Guide to Schools, Preschools, & Childcare in Jacksonville

Thank you to our many local Jacksonville area school sponsors included in this guide.
Jacksonville Schools, Preschools, Childcare

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?

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

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

Episcopal School Jacksonville
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
Episcopal School JacksonvilleEpiscopal School Jacksonville

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The Bolles School

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.

The Bolles School
The Bolles School
The Bolles School
The Bolles School

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Riverside Presbyterian Day School

Independent Private School: Pre-K3 – 6th Grade

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville​Since 1948, Riverside Presbyterian Day School has been dedicated to providing a strong foundation in childhood education, fostering a lifelong love of learning. Guided by our mission to educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and support the growth of the whole child, we strive to develop knowledgeable, well-rounded, and critically thinking individuals prepared to thrive in a global community.

Riverside offers a child-centered learning environment for students in PreK 3 through 6th Grade, where imagination and wonder are at the heart of the educational experience. Our talented faculty delivers a dynamic and engaging academic program, inspiring joy in learning through exploration and thoughtful reflection. Students are encouraged to celebrate their unique strengths and grow into confident, capable learners.

We invite you to visit our campus and discover how Riverside can shape your child’s future.

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville

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St. Johns Country Day School

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.

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville

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The Discovery School

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

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville

“We open our minds and hearts so we can discover the knowledge and ideals to build a better world,” is the mission at The Discovery School. They are proud to offer an inclusive learning environment for students aged 18 months through 8th grade that promotes inquiry-based learning, independent thinking, global awareness, creative problem-solving, and mutual respect in a safe, nurturing environment where every child’s voice is valued. Discovery is the only school in Northeast Florida and one of only a handful of schools in the country, that is rooted in a renowned educational philosophy: Montessori, that advances to a globally recognized program, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which begins at the age of three.

The Discovery School has been a continued leader in personalized, learner-centric education for over 30 years. In addition, they are accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, a member of the American Montessori Society, and authorized as an IB World School.

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville

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River City Science Academy

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

River City Science Academy (RCSA) Schools is a tuition-free, public, non-profit, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused family of schools serving grades K-12. RCSA provides strong academics and college bound programs in addition to after school programs. RCSA is one of the most successful charter schools in Florida and is recognized as a High Performing Charter School by Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).​

Collage Day School
Collage Day School
Collage Day School
Collage Day School

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Innovation

Intracoastal

Middle High

Mandarin

The Goddard School – Baymeadows/Gate Pkwy, Julington Creek/St. Johns, Ponte Vedra Beach

Private Preschool: Infant – Kindergarten

The Sunshine Education Group is proud to offer three premier Goddard School locations in the Jacksonville market. Their portfolio includes locations at Gate Pkwy/Baymeadows (near the E-Town community), Julington Creek/St. John’s, and Ponte Vedra Beach. As an industry leader in early childhood education, their team of experienced educators are excited to welcome students ages 6 weeks through Pre-Kindergarten, and their families! Under the ownership of local resident, Liz Scott, the Schools provide a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment; allowing children to have fun while learning and growing each day in a setting designed with each child’s needs in mind.

Each unique campus offers children the opportunity to explore creative and unique learning environments, such as outdoor play areas featuring athletic turf fields, outdoor mini-amphitheaters, interactive music space, gardening and horticulture experiences, STEM classrooms, computer labs, and more. Small class sizes offer children the opportunity to learn and grow while focusing on core academics. The schools also feature new health and safety procedures that ensure the cleanest environment possible so parents have peace of mind, and your child can focus on fun learning experiences throughout the day. Each School offers two-, three- and five-day schedules with school-day and full-day options available. The schools also host fun and engaging Before & After School programs serving select nearby elementary schools. Please visit one of our three campuses, Gate Pkwy/Baymeadows, Julington Creek/St. Johns, and Ponte Vedra Beach to learn more about their programs and how they instill a lifelong love of learning in our students.

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville

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Baymeadows/Gate Pkwy.

Ponte Vedra Beach

St. Johns (Julington Creek)

Global Leadership Academy

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

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in JacksonvilleIf 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.

Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools, and Schools in Jacksonville

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Huntington Learning Center

Personalized Tutoring Programs: Kindergarten – 12th Grade

Huntington Learning Center is your partner in academic success, offering personalized tutoring programs designed to empower students of all ages and skill levels. With a tailored approach to learning, we address individual needs, whether it’s improving grades, building foundational skills, or preparing for standardized tests. Our team of expert tutors utilizes proven methods and a supportive environment to boost confidence and unlock each student’s full potential. From math and reading to writing and SAT/ACT prep, we provide comprehensive assistance across a range of subjects. With over four decades of experience, Huntington Learning Center has helped countless students in Jacksonville achieve their academic goals and excel in school. With 5 convenient locations, we are able to help students from Duval, St. Johns, and Clay Counties. Let us guide you on the path to academic excellence and future success.

Guide to Child Care, Preschools and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools and Schools in Jacksonville
Guide to Child Care, Preschools and Schools in Jacksonville

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The Playgarden

Early Childhood Play-Based Program: Early childhood – Kindergarten

The Playgarden Preschool and Kindergarten  is the perfect place for children to explore, grow, and create. They focus on the whole child: head, heart, and hands. Whether on campus or in the forest, their literacy-rich curriculum includes play, music, poetry, movement, bread-baking, gardening, painting, and frequent walks to the beach. The Playgarden offers 2, 3, or 5-day mixed-age classes at their beach Cottage-Kinderhaus campus, as well as, offering the longest-running nature immersion forest program in the South Eastern United States. The Playgarden is a LifeWays Representative Site following Waldorf-inspired programming with a play and nature-based curriculum centered on the whole child. Whether on campus or in the forest, highly trained teachers guide students through circle time, storytime, nature hikes, organic snacks, outdoor artistic activities, and of course, lots of time for observation, exploration, discovery, and wonder. They are proud to provide a loving environment with “unstructured free time in nature resulting in an intimate, deep, and personal connection to the natural world.” The Playgarden, Inc. is celebrating its 29th year as the spark of Waldorf Education in Jacksonville Beach, established in 1995.

 

The Playgarden

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Forest Gnomeschool

Outdoor Education Program: Kindergarten, part-time offerings

Forest Gnomeschool is a 100% nature immersion kindergarten enrichment program where a child has the opportunity to delve into the true work of childhood: PLAY! Cringing with what to do for Kindergarten next year? Give them the DREAM YEAR at Forest Gnomeschool where we nurture the growing child physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Remove the pressures of academic fatigue and replace them with confidence-building, self-regulation skills, resiliency, imagination, and empathy. Help your child become confidently inquisitive while learning through play!

Forest Gnomeschool curriculum is designed for kindergarten-age 5-6-year-olds. We will be meeting 9am – 1pm, Monday-Thursday. We honor early childhood with a small group setting under the guidance and care of two highly trained and experienced teachers through LifeWays Early Childhood and Cedar Song Forest Educator Certification. Forest Gnomeschool is part of The Playgarden, Inc., the spark of Waldorf Inspired Education in Jacksonville Beach since 1995.

 

Guide to Schools and Preschools in Jacksonville

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Duval County Public Schools

Area Public Schools: Kindergarten – 12th Grade

Duval County Public Schools is the 22nd-largest school district in the nation and the sixth-largest school district in Florida. The district is committed to ensuring that students are prepared for success in college or a career and life. Also, the district will make sure its mission of providing educational excellence is reflected in every school, in every classroom, for every student, every day. Phone (904) 390-2000.

DCPS

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St. Johns County School District

Area Public Schools: Kindergarten – 12th Grade

The St. Johns County School District will inspire good character and passion for lifelong learning in all students creating educated and caring contributors to the world. The St. Johns County School District includes 45 schools and is fully accredited as a quality school system by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), a division of AdvancED Accreditation. AdvancED Accreditation is the highest level of accreditation that a school system can receive. Phone (904) 547-7500.

St. Johns County School District

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Clay County District Schools

Area Public Schools: Kindergarten – 12th Grade

The School District of Clay County exists to prepare life-long learners for success in a global and competitive workplace and in acquiring applicable life skills. The School District encompasses a 601 square-mile suburban/rural county in Northeast Florida, including the communities of Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Penney Farms, Clay Hill, Oakleaf, and Keystone Heights.

Back to School Jacksonville

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Want to be a part of our Guide to Jacksonville Schools, Preschools, & Childcare?

We want to show our readers all the great options for childcare, preschools and schools available right here in the Jacksonville area. Partnering with us allows your business greater visibility with a large targeted market of local families. Join us and help enrich the lives of Jacksonville Moms!

Chantel Beidleman
Born and raised in the Aloha state and a traveling gypsy at heart, Chantel Beidleman left the nest fresh out of high school and headed off for college in sunny Southern California. Almost a decade later, she met and fell madly in love with her hubby, who whisked her off to the great Midwest. After five brutal winters in Nebraska, Chantel realized that home will always be where the ocean is (and the snow isn’t), so off to Jacksonville they went, where this Hawaiian girl now spends her days as a stay-at-home wrangler to her two baby bears. Before becoming a household CEO, she joyfully spent her time as the Program Assistant Director of a preschool. Digging deep into wellness and health is her jam, and spontaneous dance parties with her kiddos are what sing to her soul. Chantel is wildly passionate about advocating for her son, who lives with multiple severe food allergies. You can find her out and about daily as she is a self-proclaimed busybody who loves hitting the beach or exploring new spots in town while homeschooling her kiddos. If you ever see this fast-paced mama on the go, say hi because she is always up for meeting new people and making new friends!

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