Overview: Green Cove Springs Junior High

Location: 1220 Bonaventure Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
School Leader: Mr. Jim Demarie
Phone: (904) 336-5175

Programs: Cambridge International, Gifted & Talented

Quick Stats:

• GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
• Test Score Rating: 8/10
• Student Progress: 7/10
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
• Certified Teachers: 100%
• Students from Low-Income Families: 38%
• Students with Disabilities: ~15%

Academic Snapshot

Green Cove Springs Junior High consistently performs above the state average in most subjects,
with standout results in Civics (86% proficiency vs. 70% state average) and Math (71% vs. 59%).
The school’s Cambridge International program and 100% certified teaching staff reflect a commitment
to academic excellence and student growth.

Community Reputation

Families often describe the school as a supportive and well-balanced learning environment.
Reviews highlight approachable teachers, early morning tutoring options for advanced math students,
and an award-winning band program. Several parents note that the school has been recognized
multiple times by the Florida Department of Education for sustained performance.

“Excellent school. One of the best in the state.”, Parent review, 2023

Green Cove Springs Jr. High vs Lake Asbury Junior High

Lake Asbury Junior High School is another high-performing public school in Green Cove Springs, FL.
Like Green Cove Springs Jr. High, it offers a Gifted & Talented program, serving grades 7–8 and drawing students
from nearby neighborhoods in southern Clay County. The school performs above the state average in nearly every tested subject
and ranks among the top middle schools in the district.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Verdict

🏆 Lake Asbury Junior High wins by a narrow margin.

Both schools are strong performers, but Lake Asbury edges ahead in science and geometry proficiency while maintaining
a comparable test-score rating. Green Cove Springs leads in civics and algebra, but Lake Asbury’s consistent subject-wide
balance and strong support for low-income and special-education students give it the overall advantage in this matchup.

For families living near southern Green Cove Springs, Lake Asbury remains one of the county’s most balanced
and academically solid middle schools.

Green Cove Springs Jr. High vs Lakeside Junior High

Lakeside Junior High School in Orange Park, FL, offers Gifted & Talented courses, the Cambridge International curriculum, and Project Lead the Way (STEM) programs.
It’s recognized for strong academic results and smaller class sizes, serving as one of Clay County’s most established middle schools.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Verdict

🏆 Lakeside Junior High wins this matchup by a slight margin.

Both schools post impressive academic numbers, but Lakeside edges ahead with higher science and civics scores
and a notably smaller 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio that supports individualized attention.
While Green Cove Springs maintains stronger certification levels among teachers and perfect algebra pass rates,
Lakeside’s balance between academics and STEM-focused programs makes it a close but clear winner overall.

Families in the Orange Park area looking for advanced coursework and strong STEM integration
will find Lakeside Junior High a compelling option within the Clay County district.

Green Cove Springs Jr. High vs Oakleaf Junior High

Oakleaf Junior High School in Orange Park, FL, offers both a Gifted & Talented program and the Cambridge International curriculum.
While the school demonstrates solid overall test performance, its student progress and equity indicators suggest a more mixed academic picture
compared to other top-performing schools in Clay County.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Verdict

✅ Green Cove Springs Junior High wins this matchup.

Although Oakleaf delivers strong subject test scores, particularly in civics and science —
Green Cove Springs Junior High demonstrates stronger consistency in math and overall student progress.
Oakleaf’s higher low-income student population and slightly lower progress rating suggest that while the school supports diverse learners,
it faces more structural challenges in keeping academic growth on pace with peers.

For parents prioritizing steady performance and teacher certification levels,
Green Cove Springs Junior High offers the more balanced and dependable academic experience.

Green Cove Springs Jr. High vs Orange Park Junior High

Orange Park Junior High School in Orange Park, FL, offers Gifted & Talented courses, Project Lead The Way STEM programs,
and the Cambridge International curriculum. Despite its range of programs, the school currently performs below the state average in multiple academic areas,
with lower student progress and test score indicators than many other Clay County junior highs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Verdict

✅ Green Cove Springs Junior High wins decisively.

While Orange Park Junior High offers a wide range of programs, its performance metrics trail behind district averages
in key subjects such as English, math, and science. The school’s low student progress rating (3/10) and below-average proficiency levels
indicate a need for stronger academic intervention and consistency.

In contrast, Green Cove Springs Junior High maintains above-average performance across all state assessments,
driven by highly certified teachers and strong subject outcomes. For families focused on steady academic growth and safer learning environments,
Green Cove remains the stronger option overall.

Green Cove Springs Jr. High vs Wilkinson Junior High

Wilkinson Junior High School in Middleburg, FL, offers a Gifted & Talented program and has shown steady academic improvement in recent years.
While the school performs at an average level overall, it demonstrates above-average results in core testing areas such as math, science, and civics, with particular strength in STEM performance compared to state averages.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Verdict

✅ Green Cove Springs Junior High wins overall, but Wilkinson shows strong progress.

Wilkinson’s test performance is solid, especially in science and civics, where it slightly surpasses Green Cove Springs.
However, Green Cove maintains higher consistency across all metrics, with stronger student progress ratings, a fully certified teaching staff,
and smaller proficiency gaps between student groups.

For families in the Middleburg area, Wilkinson Junior High stands out as an improving and academically capable school.
Still, Green Cove Springs Junior High earns the win for sustained excellence, teacher quality, and overall academic growth.

Clay County Junior High Comparison Summary

After comparing Green Cove Springs Junior High to other Clay County junior high schools, clear trends emerge in academic performance,
teaching quality, and overall student outcomes. While all schools contribute to the district’s strong educational profile,
Green Cove Springs maintains above-average consistency across nearly every category.

Head-to-Head Results

Final Ranking Insights

Based on this analysis, Lake Asbury Junior High and Lakeside Junior High
take the top spots for academic excellence and innovation in STEM.
Green Cove Springs Junior High ranks just behind them as one of the most balanced and dependable schools in the district —
leading in math, civics, and teacher certification while maintaining a strong community reputation.
Schools like Oakleaf and Wilkinson continue to improve, showing that Clay County overall remains a competitive educational district.

Takeaway for Parents

Choosing a junior high school in Clay County often depends on what matters most —
whether it’s advanced coursework, small class sizes, or a focus on steady academic growth.
For families seeking a proven, well-rounded program with consistent results,
Green Cove Springs Junior High remains a reliable choice with strong academic outcomes and a dedicated teaching staff.