James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

Summary:

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is a public middle school in Jacksonville, Florida, serving 986 students in grades 6-8 and part of the Duval school district, which is ranked 54 out of 68 districts in the state.

This school consistently outperforms the Duval district and the state of Florida in academic assessments, with 78% proficiency in Algebra 1, 98% in Geometry, 98% in Biology 1, and 90% in Civics, compared to the district's 56%, 55%, 69%, and 63% and the state's 55%, 53%, 67%, and 67%. The school has maintained a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for several years, ranking 107th out of 1,196 middle schools in Florida. Its racially diverse student population, low chronic absenteeism rates, and increasing per-student spending further contribute to its success.

Compared to nearby schools like School of Success Academy, Lake Shore Middle School, and Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School stands out as a high-performing institution, with significantly higher proficiency rates in core subjects. This consistent academic excellence, commitment to equity, and investment in resources make it a model for other middle schools in the region.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 6-8

 3276 Norman E Thagard Blvd
       Jacksonville, FL  32254


(904) 693-7600

District: Duval

SchoolDigger Rank:
107th of 1,196 Florida Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $7,386 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  20.3 Help
Number of students:  957

Racial breakdown:

African American:
40.1%
White:
30.8%
Asian:
15.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  28.8% Help


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 Compare James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School ranks better than 91.1% of middle schools in Florida. It also ranks 2nd among 26 ranked middle schools in the Duval School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 88.13. (See more...)
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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
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Compare Details Student population at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (40.1%), White (30.8%), Asian (15.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 28.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is 20.3. 18 middle schools in the Duval School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School employs 47 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School is $7,386. 24 middle schools in the Duval School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School 107th of 1196 Florida public middle schools. (See James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School in the ranking list.)

Duval:

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


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Your rating for James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School?

Rank History for James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools FL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 95.87 8th 593 98.7%
2005 96.44 8th 602 98.7%
2006 96.10 10th 675 98.5%
2007 96.79 6th 736 99.2%
2008 95.56 8th 740 98.9%
2009 91.99 32nd 780 95.9%
2010 93.63 17th 839 98.0%
2011 93.48 19th 891 97.9%
2012 95.75 18th 897 98.0%
2013 96.32 16th 956 98.3%
2014 91.26 56th 999 94.4%
2016 94.65 32nd 997 96.8%
2017 94.93 34th 1031 96.7%
2018 93.88 45th 1035 95.7%
2019 92.41 53rd 1099 95.2%
2021 90.66 76th 1136 93.3%
2022 92.09 60th 1148 94.8%
2023 89.01 97th 1177 91.8%
2024 88.13 107th 1196 91.1%
See the entire list of Florida Middle School Rankings!

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

James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    






Data source: Florida Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, March 20, 2017

Open Quote Amazing School! Wonderful opportunity for my child to be there. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, May 9, 2016

Open Quote Clearly a higher quality of smart and motivated teachers than other schools. All the teachers are accessible and concerned about each student. It's all about LEARNING, and many teachers allow students to re-take tests to allow them to improve their scores.

We really couldn't be any happier with the whole middle school experience. Close Quote


by a student
Sunday, September 23, 2012

Open Quote I learned so much at James Weldon Johnson, there were so many outstanding teachers. I am now at a college prep high school and other James weldon kids and myself are beyond prepared. James Weldon Johnson had great academics and a comfortable and fun atmosphere. Close Quote


by a student
Friday, July 1, 2011

Open Quote this school is great the teachers are very helpful. They dont except any foolishness other students at my school are well behaved and very respectfull. My school expects nothing but the best because it is the best Close Quote



Enrollment information for James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 404 284 10 10 2 n/a n/a 0 710
1989 363 290 9 7 1 n/a n/a 0 670
1990 409 272 6 10 1 n/a n/a 0 698
1991 393 266 8 6 1 n/a n/a 0 674
1992 437 367 37 12 2 n/a n/a 0 855
1993 670 389 45 10 0 n/a n/a 0 1114
1994 650 309 45 4 1 n/a n/a 0 1009
1995 643 379 71 14 5 n/a n/a 0 1112
1996 643 379 71 14 5 n/a n/a 0 1112
1997 629 397 66 18 1 n/a n/a 0 1111
1998 631 377 73 19 1 n/a n/a 0 1101
1999 655 354 83 19 1 n/a n/a 0 1112
2000 671 412 114 18 1 n/a n/a 0 1216
2001 675 406 121 24 2 n/a n/a 0 1228
2002 657 428 111 36 3 n/a n/a 0 1235
2003 657 428 111 36 3 n/a n/a 0 1235
2004 645 435 112 39 1 n/a n/a 0 1232
2005 587 401 128 38 1 n/a n/a 0 1155
2006 554 388 133 33 1 n/a n/a 0 1109
2007 535 363 127 41 1 n/a n/a 46 1113
2008 519 353 140 37 1 n/a n/a 49 1099
2009 480 375 163 37 2 n/a n/a 51 1108
2010 438 397 159 54 3 n/a n/a 11 1062
2011 434 372 150 53 5 2 24 0 1040
2012 470 397 135 47 6 2 31 0 1088
2013 473 368 155 43 8 0 33 0 1080
2014 441 388 169 49 12 0 26 0 1085
2015 432 356 186 52 11 0 33 0 1070
2016 403 328 192 55 12 2 26 0 1018
2017 359 336 222 50 1 4 37 0 1009
2018 325 355 208 53 2 5 45 0 993
2019 315 355 176 54 4 5 60 0 969
2020 318 371 161 54 4 5 78 0 991
2021 325 394 162 53 3 5 75 0 1017
2022 310 386 168 61 1 4 69 0 999
2023 312 385 161 66 1 2 59 0 986
2024 295 384 146 76 2 2 52 0 957

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 James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 710 41.0 17.3 42.4
1989 670 38.0 17.6 49.1
1990 698 37.0 18.8 45.7
1991 674 35.0 19.2 43.9
1992 855 39.0 21.9 20.1
1993 1114 50.0 22.3 13.6
1994 1009 45.0 22.4 7.1
1995 1112 46.0 24.2 11.6
1996 1112 46.0 24.2 11.6
1997 1111 46.0 24.2 10.7
1998 1101 49.0 22.5 10.2
1999 1112 51.0 21.8 17.8
2000 1216 56.0 21.7 16.8
2001 1228 55.0 22.3 17.6
2002 1235 56.0 22.1 17.2
2003 1235 56.0 22.1 17.2
2004 1232 59.0 20.9 20
2005 1155 61.0 18.9 17.5
2006 1109 61.0 18.2 13.7
2007 1113 63.0 17.7 15.5
2008 1099 61.5 17.9 14.1
2009 1108 62.1 18.5 17.6
2010 1062 54.5 19.4 20.9
2011 1040 53.0 19.6 24
2012 1088 52.0 20.9 24
2013 1080 54.0 20.0 21.8
2014 1085 54.0 20.0 24.1
2015 1070 52.0 20.5 22.3
2016 1018 50.0 20.3 23.7
2017 1009 49.0 20.5 24
2018 993 46.0 21.5 28.7
2019 969 39.0 24.8 23.7
2020 991 42.0 23.5 28.9
2021 1017 43.0 23.6 26.1
2022 999 44.0 22.7 26.9
2023 986 45.0 21.9 29.1
2024 957 47.0 20.3 28.8

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 James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 710 41.0 17.3 42.4
1989 670 38.0 17.6 49.1
1990 698 37.0 18.8 45.7
1991 674 35.0 19.2 43.9
1992 855 39.0 21.9 20.1
1993 1114 50.0 22.3 13.6
1994 1009 45.0 22.4 7.1
1995 1112 46.0 24.2 11.6
1996 1112 46.0 24.2 11.6
1997 1111 46.0 24.2 10.7
1998 1101 49.0 22.5 10.2
1999 1112 51.0 21.8 17.8
2000 1216 56.0 21.7 16.8
2001 1228 55.0 22.3 17.6
2002 1235 56.0 22.1 17.2
2003 1235 56.0 22.1 17.2
2004 1232 59.0 20.9 20
2005 1155 61.0 18.9 17.5
2006 1109 61.0 18.2 13.7
2007 1113 63.0 17.7 15.5
2008 1099 61.5 17.9 14.1
2009 1108 62.1 18.5 17.6
2010 1062 54.5 19.4 20.9
2011 1040 53.0 19.6 24
2012 1088 52.0 20.9 24
2013 1080 54.0 20.0 21.8
2014 1085 54.0 20.0 24.1
2015 1070 52.0 20.5 22.3
2016 1018 50.0 20.3 23.7
2017 1009 49.0 20.5 24
2018 993 46.0 21.5 28.7
2019 969 39.0 24.8 23.7
2020 991 42.0 23.5 28.9
2021 1017 43.0 23.6 26.1
2022 999 44.0 22.7 26.9
2023 986 45.0 21.9 29.1
2024 957 47.0 20.3 28.8

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 James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018 $244 (4.1%) $5,654 (95.9%) $5,898
2019 $93 (1.7%) $5,434 (98.3%) $5,527
2020 $50 (0.9%) $5,281 (99.1%) $5,330
2021 $286 (5.1%) $5,372 (94.9%) $5,658
2022 $871 (13.6%) $5,514 (86.3%) $6,386
2023 $1,111 (15.0%) $6,276 (85.0%) $7,386

Data source: Florida Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle 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 53rd of 1099 Middle schoolsRanks 97th of 1177 Middle schools
 3.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)8379
 4%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)4743
 4%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5452
 2%
6th Grade Mathematics (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)8871
 17%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Duval)5141
 10%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Florida)5549
 6%
7th Grade English Language Arts (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)8381
 2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)4442
 2%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5248
 4%
7th Grade Mathematics (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)8782
 5%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Duval)4741
 6%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Florida)5446
 8%
8th Grade English Language Arts (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)8777
 10%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Duval)4942
 7%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Florida)5649
 7%
8th Grade Science (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)6173
 12%
   8th Grade Science (Duval)4035
 5%
   8th Grade Science (Florida)4844
 4%
End of Course Biology 1 (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)96100
 4%
   End of Course Biology 1 (Duval)6866
 2%
   End of Course Biology 1 (Florida)6763
 4%
End of Course Civics (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)9296
 4%
   End of Course Civics (Duval)6963
 6%
   End of Course Civics (Florida)7166
 5%
End of Course Algebra 1 (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)8971
 18%
   End of Course Algebra 1 (Duval)6055
 5%
   End of Course Algebra 1 (Florida)6254
 8%
End of Course Geometry (James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School)10097
 3%
   End of Course Geometry (Duval)6353
 10%
   End of Course Geometry (Florida)5750
 7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students969986
 1.8%
African American355385
 8.5%
American Indian41
 75%
Asian176161
 8.5%
Hispanic5466
 22.2%
Pacific Islander52
 60%
White315312
 1%
Two or More Races6059
 1.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients23.7%29.1%
 5.4%


Schools Near James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

Students at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School are 40% African American, 31% White, 15% Asian, 8% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races.

Yes. James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School ranks in the top 8.9% of Florida middle schools.

In the 2023-24 school year, 957 students attended James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Florida Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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