SJCSD releases student counts after first day of school

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The student count for the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) on opening day, Aug. 10, was 36,253, an increase of 1,347 students or 3.85 percent over last year’s first day number of 34,906. St. Johns County has continued to be one of the fastest growing school districts in the state.

The high school student count was 11,509 with 2,453 students at Bartram Trail High School; 2,107 at Creekside High School; 1,324 at Pedro Menendez High School; 2,248 at Allen D. Nease High School; 1,739 at Ponte Vedra High School and 1,638 at St. Augustine High School. There were also 262 students in attendance at St. Johns Technical High School.

Middle school attendance totaled 7,426, with student headcounts ranging from 634 at Sebastian Middle School to 1,429 at Pacetti Bay Middle School. The other first day figures were Alice B. Landrum Middle School with 1,255; Fruit Cove Middle School with 1,162; R. J. Murray Middle School with 758; Gamble Rogers Middle School with 873 and Switzerland Point Middle School with 1,315.

The district’s K-8 schools totaled 4,369. Liberty Pines Academy had a first day headcount of 1,424, while Patriot Oaks Academy had 1,453 and Valley Ridge Academy had 1,492.

The elementary school population totaled 12,344, which included students attending the district’s new elementary school, Picolata Crossing. This count only includes approximately 25 percent of all kindergarten students since schools stagger the kindergarten start date over a four-day period. Another 207 students are enrolled at the district’s alternative, charter and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) schools.

First Coast Technical College has 238 students enrolled in its adult education programs at the St. Augustine, Palatka, Barge Port and North campuses. This number does not include those students enrolled in night programs.

“Today was a great first day,” said Superintendent Tim Forson last week. “The dedication, time and effort that was put into preparations this year was proven in the smiling, happy students who walked through our doors today. I could not be more pleased with our principals, teachers and staff who enthusiastically stood ready to support and instruct each and every child.

“Transportation, food service, custodial and maintenance staff did a stellar job in handling challenges and celebrating success realized on the first day,” Forson continued. “The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, public service assistants and crossing guards were incredible in supporting our operations. Lastly, I want to say a huge thank you to our parents and families as we manage the beginning of the school year.”