James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School 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: May 31, 2026

I give JWJ an A rating! My son attended JWJ all 3 years and he and I both feel it was the perfect fit for him. He was able to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. The principal, Mr. Stuckey, goes above and beyond with his weekly communications sharing information with parents and students. Its obvious his love for his students and school. Middle school can be a tricky time for young people but JWJ provided my son with the personal and academic foundation needed for high school!

Posted: October 21, 2025

The most impactful statement I can make about JWJ is we are repeat customers. Both of my children attended/are attending JWJ. It is a special place with a positive culture with tenured teachers and staff. Children grow when they are fed what they need, and JWJ has done exactly that.

Posted: October 21, 2025

Posted: May 29, 2025

My daughter loved every minute of her time at JWJ. Thank you to all amazing teachers, staff & parents (PTA) for making her middle school years so enjoyable. Go Trojans!!

Posted: May 29, 2025

Posted: May 23, 2024

We've had two kids at JWJ and have seen 3 principals in that time. Our first child had a new principal each year for the three years of middle school, plus covid home-schooling at the end of 6th and beginning of 7th grade. None of these disruptions had a lasting negative effect. The teachers are so strong and truly care about the students. Each of our children learns differently and we found that they both were able to thrive at JWJ and were incredibly well prepared. Our first child is doing really well at Stanton, and our second will start there in the fall and feels ready for the academic environment.

Middle school is tough. Kids are out of their minds during this developmental stage, and most of the teachers and staff at JWJ seem tuned in to this reality. They are able to keep the school culture strong and the environment safe and moving forward each day. It's no small feat - there are still student disputes and poor choices to deal with, but JWJ is so much more tame than many of the other middle schools in the city.

Posted: May 23, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

Our family gives JWJ an A+! Our daughter is currently an 8th grader and we are so happy with the education and overall experience. With regard to education, the classes are challenging but the teachers are dedicated to making sure the students learn the materials and they make themselves available for tutoring and extra help. Its a college preparatory middle school, so the classes are supposed to be challenging. With regard to experience, our daughter has made many new friends and has enjoyed participating in clubs and athletics (soccer team). The faculty and staff seem to emphasize leadership skills and personal responsibility. Shes matured so much over the last three years thanks to the JWJ environment. Theyve set her up for success in high school and beyond.

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: April 15, 2024

Our family gives JWJ an A+! Our daughter is currently an 8th grader and we are so happy with the education and overall experience. With regard to education, the classes are challenging but the teachers are dedicated to making sure the students learn the materials and they make themselves available for tutoring and extra help. Its a college preparatory middle school, so the classes are supposed to be challenging. With regard to experience, our daughter has made many new friends and has enjoyed participating in clubs and athletics (soccer team). The faculty and staff seem to emphasize leadership skills and personal responsibility. Shes matured so much over the last three years thanks to the JWJ environment. Theyve set her up for success in high school and beyond.

Posted: April 15, 2024

Posted: March 18, 2024

Principal Stuckey recruits and keeps the best teachers. Those teachers are committed to the students success. The students are challenged to do their best.
Principal Stuckey always knows what's going on at his school. He has a great staff who help him in all facets. The students benefit because every day is just as normal as the last. The students feel safe.
Math is the key at JWJ, but every subject is top notch. Your student will be more than ready for Stanton, Paxson, Darnell-Cookman, or Wolfson.
They have plenty of clubs and extracurricular activities. The SAC and PTSA are solid.
Wherever you live, it is worth the drive. Highly Recommend.

Posted: March 18, 2024

Posted: February 18, 2024

As a parent, I was very nervous about the middle school years. JWJ provided a safe environment for kids to explore their interests and build friendships. The teachers are committed to their students and work tirelessly to make what the students are learning feel relevant. What I love most about the school is the diversity of the students--coming from over 20+ elementary schools and across Duval County. Students at this age learn so much from their peers, and the different backgrounds and experiences really help them open their eyes to the world around them.

Posted: February 18, 2024

Posted: October 24, 2023

I had two older children matriculate from JWJ and currently have one student at JWJ. During the pandemic, the administration's efforts were commendable, the teacher's dedication to their profession was admirable and the students persevered and overcame all of the hardships that were put in their way. I read some negative reviews about JWJ and I do not think that they are an accurate representation of the school in 2023. Like most schools in America, there was a temporary increase in discipline issues during the pandemic due to all of the stress on the students. With a lot of counseling and guidance from the current administration the JWJ students have overcome the pandemic disruptions and interruptions and are now solidly the best middle school in the DCPS system. Some parents could be distracted by pretty schools in higher-income neighborhoods, but the JWJ test scores do not lie. A quality education is not delivered by a new building or a nicer neighborhood. A quality education is provided by a school filled with talented teachers and caring administrators who put their motivated students first and help them find success.

I believe JWJ provides the most rigorous education for a middle school student in Duval County today. There are hundreds of parents who drive 45 minutes past multiple private, public and charter schools in Jacksonville to deliver their child to JWJ and they willingly do so because they are confident about the education provided. No one pretends it will be easy for a student not accustomed to learning in a college preparatory environment. The JWJ teachers demand the best from their students because they know that the students are capable of success if they put their minds to it. If your student is not prepared to put in the work and effort to succeed at Algebra by 8th grade (a requirement in the JWJ charter) then there is another public/private/charter middle school that would be a better fit.

I should also add that JWJ offers a wide variety of electives for their students. Everything from Mandarin Chinese to Yearbook to Extreme Sports to Band classes are offered. The choices differ from year to year but they are always interesting. The 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia to learn about Civics and American History is an incredible opportunity for the students and they have a lot of fun.

If your child is academically talented and motivated, then I would highly recommend JWJ for middle school.

Posted: October 24, 2023

All three of my children attended James Weldon Johnson and have been well prepared to continue on to a college preparatory high school and have enjoyed their middle school years. Advanced upper level courses are offered, as well as many electives to meet students' interests. The teachers are invested in the students' learning and are passionate about helping the students flourish. The administration is dedicated to maintaining the school's integrity, supporting the students' ability to succeed and promoting a well-rounded and strong learning environment where students thrive and prosper. Along with great academics, the school also promotes fun student experiences with themed football games, athletic teams, spirit weeks, school dances, movie nights and class trips. Additionally, there is a high level of parent involvement and communication with teachers and administration that contributes to collaboration and partnership between all stakeholders. I've been very happy to have my children enrolled at JWJ and I would definitely recommend this school to others.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Posted: May 4, 2023

James Weldon Johnson College Prep Middle School is a dedicated magnet school for gifted and academically talented students. We serve students in grades 6-8 and are a direct feeder to Stanton College Prep, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, and Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts.

We seek to empower students to contribute to a global society by fostering a rich academic experience, a gratefulness for history, a heart for the community, and an appreciation for a diverse culture.
We began in 1991 as the only middle school in Duval county for gifted and academically talented students and have continued to light the way for students seeking a rigorous academic program. We are named in honor of Jacksonville native and former school principal James Weldon Johnson - author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, songwriter, and early civil rights activist.
We strive to honor his example through our commitment to excellence in all areas of school life - academics, arts, athletics, activities, and diversity.

JWJ offers only advanced and accelerated courses, so students who find the most success are at or above grade level and ready to be pushed to move from just getting good grades, to deeply learning the content. We offer High School courses in Foreign Language (Spanish I, French I, and Chinese I), Science (Biology I and Physical Science), Math (Algebra I and Geometry), and Social Studies (African-American History). Students who leave our campus are prepared to continue their journey through High School and into college as leaders both socially, and academically.

Posted: May 3, 2023

I have had students at James Weldon the last three years and I plan to have students there for the next 6 years. I am so amazed at how the school staff and teachers have handled COVID and the diverse political scene. The history and civics teachers challenge the students to listen, write and debate how current events affect their future. There is a school pride vibe through out the campus. Many teachers were students themselves. Their love of teaching and the school is infectious. Blasting welcome music over the speakers during the morning rush, teachers leading the Cupid shuffle at a school dance, telling jokes on the bus on the 8th grade DC & Philly trip; I am blown away! They go above and beyond, working nights and weekends to encourage their students to be their best selves. This is not a typical middle school experience. Students want to be there, learning is cool and they figure out how to do the work. The academic rigor is real but the critical thinking class and teacher support enables average students to learn how to rise to the expectations. The PTSA, SAC and Friends of James Weldon work together to support the school and enrich the experience for the whole community. My family feels very lucky to be a part of James Weldon Johnson Middle School.

Posted: May 3, 2023

Posted: January 5, 2022

When I read the review from 12/24/21 I felt like I could have written half of it myself. That parent is spot on when they say this school is riding on it's history of being an amazing school. I put my son there in fall of 2021 for that reason. However, from the start my son has been bullied every day. He is called "Covid" by students because he has asthma and a bad cough and the teachers didn't help at all in the beginning of the year. They just kept sending him to the nurse, even though I wrote the school and advised he had asthma. It took several missed days of school and 2 doctor's notes, stating he has acute asthma, to finally get the teachers to stop sending him out of class for his cough. He was targeted by a group of boys who would throw food at him in the cafeteria and shove him in the hallways between classes. I emailed the principal who said he was going to handle the bullying months ago but it continued. Just before winter break one of the bullies accused my son of making a threat against the school and instead of noting that this boy is constantly targeting my son, the dean had my son detained and searched by the school officer without notifying him or myself of what was going on. Once they questioned another student who said my son did not make the threat they let him go back to class. However, I was never contacted! I received an automated message at 6:30 pm telling me my son missed 7th period. I emailed the principal and he agreed i should have been contacted and had the officer call me the next morning. I told the officer I was going to record the call so I could have record of what happened and he stopped talking and said he would have the principal call me. That was on 12/17/21 and I still have not received that call.
First my child is bullied and tormented by these students daily and little is done to stop it. Now my son is able to be detained for an hour and searched, because his known tormentor makes a false accusation, and I would not have known if not for an automated message! My son was too afraid to tell me because he was "frisked" and searched and held for an hour and thought I would be mad at him.
For the sake of my son's physical and emotional health I will never send him to this school again. Like the previous poster said, the new administration is destroying this school's reputation.
FYI, my son confirmed the fact that there are several fights at the school every day and it is scary to be there.

Posted: January 5, 2022

Posted: December 24, 2021

Parents beware! The current JWJ is not the JWJ of past years. The new leadership has completely driven it into the ground. Every single day, there are fights and brawls between students. My child was attacked in the cafeteria while she was sitting there minding her own business. The school gave the other student lunch duty the very next day and did nothing else about it. The teachers do not communicate with you. You can email and call all day long, but no one responds. At least three teachers have quit so far this year and I've heard one more is about to. These are long-time teachers who have walked away because the school has gotten so bad. No one in the office acts the least bit professional. It is amazing to just sit in the office and watch the chaos unfold. I've heard teachers gossiping maliciously about other teachers right in front of me without a care in the world. I am getting ready to pull my child next year and I know at least a small handful of parents are getting ready to do the same. Do not believe the hype or marketing. JWJ is not the same school it used to be. They continue to ignore the many, many issues but it is clear that they are coasting on their great reputation. That great reputation will be in shards once parents finally start speaking up about how far this school has fallen.

Posted: December 24, 2021

Posted: October 18, 2019

After moving, I have realized how terrible this school was with its learning policies. In middle school, children should not be up until midnight every night, spending every day during break doing assignments. This idea should never be the norm, and there are ways to give children a better education without crushing them under a workload that was harsher than some would see in high school.

Posted: October 18, 2019

Posted: April 13, 2015

I love JWJ, we drive 45 minutes to school and home just to have the wonderful experience we do at JWJ. The 6th grade teachers are truly amazing especially Mr. Ricks. I have never seen such an amazing group of teachers and leaders. The sports are amazing, my daughter is on the track team and they provide so much more then a typical sport with team building and confidence. JWJ is truly preparing the students of the future. Much better then any private school. I would highly suggest JWJ.

Posted: February 1, 2015

This school is THE BEST! I am a student there, and this is my first year. They say they train students in The Spirit of Excellence, and honestly, IT'S TOTALLY TRUE! I have had a few friends who were lazy at first, but with the help of teachers, they got WAY better, and ALWAYS work as hard as they can! Most of the other students are kind, and teachers try to help if they can. I love James Weldon. It may not seem organized to you, and honestly, that is true, but at the JWJ Trojans, we follow our Honor Code, and NEVER cheat. We also require for you to have a 2.0 GPA or higher to stay in this school, but that is what motivates you to WORK HARD, and ALWAYS do your best!

Posted: January 15, 2015

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School staff cares more about their standing with the history fair and district scores than they do about the students, our children. Teacher communication with parents is generally horrendous; parents are expected to micromanage our children's performance via the grade portal with full understanding of all the intricacies of each teacher's classroom. Students, especially bright boys who tend to test well but miss the boat on the Mt. Everest volume of work then fall behind in that regard are left to waller and are eventually expunged from the school's roll in order to maintain the school's academic reputation. This may be a high-scoring school but it most definitely is not a great school.

Posted: January 12, 2015

My son is a 6th grader at JWJ. He loves it at JWJ! The teachers care about his success. The principal truly cares about each student's success as a student and a whole person. The middle school years are hard years, but there is a lot of support at JWJ. The workload is tough, but manageable. The culture is supportive and celebratory, so even smart kids are allowed to be kids. They get the freedom to become responsible and independent while protected. Not only that, there are great sports and lots of clubs! We could not be more happy!! JWJ ROCKS!!!!!

Posted: January 8, 2015

We are so happy with this school. The staff, parents, and students are all amazing.

Posted: November 12, 2014

I am very happy with many aspects of James Weldon Johnson. I am very impressed with the way the teachers and staff develop the whole student. The accelerated curriculum is challenging and engaging. You will get out of it what you put into it. Homework is daily, but manageable with good organization and time management skills. Students are diverse and accepting of everyone's differences. Administration has open communication and always strive towards improvements. Bus ride for my student is long, but still worth it. Students seem happy and have much pride in their school.

Posted: September 29, 2014

Love the diversity and individualism this school cultivates with well rounded programs and lots of heart. Exceptional teacher 'teams' in the 'gifted' track are committed to the students and employ creative teaching tactics that hone skills with positive reinforcement. Email communication is exemplary both proactively in mass by teachers or with websites, reminder emails and online grade portal updates and comments..and in response to specific issues. Credit goes to the extraordinary leadership by the dedicated principal, Mrs. Peek, who personally responds to email and escalates appropriately issues elevated her way. Required homework has been surprisingly manageable (lighter than expected) with clear expectations and timeframes, but kids that crave excelling in science/history fair or in literary contests may delve deeper as a matter of choice. School spirit is high with great sports teams. Weaknesses are ONLY those shared by other Duval public schools: overcrowded elective classes, limited sports facilities, basic supplies and shortages of support staff. Our child, bored in traditional classrooms and not a self-starter, has thrived here and is very proud to be a Trojan.

Posted: June 8, 2014

I rate this school a 5 out of 5 stars! sure there were some teachers that could've done better but the learning styles and fun incorporated into learning really makes up for it. it's very easy to get the information needed for high school and as a graduating 8th grader I think I am more than prepared for high school! the teachers really want you to succeed and go beyond just being a teacher for the school day but updating their websites and making quick contact with parents alike. I highly recommend this school it's totally worth it :)

Posted: June 4, 2014

I agree the the prior two posts stating that parent/teacher communication is awful. And, yes, if you reach email a teacher you get a rude or scarcastic response. My child was there 2 years, and I've never seen anything like it. We've been in other counties and in both private and public schools - 7 schools in all. This is by far the worst. If you email to check on a bad grade or missing assignment, you'll get an incomplete or rude answer. Never did I get a helpful suggestion or comment that indicated they cared about the grade (much less the child) one way or the other. I was completely on my own figuring out how my child was doing, and what he needed. Many of the teachers are very young and use multiple forms of technology for commnicating, but it's inconsistent and the main thing they should do - reach out to a kid and/or parent - they never do. They spend a lot of time updating their websites and maintaining a social media presence, none on actually connecting with the live people in their care. (8th grade girted was by far the worst. Very young, very arrogant teachers who are in need of supervision.) Wondering how they get some of the scores they get.....

Posted: May 24, 2014

This school is awful. There is no teacher communication. There is no feedback from the teachers. The more you inquire about your child s academic progress the more distant the teachers become. The teachers, administrators, staff are unresponsive and reactive. This was not what I envision from one of the top Magnet schools in Jacksonville. We are moving on. We will not continue to sacrifice my child s education by continuing to on with this lack luster school!

Posted: March 13, 2014

Being a new parent to middle-school and to James Weldon Johnson, I must say that I am not impressed with James Weldon Johnson as I thought I would be. The school encourages parents to be involved, but when you are-you're treated like a "bother" to some of the teachers. The teachers that my child has this year are "average"-with the exception of maybe 1 or 2. I am over being receiving email responses from teachers with rude undertones when I reach out to partner with them to ensure my child's overall educational success. All parents are not involved with their child's education, but it seems like if you are involved at JWJ- most of the teachers use this time to belittle your child and make you feel like your child is the worst child in their grade. I have seen great improvement in my child's academics this year and my child LOVES the school, but as a parent-I am NOT impressed with the "parent/teacher" relationship. Everything is communicated through the child [problems and all] and when you go to reach out to the teacher, the first thing I was told is "I spoke with your child about this and they should have told you"...It is still important for the teacher/parent to connect.

Posted: October 27, 2013

I love this school. The teachers are amazing and they try to make school as fun as possible. They have great activities and school projects. I love the Greek day you get to have in 7th grade, it's amazing. The students are also really good and social. I recommend this school to everyone

Posted: August 26, 2013

This is a gifted and academically talented magnet that does not have enough books for their students.

Posted: August 24, 2013

This is one of the best schools in Florida. Number one in reading and writing in the STATE. The sports teams are undefeated, the work is good and provides a nice challenge. I recommend the school. The teachers and principal are very focused on discipline and respect. My son loves it.

Posted: January 30, 2013

I love this school it sound like a good school to go to for middle school it really doese

Posted: July 24, 2012

My child has attended JWJ for 2 yrs going on third. I think JWJ is an average school. We are not sure that the education is that much greater than he would be getting in Honors or advanced classes at our local middle school. The transportation issue, as well as, the huge about of homework, loss of quality family time and the topics of the summer reading books they require, really makes us question the value of our decision to go here. The teachers are average, meaning some are really great and some are not great at all. The homework load is to heavy and busy work with little purpose for learning. We are still not sure about 2012-13, still looking at other options. Promise of new block schedule system to improve things, not sure if we want to wait around to see!!!

Posted: February 9, 2012

JWJ is an incredible school. I drive 45 minutes to get there and it is worth every second. We came in 6th grade from a private school and I can tell you first hand it is 300% better than what we had previously paid $10,000 a year for. The teachers are awesome and the kids are from diverse backgrounds. Everyone is made to feel welcome and part of the JWJ family. Our child absolutely flourished from day one. We will be so sad when we have to leave. Go Trojans!

Posted: January 17, 2012

My daughter has been in the JWJ system now for two years, and we are pleased. The new building has made it even better, with more space, and better facilities. Highly Recommended.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Waterford at Orange Park	Apartment Complex	Orange Park	FL	10.8 mi
2	Spencers Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	12.1 mi
3	Reed Island	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	12.4 mi
4	Oakleaf Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	13 mi
5	Waterleaf	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	13.7 mi
6	The Reserve at Wynnfield Lakes	Apartment Complex	Jacksonville	FL	13.9 mi
7	Eagles Hammock	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	14 mi
8	Kernan Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	14.3 mi
9	Highland Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	15.3 mi
10	Eagle Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	15.3 mi
11	Wolf Creek Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	15.7 mi
12	Pine Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Middleburg	FL	16.8 mi
13	Eagle Harbor	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville	FL	17.8 mi
14	Fleming Island Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Orange Park	FL	17.8 mi
15	Lighthouse at Fleming Island	Apartment Complex	Fleming Island	FL	17.8 mi
16	Sea Oats Apartments	Apartment Complex	Atlantic Beach	FL	18.5 mi
17	Jacksonville Beaches	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Jacksonville Beach	FL	20 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Avondale	Jacksonville	FL	3.2 mi
2	Riverside	Jacksonville	FL	3.4 mi
3	San Marco	Jacksonville	FL	5.2 mi
4	Orange Park	Orange Park	FL	12.2 mi
5	Sandalwood	Jacksonville	FL	13.9 mi
6	Mandarin	Jacksonville	FL	15.3 mi
7	Fleming Island	Orange Park	FL	16.8 mi
8	Atlantic Beach	Atlantic Beach	FL	19.4 mi

Base	Distance
Jacksonville NAS	8.6 mi.
Cecil Field	12.5 mi.
Coast Guard Mayport	18.1 mi.
Mayport Naval Station	18.9 mi.
Camp Blanding	29.8 mi.
Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base	32.8 mi.

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

Jacksonville, FL 32254

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James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

Jacksonville, FL 32254

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