Moving from Maryland to Jacksonville-School recommendation (best schools, live, suburbs)

[a.raj]

we are planning to move from Maryland (Montgomery County- one of the best school dist in the country) to Jacksonville, FL.

The most important criteria is the middle and high schools (public). Any suggestions / recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

[projectmaximus]

The simple answer is St Johns County (southeastern suburbs) for the best school district in the state. Otherwise private or magnet if you're in Duval.

[SmtSF]

Ponte Vedra High School and Nease both have excellent reputations. Search the forum and more will pop up as I think that one has an IB program and the other has the opportunity to specialize -- engineering, business, etc. In Duval County, it's a crapshoot because the best schools are magnet schools and so you have to win the lottery or apply (I'm not sure)--Stanton is ranked nationally and has a phenomenal reputation, as does Paxon. For middle school in Duval, also a crapshoot as to whether you can get in, Kirby-Smith, Weldon-Johnson, Julia-Landon, are all well-regarded. Again, search the forum with those specific names.

That said, Bartram High and Creekside High are well-spoken of in my mom groups. I'm not sure which county they fall into (Duval or St. John) but they offer electives, AP, and a strong education (according to other moms), so search those too. You can attend either if you live within the boundary district.

Good luck!

[a.raj]

Thank you for the detailed response. Appreciate the quick response