Is Ruth N. Upson Elementary School a good school?

Ruth N. Upson Elementary School ranks 484 th of 2256 Florida elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Ruth N. Upson Elementary School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 376 students attended Ruth N. Upson Elementary School.

What is the racial makeup of Ruth N. Upson Elementary School?

Students at Ruth N. Upson Elementary School are 45% White, 37% African American, 10% Two or more races, 7% Hispanic, 1% Asian.

What schools do graduates of Ruth N. Upson Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Ruth N. Upson Elementary School usually go on to attend: Middle : Lake Shore Middle School High : Riverside High School

Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Summary:

Ruth N. Upson Elementary School is a public elementary school serving 376 students in grades PK-5 in Jacksonville, Florida, which is part of the Duval School District. Despite the district's 1-star rating, this school consistently outperforms the district and state averages in academic proficiency across various subjects and grade levels.

One key differentiator is Ruth N. Upson's strong academic performance, with 74% of 4th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 47% for the Duval District and 53% for the state. In math, 80% of 4th graders were proficient or better, versus 53% for the district and 58% for the state. However, the school has a significantly higher chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 44.1% to 44.4% in recent years, which is notably higher than the 23.0% to 68.1% range at nearby schools like Central Riverside Elementary School and Annie R. Morgan Elementary School.

Another notable aspect of Ruth N. Upson Elementary is its racial diversity, with a more even distribution of White (44.68%), African American (36.7%), and Hispanic (7.45%) students, compared to the nearby schools that tend to have a higher concentration of either White or African American students. Additionally, the school has a higher spending per student, ranging from $9,258 to $11,384 in recent years, which is higher than the $9,349 to $14,918 range at the nearby schools. This suggests the school may have access to additional resources and support to address the needs of its diverse student population, despite the high chronic absenteeism rate.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

1090 Dancy St
Jacksonville, FL 32205

(904) 381-7485

District: Duval

SchoolDigger Rank:
484^th of 2,256 Florida Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,922

Students who attend Ruth N. Upson Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Lake Shore Middle School
High:	Riverside High School

Student/teacher ratio: 16.3

Number of students: 376

Racial breakdown:

White:

44.7%

African American:

36.7%

Two or more races:

10.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 61.4%

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Compare Ruth N. Upson Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Ruth N. Upson Elementary School ranks better than 78.5% of elementary schools in Florida. It also ranks 15^th among 119 ranked elementary schools in the Duval School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 76.89. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (44.7%), African American (36.7%), two or more races (10.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 61.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Ruth N. Upson Elementary School is 16.3, which is the 59^th best among 119 elementary schools in the Duval School District. (See more...)

Compare Ruth N. Upson Elementary School employs 23 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ruth N. Upson Elementary School is $10,922, which is the 58^th highest among 119 elementary schools in the Duval School District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Ruth N. Upson Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Duval:

SchoolDigger ranks Duval 54^th of 68 Florida school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School.

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Rank History for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	FL State Percentile
2006	15.65	1476^th	1688	12.6%
2007	20.98	1487^th	1786	16.7%
2008	36.68	1211^th	1789	32.3%
2009	26.96	1448^th	1847	21.6%
2010	51.44	1006^th	1919	47.6%
2011	60.05	837^th	1985	57.8%
2012	47.87	1044^th	1984	47.4%
2013	34.85	1365^th	2029	32.7%
2014	30.42	1506^th	2064	27.0%
2016	57.27	885^th	2087	57.6%
2017	67.65	665^th	2112	68.5%
2018	63.63	745^th	2118	64.8%
2019	70.84	593^rd	2182	72.8%
2021	77.61	480^th	2247	78.6%
2022	66.66	697^th	2219	68.6%
2023	81.21	382^nd	2240	82.9%
2024	76.89	484^th	2256	78.5%

See the entire list of Florida Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Florida Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)

67%

33%

Reviews:

by a parent
Tuesday, December 12, 2017

I have no complaints on my child's teachers. So far they have been amazing. The office staff however are the snobbiest and rudest people I've met. They bully the parents and students themselves, so how can you ask them to stop a child from bullying??? The principal would rather tell you to go to the superintendent, than to try and solve problems herself. Not a way to lead others. There are so many first year teachers at this school and I know why. When your leader of the school acts the way she does, I'm sure it's hard to keep the good employees!!!! Close Quote

by a parent on FaceBook
Thursday, June 7, 2012

You know your kid had a good year and a great teacher when he's so upset the year is over he's crying about missing his teacher! I'm so thankful for teachers like Mr. Dowen and that Alex had a great experience in 2nd grade! It just goes to show you what an impact a teacher can have on a kid, good or bad!
Cheers to you Mr.D! Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, January 26, 2012

My son attends this school, and he loves it. As a parent I am impressed as well. This school is like a hidden gem in our neighborhood. Teachers and staff have always been receptive to any questions or concerns I have had. We are fortunate to live in this neighborhood, and this school is a big part of the reason why. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	366	158	13	0	1	n/a	n/a	0	538
1989	354	179	11	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	544
1990	354	216	8	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	578
1991	362	233	3	4	0	n/a	n/a	0	602
1992	355	134	0	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	491
1993	327	139	1	6	0	n/a	n/a	0	473
1994	337	140	1	3	0	n/a	n/a	0	481
1995	235	171	9	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	418
1996	235	171	9	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	418
1997	257	154	9	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	423
1998	258	220	13	7	1	n/a	n/a	0	499
1999	267	248	9	4	1	n/a	n/a	0	529
2000	227	229	10	7	1	n/a	n/a	0	474
2001	205	263	11	7	1	n/a	n/a	0	487
2002	187	268	12	6	1	n/a	n/a	0	474
2003	187	268	12	6	1	n/a	n/a	0	474
2004	187	223	9	8	0	n/a	n/a	0	427
2005	185	232	8	12	0	n/a	n/a	0	437
2006	161	218	5	9	0	n/a	n/a	0	393
2007	143	205	5	8	0	n/a	n/a	17	378
2008	135	161	3	13	0	n/a	n/a	12	324
2009	155	168	2	17	1	n/a	n/a	20	363
2010	164	172	4	20	2	n/a	n/a	5	367
2011	173	168	4	19	2	0	7	0	373
2012	191	204	3	16	2	0	19	0	435
2013	191	205	3	18	2	0	17	0	436
2014	213	215	4	20	3	1	17	0	473
2015	206	184	4	21	4	1	19	0	439
2016	199	188	8	31	3	0	38	0	467
2017	200	146	6	32	0	0	35	0	419
2018	207	157	6	29	0	0	41	0	440
2019	214	150	5	24	3	0	37	0	433
2020	198	140	6	40	3	1	27	0	415
2021	180	131	6	24	3	0	26	0	370
2022	155	131	3	28	0	0	28	0	345
2023	168	138	4	28	0	0	38	0	376

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	538	25.0	21.5	41.1
1989	544	26.0	20.9	45.6
1990	578	28.0	20.6	48.4
1991	602	28.0	21.5	53.7
1992	491	23.0	21.3	40.9
1993	473	22.0	21.5	46.5
1994	481	22.0	21.9	26.4
1995	418	22.0	19.0	50
1996	418	22.0	19.0	50
1997	423	22.0	19.2	53.9
1998	499	25.0	20.0	48.9
1999	529	25.0	21.2	72.4
2000	474	25.0	19.0	72.8
2001	487	26.0	18.7	72.9
2002	474	24.0	19.8	70.9
2003	474	24.0	19.8	70.9
2004	427	25.0	17.1	70.3
2005	437	27.0	16.2	72.3
2006	393	27.0	14.6	68.7
2007	378	26.0	14.5	77.6
2008	324	22.0	14.7	70.5
2009	363	23.8	15.8	80.5
2010	367	25.0	14.6	80.4
2011	373	23.0	16.2	79.4
2012	435	27.0	16.1	79.1
2013	436	28.0	15.5	76.1
2014	473	27.0	17.5	61.7
2015	439	28.0	15.6	61.5
2016	467	27.0	17.2	71.5
2017	419	28.0	14.9	66.6
2018	440	29.0	15.1	67.3
2019	433	26.0	16.6	65.4
2020	415	26.0	15.9	61
2021	370	23.0	16.0	65.1
2022	345	26.0	13.2	68.7
2023	376	23.0	16.3	61.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	538	25.0	21.5	41.1
1989	544	26.0	20.9	45.6
1990	578	28.0	20.6	48.4
1991	602	28.0	21.5	53.7
1992	491	23.0	21.3	40.9
1993	473	22.0	21.5	46.5
1994	481	22.0	21.9	26.4
1995	418	22.0	19.0	50
1996	418	22.0	19.0	50
1997	423	22.0	19.2	53.9
1998	499	25.0	20.0	48.9
1999	529	25.0	21.2	72.4
2000	474	25.0	19.0	72.8
2001	487	26.0	18.7	72.9
2002	474	24.0	19.8	70.9
2003	474	24.0	19.8	70.9
2004	427	25.0	17.1	70.3
2005	437	27.0	16.2	72.3
2006	393	27.0	14.6	68.7
2007	378	26.0	14.5	77.6
2008	324	22.0	14.7	70.5
2009	363	23.8	15.8	80.5
2010	367	25.0	14.6	80.4
2011	373	23.0	16.2	79.4
2012	435	27.0	16.1	79.1
2013	436	28.0	15.5	76.1
2014	473	27.0	17.5	61.7
2015	439	28.0	15.6	61.5
2016	467	27.0	17.2	71.5
2017	419	28.0	14.9	66.6
2018	440	29.0	15.1	67.3
2019	433	26.0	16.6	65.4
2020	415	26.0	15.9	61
2021	370	23.0	16.0	65.1
2022	345	26.0	13.2	68.7
2023	376	23.0	16.3	61.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$826 (9.6%)	$7,758 (90.4%)	$8,584
2019	$922 (11.1%)	$7,363 (88.9%)	$8,283
2020	$1,136 (12.3%)	$8,123 (87.7%)	$9,258
2021	$1,060 (10.9%)	$8,706 (89.2%)	$9,765
2022	$2,714 (23.8%)	$8,670 (76.2%)	$11,384
2023	$2,702 (24.7%)	$8,220 (75.3%)	$10,922

Data source: Florida Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 593^rd of 2182 Elementary schools	Ranks 382^nd of 2240 Elementary schools	10.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	63	52	11%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Duval)	51	47	4%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	53	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	74	54	20%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Duval)	61	56	5%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Florida)	62	58	4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	66	71	5%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)	52	50	2%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	58	57	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	85	84	1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Duval)	64	58	6%
4th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	64	61	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	61	69	8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)	50	47	3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)	56	55	1%
5th Grade Mathematics (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	71	62	9%
5th Grade Mathematics (Duval)	57	50	7%
5th Grade Mathematics (Florida)	60	52	8%
5th Grade Science (Ruth N. Upson Elementary School)	50	67	17%
5th Grade Science (Duval)	49	48	1%
5th Grade Science (Florida)	53	51	2%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	433	376	13.2%
African American	150	138	8%
American Indian	3	0	100%
Asian	5	4	20%
Hispanic	24	28	16.7%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	214	168	21.5%
Two or More Races	37	38	2.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	65.4%	61.4%	3.9%

Schools Near Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				FAST English Language Arts (2024)			FAST Math (2024)			Statewide Science Science (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	FAST English Language Arts 3rd Grade	FAST English Language Arts 4th Grade	FAST English Language Arts 5th Grade	FAST Math 3rd Grade	FAST Math 4th Grade	FAST Math 5th Grade	Statewide Science Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Ruth N. Upson Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1090 Dancy St	Jacksonville	32205	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 381-7485	376	23	16.3	61.4%	168 (44.7%)	138 (36.7%)	28 (7.4%)	4 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (10.1%)	76.9	484^th of 2256 public elementary schools	78.5%		81.2	382^nd of 2240 public elementary schools	82.9%	102	57.0	74.0	68.0	59.0	80.0	75.0	64.0	$10,922	$2,702	$8,220
Wayman Academy Of The Arts	Public, Charter	K-5	1176 Labelle St	Jacksonville	32205	Duval County	Duval	Yes	No	No	Yes	(904) 695-9995	142	4	35.5	100.0%	3 (2.1%)	132 (93.0%)	3 (2.1%)	1 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (2.1%)	20.5	1890^th of 2256 public elementary schools	16.2%		12.6	2094^th of 2240 public elementary schools	6.5%	204	14.0	31.0	53.0	33.0	25.0	60.0	33.0	$14,918	$2,265	$12,653
Fishweir Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	3977 Herschel St	Jacksonville	32205	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	No	(904) 381-3910	465	25	18.6	28.6%	267 (57.4%)	94 (20.2%)	59 (12.7%)	9 (1.9%)	1 (0.2%)	2 (0.4%)	33 (7.1%)	82.9	343^rd of 2256 public elementary schools	84.8%		79.9	409^th of 2240 public elementary schools	81.7%	66	77.0	70.0	72.0	77.0	63.0	68.0	83.0	$9,349	$1,173	$8,176
Pinedale Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	4228 Dignan St	Jacksonville	32254	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 381-7490	426	25	17.0	79.3%	65 (15.3%)	305 (71.6%)	34 (8.0%)	2 (0.5%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (4.2%)	7.4	2198^th of 2256 public elementary schools	2.6%		13.6	2066^th of 2240 public elementary schools	7.8%	132	23.0	21.0	29.0	23.0	22.0	40.0	25.0	$15,815	$3,827	$11,988
Ramona Boulevard Elementary School	Public	K-5	5540 Ramona Blvd	Jacksonville	32205	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 693-7576	288	19	15.1	87.8%	39 (13.5%)	205 (71.2%)	21 (7.3%)	7 (2.4%)	1 (0.3%)	2 (0.7%)	13 (4.5%)	30.9	1598^th of 2256 public elementary schools	29.2%		16.6	1992^nd of 2240 public elementary schools	11.1%	394	40.0	23.0	41.0	55.0	38.0	52.0	54.0	$13,041	$3,202	$9,838
Hyde Park Elementary School	Public	3-5	5300 Park St	Jacksonville	32205	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 381-3950	245	12	20.4	81.2%	37 (15.1%)	174 (71.0%)	22 (9.0%)	2 (0.8%)	2 (0.8%)	1 (0.4%)	7 (2.9%)	10.5	2142^nd of 2256 public elementary schools	5.1%		10.3	2129^th of 2240 public elementary schools	5.0%	13	45.0	28.0	23.0	30.0	28.0	17.0	29.0	$11,276	$2,815	$8,461
West Riverside Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	2801 Herschel St	Jacksonville	32205	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	No	(904) 381-3900	289	22	13.1	49.1%	111 (38.4%)	43 (14.9%)	110 (38.1%)	2 (0.7%)	1 (0.3%)	4 (1.4%)	18 (6.2%)	60	859^th of 2256 public elementary schools	61.9%		48.1	1135^th of 2240 public elementary schools	49.3%	276	57.0	65.0	63.0	43.0	65.0	54.0	71.0	$11,904	$2,451	$9,453
Central Riverside Elementary School	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	2555 Gilmore St	Jacksonville	32204	Duval County	Duval	No	Yes	No	Yes	(904) 381-7495	353	27	13.0	56.1%	56 (15.9%)	247 (70.0%)	19 (5.4%)	13 (3.7%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (4.8%)	77	480^th of 2256 public elementary schools	78.7%		78.1	444^th of 2240 public elementary schools	80.2%	36	77.0	59.0	63.0	73.0	65.0	84.0	58.0	$11,668	$2,442	$9,226
Annie R. Morgan Elementary School	Public	K-5	964 Saint Clair St	Jacksonville	32254	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 381-3970	212	16	13.2	82.5%	18 (8.5%)	175 (82.5%)	10 (4.7%)	1 (0.5%)	2 (0.9%)	3 (1.4%)	3 (1.4%)	4.1	2231^st of 2256 public elementary schools	1.1%		5.2	2201^st of 2240 public elementary schools	1.7%	30	24.0	18.0	23.0	27.0	31.0	10.0	6.0	$14,398	$4,030	$10,369
Reynolds Lane Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	840 Reynolds Ln	Jacksonville	32254	Duval County	Duval	No	No	No	Yes	(904) 381-3960	222	16	13.8	80.2%	34 (15.3%)	136 (61.3%)	41 (18.5%)	1 (0.5%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (4.1%)	11.8	2113^th of 2256 public elementary schools	6.3%		16.6	1993^rd of 2240 public elementary schools	11.0%	120	25.0	26.0	17.0	43.0	26.0	36.0	36.0	$14,272	$3,487	$10,785

Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

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Rank History for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

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Enrollment information for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Student/Teacher Ratio Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Impact of COVID-19 on Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Ruth N. Upson Elementary School