Local Schools Near Ridgefield, Jacksonville, 32225

The community of Ridgefield in Jacksonville, FL, with the ZIP code 32225, falls within the Duval County Public Schools district. This area, often associated with neighborhoods near Fort Caroline and the St. Johns River, has access to several public and private schools. Below, I’ll provide a list of schools near this area, along with their ratings and relevant details. Ratings are primarily based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida Department of Education website.

I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable proximity to the 32225 ZIP code, particularly in the Fort Caroline, East Arlington, and surrounding areas. Distances are approximate and based on typical neighborhood boundaries within 32225. If Ridgefield refers to a specific subdivision or street, let me know, and I can refine the search further.

Public Schools Near Ridgefield, Jacksonville, FL (32225)

Duval County Public Schools operates the public schools in this area. Here are some of the schools serving the 32225 ZIP code:

1. Fort Caroline Elementary School

   • Address: 3925 Athore Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32277 (approximately 2-3 miles from central 32225 areas)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org as of recent data)
   • Details: This school serves many students in the Fort Caroline area. It has a focus on core academics but has lower-than-average test scores compared to state benchmarks. Check the school’s zoning map to confirm if Ridgefield falls within its boundaries.
   • Student Population: Around 600 students
   • Programs: Standard curriculum with some extracurricular activities.

2. Fort Caroline Middle School

   • Address: 3787 University Club Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32277 (approximately 2-4 miles from 32225)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 3/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students transitioning from local elementary schools like Fort Caroline Elementary. It has faced challenges with academic performance and student progress metrics.
   • Student Population: Approximately 500-600 students
   • Programs: Offers some magnet programs and extracurriculars, though resources may be limited.

3. Terry Parker High School

   • Address: 7301 Parker School Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 (approximately 5-7 miles from central 32225)
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: As the zoned high school for much of the 32225 area, Terry Parker offers a range of academic and vocational programs. It has mixed reviews, with some strengths in specific programs but overall average performance.
   • Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   • Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports.

4. Lone Star Elementary School (Alternative Elementary Option)

   • Address: 10400 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (within the ZIP code, likely 1-3 miles from many Ridgefield areas)
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This school is closer to some parts of 32225 and may serve as the zoned elementary school depending on exact address. It has slightly better ratings than Fort Caroline Elementary but still faces challenges in test score metrics.
   • Student Population: Around 500 students
   • Programs: Focus on foundational skills with some after-school programs.

5. Landmark Middle School (Alternative Middle School Option)

   • Address: 101 Kernan Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (within the ZIP code, approximately 3-5 miles from central areas)
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Located directly in the 32225 area, this school serves many East Arlington and Fort Caroline students. It has moderate ratings with some improvement in recent years.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students
   • Programs: Standard middle school curriculum with electives and clubs.

   Private Schools Near Ridgefield, Jacksonville, FL (32225)

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

6. Holy Spirit Catholic School

   • Address: 11665 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (within the ZIP code, likely 1-3 miles from Ridgefield areas)
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org, but generally well-regarded in the community (check Niche.com for parent reviews)
   • Details: A faith-based school offering a Catholic education with a focus on academics and character development. Tuition applies.
   • Student Population: Around 200-300 students
   • Programs: Religious education, core academics, and extracurriculars.

7. Greenwood School

   • Address: 9920 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (within the ZIP code, approximately 3-5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: 6-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated; specialized school for students with learning differences
   • Details: This private school caters to students with dyslexia and other learning challenges, offering individualized instruction. Tuition is significant, and enrollment is selective.
   • Student Population: Small, around 100-150 students
   • Programs: Specialized learning support and college prep.

8. Seacoast Christian Academy

   • Address: 8057 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32211 (approximately 5-7 miles from 32225)
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating: Limited data; parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive
   • Details: A Christian school providing a faith-based curriculum with a focus on small class sizes. Tuition applies.
   • Student Population: Around 300-400 students
   • Programs: Biblical studies, academics, and sports.

   Charter Schools Near Ridgefield, Jacksonville, FL (32225)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specific focuses or teaching methods. Here are a couple of options:

9. Global Outreach Charter Academy

   • Address: 9570 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 (within the ZIP code, approximately 3-5 miles)
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This charter school emphasizes a global perspective in its curriculum. It serves a diverse student body but has mixed academic outcomes.
   • Student Population: Around 800 students
   • Programs: Language immersion and cultural education.

   Additional Notes on School Selection

   • Zoning: Public school assignments depend on your exact address within 32225. You can use the Duval County Public Schools’ “School Finder” tool (available on their website, dcps.duvalschools.org) to confirm which schools serve your specific location in Ridgefield.
   • Ratings Context: GreatSchools.org ratings (out of 10) are based on test scores, student growth, and equity. A rating below 5 often indicates below-average performance compared to state standards, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of teaching or community fit. Parent reviews on Niche.com can provide additional insight.
   • Magnet and Choice Programs: Duval County offers magnet schools and school choice options. For example, students in 32225 might apply to schools like Stanton College Preparatory School (a top-rated magnet high school, though farther away) if they meet admission criteria.
   • Transportation: Public schools may provide busing based on zoning, but private and charter schools often require private transportation or have limited bus services.

   How to Research Further

   • Duval County Public Schools Website: dcps.duvalschools.org for zoning maps, school performance reports, and enrollment information.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (32225) for updated ratings and reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed parent and student feedback on schools in the area.
   • Florida Department of Education: Provides official school grades and accountability reports (fldoe.org).

   If you have a specific address within Ridgefield or prefer schools within a certain radius, let me know, and I can narrow down the list further. Additionally, if you’re interested in preschools, daycare options, or specific programs (e.g., special needs, gifted education), I can expand on those as well. What else would you like to know?