With great excitement, I welcome everyone back for the 2024-2025 school year! To our entire district family, I hope you had a refreshing summer, are renewed and are ready to launch into a new year of learning. In this anticipatory time filled with back-to-school preparations, take a moment to set goals for the year ahead. Get ready for new friendships to be made, new experiences to be had and new challenges to conquer.
I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our schools. St. Johns County students scored highest among the 67 Florida school districts on the F.A.S.T. and B.E.S.T. assessments. Our students scored first in the state in English Language Arts - Grades 3 – 10; Math - Grades 3, 4, 8; Science - Grade 5; and End-of-Course exams in Algebra I, Biology, Civics, and US History. These successes reflect our staff and students' hard work and dedication to exceeding expectations repeatedly. Let us build on this momentum as we strive for excellence in the year ahead.
Over the summer months, our dedicated staff members have worked diligently to prepare for the year ahead. Teachers planned engaging lessons, administration evaluated school safety and all staff participated in a multitude of professional learning designed to meet the diverse academic needs of our students. As evidenced by the extensive list of professional learning opportunities this summer districtwide, our staff is dedicated to continued growth. The commitment to ongoing improvement will ensure our students receive a high-quality education at our schools.
As our district grows, we must maintain excellence across St. Johns County. The final touches are being completed for two new K-8 schools opening in time for the 2024-2025 school year. Lakeside Academy is in north-central St. Johns County. The Lakeside Academy Sasquatches will be led by Dr. Jesse Gates. Trout Creek Academy is located within the Shearwater development in northwest St. Johns County. Katie O'Connell will lead the Trout Creek Academy Terrapins. In addition, ongoing improvements are being made to our existing schools districtwide. We anticipate opening K-8 School PP in the RiverTown community in northwest St. Johns County for the 2025-2026 school year.
I am so proud to serve as superintendent of St. Johns County Schools. As we begin a new year, I feel overwhelming gratitude toward our passionate teachers and staff and am excited to welcome back our students for another great school year. Thank you, families, for your continued support. Let's make 2024-2025 our best year yet!
Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
