Q: As the new school year approaches, what message would you like to share with students and families?
A: We are excited to welcome both new and returning students when classes begin on August 10. Throughout the summer, our principals, teachers, maintenance teams and support staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms, improve school campuses, participate in professional learning and ensure every school is ready to provide a positive learning environment from day one.
Q: The district recently received its state assessment and school grade results. What do those numbers tell you?
A: The results are something our entire community can be proud of. St. Johns County School District once again led the state in academic performance with an overall score of 910, up from 882 last year. Forty schools earned an “A” grade, five received a “B” and one earned a “C.” Since district grades were first issued in 2004, St. Johns County has remained an “A” rated district every year, making it one of only two districts in Florida to accomplish that distinction consistently.
Q: District 4 schools had another impressive year. What achievements stand out?
A: Our District 4 schools continue to rank among the highest-performing traditional public schools in Florida. Every International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate at Allen D. Nease High School earned an IB Diploma this year, while students at Ponte Vedra High School completed 3,226 Advanced Placement exams with an outstanding 85% passing rate. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students and educators and continue to attract highly competitive colleges and universities to our community.
We’re also proud to recognize Nease High School’s ROTC program. Cadet Riley Willis was selected through Boys State to attend Boys Nation, an honor awarded to only two students in the entire state of Florida. Riley will represent Florida alongside student leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. We also celebrated Nease High School for an exceptional year through its nationally recognized NJROTC program, which placed third in the nation at the 2026 Navy Junior ROTC National Championship.
Q: Beyond test scores and rankings, how do you define success?
A: While statewide rankings are certainly worth celebrating, our greatest measure of success is the growth our students make throughout the school year. Those learning gains are possible because of the strong partnership between students, teachers, staff, parents and volunteers. We remain committed to reviewing our data, refining instruction and creating opportunities that help every student reach their highest potential.
Q: What can families expect from the district’s newest schools?
A: This fall marks an exciting milestone with the opening of Sabal Crest Academy and Magnolia Oaks Academy, our newest K-8 schools. Staff and contractors have worked throughout the summer to create welcoming campuses where students can thrive academically and socially.
Sabal Crest Academy, located in the Nocatee community, will be led by longtime Ponte Vedra educator Principal Tiffany Cantwell. There is tremendous enthusiasm surrounding the new school, and we look forward to watching this school community grow.
Q: Is there anything new families should do before the first day of school?
A: Yes. Families who are enrolling a child in St. Johns County schools for the first time are encouraged to complete the registration process as early as possible. Early enrollment helps schools plan staffing, organize classrooms and ensure every student has a smooth start on the first day.
Q: Finally, why is community support for public education so important?
A: Strong public schools strengthen the entire community. They help attract businesses, support property values, prepare a skilled workforce, encourage civic engagement and contribute to a high quality of life. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support our community has shown our schools, including its support of the referendums that help provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students. Together, we are investing in the future of St. Johns County.
