Academics in Duval County. High-Quality Education for Students of All Ages

Duval County's Trusted Source for Strong Academics

Academics in Duval County. Elementary Student with pink headphones at a laptop

Explore how we provide excellent education at all levels

There's a reason why Duval County Public Schools is recognized as one of the nation's top urban school districts — the enduring strength of our academics. We specialize in educating students of all backgrounds and for decades, countless families have entrusted us to:

Every day, we go beyond the books with curriculum and experiences designed to enrich students long after graduation. 

Come see how academics in Duval County Public Schools are inspiring and preparing students for success in college or a career, and life!

Ribault Middle School teacher and student in an academic classroom smiling

Paxon High School students work in a Duval County Public Schools science lab

Pre-Kindergarten: An Introduction to School

A teacher helps students with a craft in a Voluntary Prekindergarten classroom

Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) classrooms are places of excitement and discovery. Our educators infuse teaching with structured play to help students learn the building blocks of education in fun, memorable ways.

We teach the foundations of academics. This includes early literacy, early numeracy, science, and social studies. 

We introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Our Pre-Kindergarten students work on computers and are taught STEM concepts, including coding and robotics.

We prioritize a holistic "whole child" approach. We focus on character education, establishing rituals and routines, and strengthening interactions with peers and adults. 

Two Duval Schools VPK students at a desk coloring and smiling

We make learning fun with play, fine arts, music, PE, and recess. Daily, we make time for active and engaging learning through mentally and physically stimulating activities. 

We have certified teachers. Our Pre-Kindergarten teachers receive continuous professional development and access to the latest research.

We serve free breakfast and lunch to all of our students. Our nutritious meals are prepared with your student's wellness in mind.

Elementary School: Establishing Foundations

Two Duval County Public Schools elementary students on a carpet writing in notebooks and smiling

Our elementary schools are nurturing environments where we focus on foundational skills and concepts in grades K-2, and transition to more complex skills and abstract thinking in grades 3-5.

We expand learning in reading, math, science, and social studies. We'll cover everything from phonics to reading comprehension, multiplication to division, robotics to hands-on experiments, and research to geography.  

We offer a wide array of learning opportunities in each school. With over 100 elementary schools, we have countless programs ranging from Leadership to Dual Language to Visual and Performing Arts.

We give students opportunities to excel and accelerate. Academically talented students can qualify for whole-grade acceleration, mid-year promotion, subject area acceleration, or virtual instruction at a higher level.

Duval County Public Schools Elementary school student plays on playground equipment

We reinforce concepts using small groups. We incorporate centers as well as teacher-led small groups in our day-to-day instruction.

We offer gifted education. Students can engage with a gifted teacher at least once a week or enroll in a gifted and academically talented magnet program.

We make sure all students enjoy art, music, physical education, recess...and fun! Because we believe all of these activities are critical to building the body, brain, and well-being of your child.

Middle School: Building, Growing, and Expanding

Southside Middle school students working with their teacher at a set of desks

Our middle schools are a place for students to develop independence, critical thinking, and responsibility as they tackle more challenging subjects and new life experiences in this important transition.

We build upon elementary with more complex courses. We're teaching students to dig deeper across all core subjects with more thought-provoking assignments and discussions. 

We prepare students for high school and college. We align our curriculum with those of our high schools to ensure students are ready for a smooth transition.

We also offer Career and Technical Education Courses. Career pathways include technology, agriculture, fine arts, and more. Students in CTE courses can also begin to earn certifications, such as Computing, Multimedia, and Cybersecurity.

Mandarin Middle School PE Coach standing on court with a student on each side

We give students opportunities to excel and accelerate. This includes honors courses, enrolling in Pre-Early College (earning high school and college credit), and taking high school-level courses such as Algebra, Geometry, and Biology. 

We enhance their experience with athletics and activities. We offer 12 boys and girls sports at 25 of our middle schools. Students can additionally join after-school clubs and activities.

High School: Launching to College and Career

Duval County Public Schools high school student puts on latex gloves in a lab

High school is the final frontier in a student's path to college or career. We prepare students through our advanced coursework, academic support, and workforce-ready programs.

We take our coursework to the next level. We offer students enriching and high-level courses across all subjects with some examples including Calculus, Statistics, Honors African American History, and AP Environmental Science.

We teach workforce-ready skills through Duval Ready. Students can graduate with a diploma designation demonstrating experience in the following soft skills: team building, problem-solving, communication, and professionalism.

We give students opportunities to excel and accelerate. Each high school provides a pathway for students to begin earning college credit while still in high school. This can be done through AP, AICE, IB, Early College, or Dual Enrollment.

Paxon high school student works on a ceramic piece in art class

We provide relevant industry experience through CTE Academies. From welding to information technology to veterinary sciences, students engage in real-world, hands-on career education while earning industry certifications, internships, and even jobs. 

We offer even more athletics, arts, and activities. This includes 36 sports offered at 17 high schools, and a variety of student groups, clubs, and organizations.

Duval County Public Schools is Your Choice for Academic Success

We pride ourselves in offering our students an enriching academic experience, whether they're in elementary, middle, or high school.

We invite you to explore our programs and discover why Duval County Public Schools is the premiere choice in preparing your student for life-long academic success!

Four Sandalwood High School graduates celebrate academics in Duval County holding their diplomas

Academics in Duval County: Helpful Links