David Go
Jacksonville, Florida, a vibrant city known for its diverse communities and growing opportunities, also boasts a robust educational landscape. For families navigating the crucial decision of high school education, understanding the options available is paramount. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on some of the most prominent high schools across Jacksonville, highlighting their locations, key features, and what makes each institution a unique environment for student growth and academic excellence. Whether you’re seeking strong academic programs, diverse extracurriculars, or a supportive community, Jacksonville’s high schools offer a wealth of choices to prepare students for future success.
Atlantic Coast High School
Atlantic Coast High School stands as a beacon of academic and extracurricular excellence in Southside Jacksonville. Known for its strong sense of community and dedication to student success, the school offers a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions. With a focus on preparing students for college and careers, Atlantic Coast provides diverse academic programs and a wide array of clubs and sports. The campus fosters a supportive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for students to develop leadership skills, forge lasting friendships, and achieve their full potential. Its commitment to a well-rounded education ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Riverside High School
Riverside High School, located in the historic Riverside neighborhood, offers a vibrant and engaging educational experience for its students. This institution prides itself on fostering a creative and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging students to excel not only academically but also in arts, athletics, and community service. With a strong emphasis on personalized learning, Riverside High School aims to equip students with critical thinking skills and a global perspective. The school’s dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued and motivated to achieve their personal best, preparing them for future endeavors.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Mandarin High School
Mandarin High School is a cornerstone of the Mandarin community, renowned for its strong academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings. The school cultivates an atmosphere of excellence, encouraging students to pursue intellectual curiosity and personal growth. With a wide range of AP and dual enrollment courses, Mandarin High prepares students for rigorous university programs, while also offering robust vocational pathways. Its vibrant campus life, complete with competitive sports teams and diverse student organizations, ensures a well-rounded experience. Students benefit from a supportive faculty committed to fostering leadership, critical thinking, and a sense of belonging, making it a top choice for families.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Sandalwood High School
Sandalwood High School serves as a dynamic educational hub in the Sandalwood area, dedicated to fostering an environment where students can achieve academic success and personal development. The school is known for its comprehensive curriculum, offering numerous opportunities in STEM, humanities, and fine arts. Sandalwood emphasizes a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging students to engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities and community service. With a committed staff and a strong focus on college and career readiness, students are well-prepared for their next steps. The school’s unique selling point lies in its ability to blend rigorous instruction with a nurturing community spirit.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
First Coast High School
First Coast High School, located in Northside Jacksonville, is committed to providing a stimulating and supportive learning environment for all its students. The school offers a diverse range of academic programs, including honors and advanced placement courses, designed to challenge and inspire. With a strong emphasis on technology integration and career readiness, First Coast High prepares students for the demands of the modern world. The vibrant school community is enriched by a wide array of athletic teams, clubs, and cultural activities, ensuring every student finds their niche. Its dedication to holistic development fosters a positive atmosphere where students feel empowered to learn and grow.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Bishop Kenny High School
Bishop Kenny High School, a distinguished private Catholic institution in Jacksonville, offers a faith-based education combined with rigorous academics. Known for its strong moral foundation and commitment to spiritual growth, the school fosters a supportive and nurturing community. Students benefit from a challenging college-preparatory curriculum, advanced placement opportunities, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities, including highly competitive sports and arts programs. The atmosphere at Bishop Kenny emphasizes personal responsibility, service to others, and intellectual curiosity, preparing students not just for college, but for lives of purpose and leadership. Its unique blend of faith, academics, and community creates an exceptional student experience.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Paxon School for Advanced Studies
Paxon School for Advanced Studies is one of Jacksonville’s premier magnet high schools, celebrated for its rigorous academic curriculum and focus on advanced studies. Dedicated to intellectual development, Paxon offers a challenging environment for high-achieving students, emphasizing STEM programs, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school fosters a culture of critical thinking, innovation, and scholarly pursuit, preparing students for top universities and competitive fields. Beyond academics, Paxon encourages participation in various clubs and organizations, developing well-rounded individuals. The unique selling point is its commitment to providing an elite academic experience within a supportive public school setting, pushing students to excel.
Type
- ✔ High school
Business Status
- ✔ Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Jacksonville’s high schools offer a rich tapestry of educational experiences, each with its unique strengths and community focus. From comprehensive public schools preparing students for college and careers to specialized academies and faith-based institutions, families in Jacksonville have access to diverse learning environments. We hope this guide provides valuable insights into the locations and key information for these respected institutions, helping you make an informed decision for your student’s bright future in the Sunshine State.
