Preparing for Middle School

I can’t believe it—this time next year, I’ll officially be the mom of a middle schooler! It feels like just yesterday she was learning sight words and making macaroni art in elementary school. But here we are, and now I’m faced with the overwhelming task of figuring out where to send her for the next big chapter.

If you’re new to Duval County, let me just say: Welcome to the world of school choice. You might not realize all the options available, but trust me, there are plenty! My goal is to find a school that will challenge my daughter academically, nurture her individuality, and give her a structured environment—but also make sure it’s where she looks forward to going each day. Oh, and friends. A place where she can build friendships is a must.

School choice season opens in just a few days! If you’re not familiar with the process or need a primer, I’ve got you covered with a detailed guide over Jacksonville Moms. But in this post, we’re zeroing in on middle school options around Jacksonville—because, let’s be real, narrowing it down is half the battle.

Read: Back to School Choice

Gifted, Advanced Placement, and College Prep Schools

If your kiddo is a high-achiever, loves a challenge, or is already plotting their Ivy League dreams (okay, maybe that’s just my overachieving imagination), these schools are worth a look:

• James Weldon Johnson: This magnet school is designed for gifted and academically talented students. They offer high school credits at the middle school level and group gifted learners together in core classes. Bonus: It’s located near west Jacksonville, off Edgewood Avenue, close to downtown.
• Landon College Preparatory: Known for college readiness and leadership development, this school emphasizes community service and academic rigor. If you’re in the San Marco area, Landon might be a great fit, especially if your child is coming from Hendricks Elementary or planning to head to Wolfson High later on.

Art-Focused Schools

For creative kids who light up with a paintbrush, instrument, or dance shoes in hand, Jacksonville has some amazing arts-based middle schools:

• LaVilla School of the Arts: This downtown gem offers students an impressive 12 hours of arts instruction weekly, covering areas like band, creative writing, dance, and visual arts—all alongside a solid academic curriculum. If your child dreams in color and sound, LaVilla could be their happy place.
• Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts: On the flip side, Darnell-Cookman’s focus on healthcare careers is a unique option for students who are already imagining a future in scrubs or running a hospital. They offer programs for both advanced learners and those who need extra support, all while maintaining a 100% graduation rate. Also downtown, this school is a fantastic launchpad for future doctors, nurses, and healthcare administrators

Neighborhood Schools and Specialized Programs

Sometimes proximity and convenience win out—and Jacksonville has some great neighborhood options, too:

• Mandarin Middle: Perfect for parents juggling multiple school-age kids, Mandarin Middle offers programs like Band, National Junior Honor Society, and the GATE program, all while keeping travel time manageable.
• Chaffee Trail Middle: Located in the Argyle, Oakleaf, and Normandy area, Chaffee Trail specializes in unique programs like coding, agricultural studies, and AVID (a college readiness program).
• Southside Middle: Known for its diverse student body and International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Southside Middle caters to English Language Learners and recently immigrated students. They’ve also got a strong lineup of clubs, athletics (like volleyball and football), and activities to keep students engaged.

Pro Tips for School Choice

School choice is exactly that: a choice! It gives you and your child the chance to explore everything Jacksonville schools have to offer. But keep in mind—applying doesn’t guarantee placement, so having a backup plan (or two) is always a good idea.

Over the next few months, many schools will host tours and open houses. These are a fantastic way to get a feel for the campus, meet teachers, and learn about transportation options. Mark your calendar and head over to the Duval County Public Schools website to start your research. Good luck, mamas!

XOXO,
Nifty