We are frequently asked about education programs and recommendations for childcare, preschools, and schools in the Jacksonville area. We understand that picking a school or childcare center that fits your child’s and your family’s needs can be an overwhelming task. Whether you choose an independent, private, public, religious affiliation, or otherwise — we are thrilled to provide this guide resource to help your family, brought to you by our many sponsors! If you have questions about specific schools, we also encourage you to ask the moms in our neighborhood groups about their thoughts and experiences, including our specialty groups for homeschool moms and our newest group for moms of middle school and high school-aged kids. Who better to ask about local schools than actual moms who have experienced the schools themselves?

Independent Private College Preparatory School: Age 1 – 12th Grade

With three campuses located across Northeast Florida, Episcopal School of Jacksonville is able to serve students and families through every phase of their academic journey, from age one through 12th grade. ESJ is a community where students benefit from a rigorous curriculum, vibrant fine arts offerings, outstanding athletic programs, diverse extracurricular programs, small class sizes, and exceptional faculty; the global community benefits from the contributions and leadership of their graduates.

Episcopal School of Jacksonville prepares students for success in college and beyond by delivering a unique balance across Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Spiritual Life, and Fine Arts. An Episcopal graduate lives into his or her potential by becoming a well-rounded individual who seeks understanding, develops a sense of self, lives with honor and purpose, and pursues a life of faith. Episcopal invites you to visit one of four campuses to learn more: Munnerlyn Campus, Beaches Campus, St. Mark’s Campus, Knight Sports Campus

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Independent Private College Preparatory School: Pre-K – 12th Grade

An independent college preparatory and boarding school, The Bolles School holds a longstanding reputation for providing a well-rounded educational experience for students in Pre-K through Grade 12. Its four area campuses — Bolles Lower School Whitehurst, Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach, Middle School Bartram, and Upper School San Jose — now enroll 1,700 boarding and day students from more than 18 countries and 17 states. Renowned for its tradition of excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and its emphasis on servant leadership, The Bolles School provides students an unequaled breadth of opportunities for achievement — enabling every child to optimize his or her unique interests, abilities, and talents. Students develop an awareness of exploration, service, and personal values in the lower schools that instill a sense of All Things Possible as they move on to the middle school, upper school, and beyond. Bolles inspires boys and girls to pursue excellence through courage, integrity, and compassion. This time-honored legacy of learning thrives on every Bolles campus and in the many lives it has shaped over the years.

Visit their website for more information, to attend one of their “Explore Bolles” open houses or to schedule a tour.

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Private Preschool: Infant – PreKindergarten

The Sunshine Education Group is proud to serve the Jacksonville community with three premier Goddard School locations: Gate Parkway/Baymeadows (near the E-Town community), Ponte Vedra Beach, and the newest campus in Nocatee, which opened in November 2024. Locally owned and deeply rooted in early childhood education, these schools are led by experienced educators who are passionate about supporting children and families from infancy through Pre-Kindergarten. Each campus provides a nurturing, safe, and healthy learning environment where children are encouraged to learn, play, and grow every day. Thoughtfully designed spaces support whole-child development and include athletic turf play areas, outdoor mini-amphitheaters, interactive music rooms, gardening experiences, STEM classrooms, and computer labs.

With small class sizes and a strong focus on individualized learning, children build essential academic and social foundations in a supportive setting. Goddard’s enhanced health and safety practices offer families peace of mind while students engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences throughout the day. Flexible two-, three-, and five-day schedules are available, with both school-day and full-day options to meet the needs of today’s families. Prospective families are invited to visit the Gate Parkway/Baymeadows, Ponte Vedra Beach, or Nocatee campuses to learn more about the programs and the school community’s commitment to inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

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Ponte Vedra Beach

Private College Preparatory School: Pre-K – 12th Grade

Explore St. Johns Country Day School, where students from age 3 through grade 12 grow into leaders who seek solutions, accept responsibility, and create collaboration. Unleash your student’s potential in an innovative and supportive environment that is perfectly positioned to prepare your child for college and life. Florida Tax Credit Scholarships accepted, regardless of income (average amount: $7,800). St. Johns is perfectly positioned to prepare your child for college and life. Just minutes from I-295. Call to schedule a personal tour: (904) 264-9572.

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Non-Profit, Independent Montessori and International Baccalaureate School: Toddler – 8th Grade

At The Discovery School, students are empowered from 18 months through 8th grade to “discover the knowledge and ideals to build a better world.” They provide a distinctive journey that begins in Montessori classrooms and seamlessly transitions into the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, creating a cohesive, learner-centered experience for every stage of development. This approach fosters inquiry, independence, creative problem-solving, and mutual respect within a safe, nurturing environment where each student’s voice is valued. Their dynamic Middle School equips learners with a strong academic foundation while cultivating confident, compassionate leaders who are prepared to excel wherever their journey takes them. They proudly maintain accreditation from the Florida Council of Independent Schools, are members of the American Montessori Society, and hold the status of an authorized IB World School. At The Discovery School, it is believed that every child is born with endless curiosity—and they are ready to help it flourish. Their mission, “We open our minds and hearts so we can discover the knowledge and ideals to build a better world,” comes to life every day on a vibrant campus, where young learners grow, explore, and truly thrive.

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Tuition-Free Public Charter School: Kindergarten – 12th Grade

If you’re searching for a charter school in Jacksonville that provides a unique global education experience, Global Leadership Academy is an excellent choice. Schedule a personal tour of one of the four Jacksonville campuses and experience what sets us apart as one of the best charter school networks in Jacksonville. Join our supportive community at GLOBAL and provide your child with a truly unique and global education that will prepare them for success in the modern world. Our vision: develop, equip and empower students to become global leaders who make a positive impact on their family, community and world.

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Global High

Private PreSchool: Age 1 year — Kindergarten

Christ Church Preschool is committed to providing exemplary early education in a loving, nurturing, developmentally rich program. Established in 1955, they have been an important part of childhoods in the heart of Ponte Vedra/Palm Valley. As a mission of the church, their dedicated staff continues to carefully design and implement programs that nurture the whole child. Their high-quality learning experience focuses on development through play, social experiences, and fun, engaging activities. They believe children should enthusiastically look forward to school and their first years of education should be brimming with joy, growth, and wonder.

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Private College Preparatory School: Preschool – 12th Grade

Since its opening in 1997, Providence School has developed into one of the premier private Christian schools in Northeast Florida. It is one of a few schools in the area that offers a seamless education from preschool through 12th grade, incorporating college-preparatory academics, an award-winning fine arts program, and a championship FHSAA athletic program. Providence, as a Christ-centered community, is deeply committed to its Christian mission, which demonstrates God’s love in serving the community through local outreach, global missions trips, weekly chapel services, spiritual retreats, Bible classes, and daily prayer. Motivated by a challenging academic experience, their program offers College Preparatory, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, or Honors programs to prepare students for the next level of academic achievement. Providence’s distinguished faculty and staff model their Christian values inside and outside the classroom. They purposefully create interactive environments that promote student engagement. Schedule a campus visit today so they can show you why Providence is more than just a school; they are a family! To learn more, go to www.prov.org or call 904-223-5270.

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Classical Christian Education: Kindergarten – 9th Grade

Lux Classical Christian is a growing, collaborative Classical Christian program in Jacksonville Beach whose mission is to reflect God’s light by partnering with families to provide a classical Christian education that equips children spiritually, academically, and socially. Lux offers classes for kindergarten through 9th grade for the 2026–27 academic year. At the heart of Lux’s model is intentional partnership with families, giving parents meaningful time back with their children. Students attend in-person classes Tuesday through Thursday and homeschool Monday and Friday with guided assignments and structured support. This rhythm allows families to remain deeply engaged in their child’s formation while benefiting from a rich, Christ-centered classroom community. Our goal is to cultivate Christ-centered leaders who reflect His depth, wisdom, and virtue. To learn more and schedule a tour, please visit our website. Please note: Lux accepts Florida Tax Credit Scholarships, enabling families to allocate scholarship funds toward their child’s education.

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Faith-Based Private School: Early Learning – Elementary

The Elsie Academy—Elsie meaning “Pledged to God”—is a faith-centered private schoolhouse founded by the Smoot family with a passion for serving families and restoring trust in education. Located in the St. John’s Town Center area, The Elsie Academy provides a safe, structured learning environment where children grow academically, develop strong character, and build the life skills needed for long-term success. Rooted in biblical values, the school partners closely with parents to guide students in integrity, responsibility, leadership, and compassion. At Elsie, families are not spectators in their child’s education—they are active partners in a supportive community committed to raising confident learners and strong leaders. The school’s approach blends structured academics with hands-on exploration through a Reggio-inspired hybrid model. Mornings focus on core instruction in literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking, while later parts of the day encourage creativity, collaboration, and project-based learning. This balanced model allows students to build strong academic foundations while developing curiosity, communication, independence, and real-world problem-solving skills. Serving students from infancy through elementary, with expansion planned through 5th grade, The Elsie Academy is committed to creating an environment where faith, family partnership, strong academics, and life-skill development work together to help every child thrive.

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