gym locker room by myself trying to find dirty gym clothes to wear so I wouldnt distract the boys. Sounds stupid, right? And PJ pants, why cant we wear them? Thats idiotic, it covers everything. On the last day of school, kids wore PJ pants, and werent given warnings like normally, they were just straight referrals. Mainly towards curvier girls, too! My really skinny friend wore really tight really short shorts, and she was fine! But whenever I wore a skirt, I was dress coded. Fights happen all the time. One time I was dress coded and sitting in the front office and there was a fight going on and the assistant principal was just sitting in there eating pie. Some of the staff abuse their powers too. There are a lot of staff that give out referrals like candy and yell at kids for NO reason. What could happen to you that you could be so mean to want to take joy from CHILDREN? They do not know that kids are HUMAN.

Posted: December 6, 2024

Posted: November 28, 2024

Happy we found this school! Great learning environment and amazing administration!

Posted: November 28, 2024

Posted: November 13, 2024

I dont understand why this schools rating is 9/10! It should be 10/10! Amazing school programs, extracurricular activities, etc. Happy that we go here.

Posted: November 13, 2024

Posted: November 11, 2024

This summer we moved from New Jersey to Fruit Cove. I got two kids and was so worried about choosing schools for them. This middle school is great! My daughter tells me every week how helpful her teachers are and how the whole student body is friendly. She made more friends here than in NJ.

Posted: November 11, 2024

Posted: November 10, 2024

RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL TO ALL. THIS IS THE BEST SCHOOL IN ST. JOHN'S, FLORIDA! Truly, I am actually enjoying studying and going to school. Did not expect to enjoy being in school.

Posted: November 10, 2024

I was worried about this school after reading some negative comments here. But I am very happy. This is a great school! The students are smart and friendly, and the teachers and staff are caring, responsive and attentive. Very happy with this school!

Posted: November 10, 2024

Posted: July 5, 2024

This school isnt the best, but it isnt the worst. A lot of the teachers here are some of the best I have ever had out of all the schools Ive attended. I just graduated this school in May, and over the 3 years I have attended FCMS, it has been pretty obvious that this school is slowly going downhill. The grades the students get are good, however, it is mostly because of the retest policy at the school. Most students dont do their best on their first attempt on a test, and then they just do the retest. Like I have previously stated, a bunch of teachers are amazing. I had this one teacher in 7th grade who made me enjoy the subject she taught more and helped me succeed in her class although I thought I was just naturally bad at it and I couldnt get better. The administration at this school is a complete joke. They care more about what a student wears to school than dealing with the constant bullying and racism at this school. Overall, this school is average, but there are some positive aspects of this school.

Posted: July 5, 2024

Posted: June 15, 2024

Ive been going too this school for 2 years now and ive never woke up one day and was happy too go. every time i walk through the hallway theres either a fight or bullying going on. for my 6th grade year i always felt attacked by the students and 7th grade it was staff. ive never thought i would be cussed at by the deans of a middle school and always accused of lying in any situation. i would not send your kids here.

Posted: June 15, 2024

Posted: April 25, 2024

stupid to summarize racism, bullying, ineffective punishments

Posted: March 28, 2024

The best decision we could make for my son was to take him to FCMS. His academic development and excellent grades have been support by the teachers he has had during these 3 years at school, especially Mrs. Farbo, Mr. Porter, Mr. Villadonga and Mrs. Alford who have developed his social skills. We are very happy that my son has been part of the history of FCMS!!!

Posted: March 28, 2024

Posted: January 17, 2024

Ive been going to this school for 3 years and luckly its my last. in 6th grade i was bullied by the other kids and still hear them TILL THIS DAY saying bad things about me and others. This school needs to teach more about bullying because its disgusting. If you arent popular or arent liked by the staff then they will ignore every need. The school cares more about what a girl is wearing than actual bullying and racism. The schools dress code is also extremely sexist, my friend got dress coded for wearing shorts that werent that short but i have seen boys wearing even shorter shorts. They will not allow you to wear pj pants for absolutely no reason. This school also does NOTHING about the racism. I have seen my friend being mocked and being said racial slurs to and the school hasnt done anything about it. The amount of fights i have experianced in 3 years is absolutely crazy. Last year there was a fight that occured and a teacher got fired. He wasnt involved with it, it was just by his door. You are assigned lunch seats and are not allowed to move? They dont take attendance so theres no reason we should be assigned. You have to pay school points to buy a pass thats only a week long to sit with your friends. The food is so cheap its disgusting, the water also tastes so bad. You are not allowed to have your phones out at all even before 7:30 and not even at lunch. If you are going to send your kid here, dont. This school is horrible. I am mentally and physically drained from this experience. SAVE THE CHILDREN!!

Posted: January 17, 2024

Posted: January 16, 2024

Terrible experience with this school. Unfair policies, favoritism and a culture of looking for reasons to punish kids. My experiences with the Vice Principal have been disappointing to say the least. She is NOT in it for what is best for the students. I have many examples. This school does not believe in creating a fun and positive learning atmosphere for kids. My son's experience at the K-8 school in our neighborhood was 100% better. I've heard that Fruit Cove is older and that the administration and teachers are all the subpar teachers who haven't been recruited to the newer schools. Based on my experience, I would agree.

Posted: January 16, 2024

Posted: December 13, 2023

The bullying starts on the bus. A lot of racist slurs constantly uttered by these kids. Not isolated incidents when they happend literally every single day on buses and throughout the school day. thought we live in a diverse and friendly community, it seems racism is taught to many at home to be brought to school for staff/administration to ignore "as kids being kids". Not sure what these kids will grow up to be in the community if this is what their behavior is like right now. I also wonder if there is a set number that the school is waiting to reach in terms of deaths/injuries/fights in order to just put a stop to this kind of behavior. The safest place for kids is becoming most dangerous place and things are constantly getting worse, and school/administration will just follow "protocols", hide behind inaction and fail to protect most vulnerable in our society.

Posted: December 13, 2023

Posted: December 5, 2023

Kids are very bully, school doesn't do much about it,it is very bad place for sensitive kids,messed up staff

Posted: December 5, 2023

Posted: November 17, 2023

Excellent school. The front office to the teachers and staff. The students are wonderful and there is a positive school culture.

Posted: September 23, 2023

If you read the reviews, it appears that the students and parents are reaching out for help. The emotional and mental health of the students at this school are in dire straits. What will it take for the principal and her administration to be replaced. God help these children and protect them from the vicious and wicked leadership or should I say lack of leadership that is going on at this school.?These students are more than a text score and they need emotional and mental support. After all that is happening around the country with the mental health problems our children are facing, why is this administration allowed to remain? Its time to start a petition to have this principal and her administration removed. Lets do it before its too late. Save the children!!!

Posted: September 23, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

i would not reccomend this school at all. my son got personally victimized by his classmates for being jewish. At home we teach our kids to be proud of our religion and this is completely contradictory to that. The school did nothing about this.

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 8, 2023

Administration is a joke. They have nothing in place to address the bullying that goes on here. If there is a situation that your child is involved in, they will pull them out of class for hours to make them wait and wait until its their turn to write their statement and miss valuable class time. If your child isnt well liked by the staff they dont stand a chance here. They set up my child to hate school and is terrified about going into high school. I dont use the word hate very often but I really do hate this school.

Posted: August 8, 2023

Posted: May 26, 2023

As a former student, this place SUCKS my favorite teacher got called slurs on his door, and got FIRED do not rec.

Posted: May 26, 2023

Posted: April 17, 2023

The school doesnt care about kids well being. Ive been going to this school for almost 3 years and been severely bullied and I have asked most of my teachers for help but they never helped me until I finally told my mother about it and she talked to the dean. I wouldnt come back to this school if I had the option to because it ruined me mentally.

Posted: April 17, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

Not impressed. Ran like a prison with little care about child's emotional well-being. My son was sent to ISS for a referral for talking in class... Really? I mean talk about harsh punishment for something minor. The Vice Principal at this school is not caring, and does not care for the well-being of the students. A few of mine child was kicked OUT of the school in the middle of the school year because of a zoning issues. Really? In the middle of the school year? Does that seem like they took into consideration the child's mental health and well - being? The parents had the zoning issue and the kid is removed from the school like they committed a crime? Really?

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: October 6, 2022

This school does nothing about the racism at the school. Do not send kids of a different race here. The amount of uneducated white boys and girls here are disgusting and the fact that the staff doesnt do anything about it is so irresponsible and not even worth a star if i could vote 0 i would. The fact that the staff care more about what a young girl is wearing over the heavy racism and bullying at this school is enough to speak for itself. Do not send your kids to this dreadful school the kids are horrible and the staff is just as bad. I was called countless of racial slurs and had people do actions to mock my features. It is a disgusting school and the staff just dismissed everything.

Posted: October 6, 2022

Posted: October 3, 2022

too many wht people i hate st johns county

Posted: October 3, 2022

Posted: May 23, 2022

I used to go to this school myself a few years ago. Im a junior now. This is for all the POC that are looking to enroll their children here. DONT!! Theres a large chance of your child being more likely to get into trouble, and the kids here are absolutely awful. Ive heard slurs, demeaning remarks, etc thrown at me around me or behind my back. Ive also had friends tell me how others have called them racist names. The kids here find it funny to be racist, and 90% of the time they get away with it. Please if youre considering sending your POC (black, hispanic, asian, etc) child here, please rethink, their mental health will definitely take a hit.

Posted: February 11, 2021

One of the worst schools you could ever send your child too, we have had two of our other children go there with a terrible experience and now have a third now going there with the same experience. The teachers are incompetent and do not teach the the students the necessary skills to move on in life. If I could rate it a zero I would.

Posted: July 29, 2019

The deans have their favorites. If they do not know your child that's wonderful. They do not handle BULLYING according to regulations. Let alone when it's reported do they follow throw with investigating the situations. It's awful. But if you're their favorite student they look out for you. Everything else is so nonchalant in how they handle it. " Kids will be kids!" Mentality.

Posted: July 29, 2019

4-5 It could of been better for my child.

Posted: July 29, 2019

Everything is online. Via tablets, computers ect. So if you're trying to limit your child's online time throughout The week. It's absolutely impossible unless you want them missing assignments.

Posted: July 29, 2019

Some teachers how above and beyond. Some should retire.

Posted: July 29, 2019

The deans have their favorites. If they do not know your child that's wonderful. They do not handle BULLYING according to regulations. Let alone when it's reported do they follow throw with investigating the situations. It's awful. But if you're their favorite student they look out for you. Everything else is so nonchalant.

Posted: May 7, 2019

This is our last year, with my second child at this school. I cannot say enough good things about the teacher's and staff. Middle School is awkward for everyone, parents included:) Thank you for all you have done for them to prepare them for High School.

Posted: May 7, 2019

Posted: February 12, 2018

I thank the parents who took the time to share their experience with this school. One those notes I will not tolerate bullies, rude staff, careless deans, HORRIBLE principal, especially issues with race! Test scores aren't important to anyone BUT the staff! I will NOT enroll my children here! Thank you again for taking the time to inform others about this poorly functioning school, it IS being heard.

Posted: December 20, 2017

Julington Creek Plantation feeds into this school. The beautiful community is reflected in this school. Teachers are passionate about their careers and children have parents and a community supporting them. It is an established area that attracts the best workers and therefore produces excellent test scores and well rounded students. There is a reason parents want their children in this school district, and why it is very completive to be offered a job here.

Posted: April 3, 2017

I gave 3 stars for the few great teachers here. Too bad the office staff is so rude, Lora Lee, I believe is how you spell her name. She is not only rude to the parents but also to the students. I was once referred to speak with the Assistant Principal, I am assuming he overheard because his door closed quickly as I was walking towards his office. They don't take bullying seriously enough. There are a lot of physical fights. The administration needs more training, do something different or needs replacing. Something needs to change.

Posted: December 20, 2016

Until today , the review would have been 5 stars, but the truth is best, so this review is about a 6th grade boy bullying my 6th grade son physically and ,verbally making homosexual accusations part of his bullying. Today, the seemingly accidental hitting of my son in the head by the one 6th grade boy is questionable- brought out the question " has this boy been bullying you in the past?". Answer "yes" . Have you told the gym teacher this boy harmed you before ? Answer "yes , when he stomped my foot before Thanksgiving break" . Well, Merry Christmas bully, the Mother of the boy you are bullying will be in to report the other incidents today.

Posted: November 18, 2015

I would have to second the parent who indicated a strong need to show good test scores and impersonal contact with family members. In addition, the rude behavior, remarks, and discouragement from teachers and administration (not all school officials) while kids attend school and also while parents interact with administration is a clear sign of lack of caring at this school. It's about testing to increase the school rating and subsequent tax dollars and salaries. Teachers' jobs are tough, but it doesn't excuse the rude remarks and lack of caring and encouragement. These kids are 11,12 and 13 year old children in childhood, but they are treated like a number. We've been here a year and a half, and we're moving! We can't stand the flippant attitude when we pay their salaries with our taxes, not to mention the spineless teacher comments to our daughters about their appearance (not clothing) or interests in pursuing other endeavors at the school (to be discouraged before even participating). And testing? Wow. So much for quality education and true analytical and reflective thinking ability...Kids might be able to test, but good luck trying to solve anything in the future. What happened to creative thinking and analytical problem solving? Are we testing our kids to be robots or problem solvers of the future? This county is touted as the premiere location for schools in Florida. I'd hate to see what other areas are like if this is the best.

Posted: May 27, 2015

We moved to Fruit Cove from Texas between my son's 5th and 6th grade years. my son feel right in was accepted by faculty and staff immediately making our transition to this new area so much easier.

Posted: May 14, 2015

I'm very disappointed with the conduct of the Administration and Dean of the school. Rude admin staff. Granted I have been lucky my kids have had a few good teachers but the rest have poor communication skills or no communication skills.

Posted: April 19, 2014

I would rate the teachers a 5. My child is about to graduate, and all but two of his teachers have been stellar. He love s most of his teachers, and they've impacted him positively. He had two teachers even attend some important milestone celebrations in his life. He has been challenged academically, no doubt. The teachers are very caring and do a great job. The only complaints are the majority of the students and parents do not care for the dean. He could use more caring tactics with the kids and their parents. Also, the principal does not engage with the students and parents. But, all-in-all, it's the teachers who matter, and they are a 5! Creekside, here we come!

Posted: March 11, 2014

Two of my children have attended FCMS. As a military family, my children have attended numerous schools in the past. I would say that FCMS is the top. Although the size of the school is large, individual attention is given to each child and communication is great! I have seen by 8th grader flourish from starting in 6th grade at the school. They also are sensitive to the military kids needs. I highly recommend this school!

Posted: January 26, 2014

After reading this last post, I was compelled to set the record stright. My child attended this school for approximately a year, and was continuously bullied. In addition to being bullied, was denied restroom privileges while suffering from a medical condition. Teachers denied my child the use of a restroom although instructed by the pediatrician to use the restroom as needed, and was provided a note to show the teachers. Some of the teachers disregarded the note, and would only let my child use the restroom based on their terms. Cooperation with the school was limited, and everytime a request was made to speak with the principal, the principal made excuses not to be available. I realized that complaining to the district was ineffective, and ultimately elected to withdraw my child from this school, since they could not provide my child a safe learning envirnment. In response to the last post, it doesn't matter which quadrant of the county the school is located, it's the people that operate it that makes the difference.

Posted: November 10, 2013

This is an excellent school in an elite academic school district. For anyone moving to the Jacksonville area, this is absolutely the only school district you should even consider. I have read some of the comments by so-called parents and I have to challenge the validity of those comments. EIther these parents have problem children or these rants and ratings are by the teens themselves. All schools located in the NW quadrant of St. Johns County are among some of the most elite academic schools in the entire United States. Trust me, I have lived in this area since my daughter started elementary school and she is now a sophomore at Creekside High School. If you want your child to experience an education on par with the best private school education but without the tuition or cost, you'll definitely want to live in the NW quadrant of St. Johns County and send your kids to the local public school, FCMS being one of them. The academic success of this region is due to great teachers and administrators, high expectations from the students, and significant parent involvement. You'd be hard pressed to find a better education in the public school system anywhere in America.

Posted: October 22, 2013

This is a horrible school, it has ineffective administration, and discriminates against minorities. This is based on my experience as a parent, I get a lecture when I raise issues or concerns in the areas of education, and discipline.

Posted: August 18, 2013

This used to be a great school. The teachers were engaged with the students (there are still many great teacher but just wait until the new k-8 school opens in Durbin and you will see a mass exodus) and administrators actually cared about each student ensuring they were appropriately challenged. The administrators that have been brought in the last couple of years do not seem concerned about the students but rather are focused on school ratings and FCAT scores so they can maximize their bonuses and advancement opportunities. Ratings and scores are important when used appropriately however they are indicators, not an end in themselves. This school, with the current administration, is turning into a cold mechanical institution where teacher/student relationships are dismissed and the joy of learning is being replaced with fear of failure if not scoring high enough on the standardized tests.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Bartram Springs	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	4.8 mi
2	Durbin Crossing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Saint Johns	FL	4.9 mi
3	Fleming Island Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	8.5 mi
4	Lighthouse at Fleming Island	Apartment Complex	Fleming Island	FL	8.6 mi
5	Waterford at Orange Park	Apartment Complex	Orange Park	FL	10.6 mi
6	Spencers Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	13.2 mi
7	Highland Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	13.4 mi
8	Wolf Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	13.6 mi
9	The Reserve at Wynnfield Lakes	Apartment Complex	Jacksonville	FL	14.9 mi
10	Oakleaf Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	15.2 mi
11	Pine Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Middleburg	FL	16.1 mi
12	Jacksonville Beaches	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville Beach	FL	16.2 mi
13	Waterleaf	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	16.6 mi
14	Eagle Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	17.4 mi
15	Kernan Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	17.7 mi
16	Sea Oats Apartments	Apartment Complex	Atlantic Beach	FL	18.1 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Mandarin	Jacksonville	FL	3 mi
2	Fleming Island	Orange Park	FL	8.2 mi
3	Orange Park	Orange Park	FL	8.4 mi
4	Green Cove Springs	Green Cove Springs	FL	10.2 mi
5	San Marco	Jacksonville	FL	14.1 mi
6	Sandalwood	Jacksonville	FL	14.9 mi
7	Avondale	Jacksonville	FL	15.1 mi
8	Riverside	Jacksonville	FL	15.4 mi
9	Jacksonville Beaches	Jacksonville Beach	FL	16.2 mi

Base	Distance
Jacksonville NAS	10 mi.
Cecil Field	19.7 mi.
Coast Guard Mayport	20.8 mi.
Mayport Naval Station	21 mi.
Camp Blanding	26.4 mi.
Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base	47.1 mi.

Fruit Cove Middle School

Saint Johns, FL 32259

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Fruit Cove Middle School

Saint Johns, FL 32259

School Ratings

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