School Choices Detailed and Rated Kernan Forest, Jacksonville, 32225

Kernan Forest is a community located in the 32225 ZIP code of Jacksonville, Florida, in the eastern part of the city near the Kernan Boulevard area. This region falls within Duval County, and the public schools serving this area are part of the Duval County Public Schools system. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools (elementary, middle, and high) that are typically zoned for or near the Kernan Forest community, along with their ratings based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. I’ll also include some private school options in the vicinity. Note that school zoning can vary slightly based on specific addresses within Kernan Forest, so it’s always a good idea to confirm zoning with Duval County Public Schools (www.duvalschools.org) or by contacting the district directly.

Public Schools Near Kernan Forest (32225)

Elementary Schools

1. Abess Park Elementary School

   • Address: 12731 Abess Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 1-2 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10 (based on test scores, student progress, and equity data as of recent updates)
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): A (per Florida Department of Education)
   • Details: Abess Park is a well-regarded elementary school in the area with strong academic performance and a focus on student growth. It often serves students in the Kernan Forest area, though zoning should be confirmed.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 700-800 students
   • Programs: Offers gifted programs, after-school care, and various extracurriculars.

2. Sabal Palm Elementary School

   • Address: 1201 Kernan Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32225
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 1-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   • Details: Located very close to Kernan Forest, this school serves many families in the surrounding neighborhoods. It has a diverse student body and offers standard elementary curriculum with some extracurricular options.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 900 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Landmark Middle School
   2. Address: 101 Kernan Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32225
   3. Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 2-3 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   6. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   7. Details: Landmark Middle School is the primary middle school for many students in the Kernan Forest area. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, including advanced classes for eligible students.
   8. Enrollment: Approx. 1,200 students
   9. Programs: Includes sports, band, and STEM-focused activities.

   High Schools

   1. Sandalwood High School
   2. Address: 2750 John Prom Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
   3. Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 4-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   6. Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
   7. Details: Sandalwood High School is one of the largest high schools in Jacksonville and serves students from Kernan Forest and surrounding areas. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and extracurriculars.
   8. Enrollment: Approx. 2,800 students
   9. Programs: Notable for its Early College program in partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), allowing students to earn college credits.

   Private Schools Near Kernan Forest (32225)

   For families seeking alternatives to public schools, there are several private and charter options in or near the 32225 area:

3. Greenwood School

   • Address: 9920 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Type: Private, specializing in students with learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD)
   • Rating: Not traditionally rated like public schools, but highly regarded for specialized education (check Niche or parent reviews for feedback)
   • Details: Offers a supportive environment with small class sizes and individualized learning plans.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $10,000-$15,000/year).

4. Providence School

   • Address: 2701 Hodges Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32224
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Type: Private, Christian
   • Rating (Niche): A (highly rated for academics and college prep)
   • Details: A well-known private school in the area with a strong academic reputation and a focus on Christian values. Offers robust athletics and arts programs.
   • Tuition: Approx. $10,000-$14,000/year depending on grade level.

5. Seacoast Christian Academy

   • Address: 8057 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32211
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Type: Private, Christian
   • Rating (Niche): B
   • Details: Provides a faith-based education with a focus on academic and spiritual development.
   • Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$9,000/year.

   Charter Schools Near Kernan Forest

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently and may have specific enrollment processes (e.g., lotteries):

6. River City Science Academy - Elementary

   • Address: 7450 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Details: Focuses on STEM education with a rigorous curriculum. Admission is often through a lottery system.
   • Enrollment: Approx. 500 students

7. River City Science Academy - Middle/High

   • Address: 7565 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216
   • Distance from Kernan Forest: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Details: Known for strong STEM programs and college preparatory focus.

   Additional Notes on Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings from GreatSchools.org are based on test scores, student progress, and other metrics, while Florida School Grades (A-F) are determined by the Florida Department of Education based on standardized testing and graduation rates. Niche ratings incorporate parent and student reviews along with academic data.
   • Zoning Confirmation: School assignments can depend on the exact address within Kernan Forest. Use the Duval County Public Schools’ “School Finder” tool on their website (www.duvalschools.org) by entering your address to confirm zoned schools.
   • School Performance Variability: Ratings and grades can fluctuate year to year based on test performance, enrollment changes, and other factors. Visiting schools or attending open houses can provide a better sense of fit for your family.
   • Transportation: Public schools typically provide bus services for zoned students within a certain radius. Private and charter schools may or may not offer transportation, so check with individual schools.

   How to Research Further

   • Duval County Public Schools Website: www.duvalschools.org for zoning maps, school calendars, and registration info.
   • GreatSchools.org: Detailed reviews and ratings for public and some private schools.
   • Niche.com: Offers parent and student reviews alongside academic data for public, private, and charter schools.
   • School Visits: Many schools offer tours or virtual open houses, especially during enrollment periods.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides official school grades and performance reports at www.fldoe.org.

   If you have a specific address within Kernan Forest or are looking for more details about a particular school (e.g., extracurriculars, special needs programs), let me know, and I can help narrow it down further! Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or specific programs like magnet schools, I can expand on those as well.