Joseph Finegan Elementary School

We continue to be impressed by this outstanding school. The staff is wonderful and attentive to the needs of the students. They are constantly striving to improve the grades and social interaction of the children. We are really enjoying the relatively new principal, Mr. Dew, and love how he is eager to listen to the concerns of us parents. Finegan is the best elementary we have had and thankful to have our children in attendance there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school hasn't always had the best repetition in the past but it has definitely come a long way!! This is our last year here and I can honestly say that we were treated like family. My son started coming to Finigan for speech with Mrs. Garrett before he was even in school and at that time he was very shy, but she was very patient with him and because of her, I truly believe he has come to love school. This is one school that not only encourages volunteers, but celebrates them. At the end of the year, the teachers provide a volunteer breakfast to say thank you to everyone who has helped out!! So if you are able to volunteer, I highly encourage you to. I am going to miss this school and I know that I will never find another like it!!
—Submitted by a parent

This was a great school for our two kids to attend. Our youngest was having issues with reading but by the end of the year had caught up, her teacher was incredible and patient. Our oldest child's teacher had actually been at the overseas school they went to for a few years and knew the system so she was able to push him in the areas he needed pushing to get into advanced classes for Grade 6 at middle school. Definitely recommended especially for military families.
—Submitted by a parent

THE best public school in Jacksonville! Small class sizes, a great principal and office staff and wonderful teachers! They understand the military way of life and have been a fabulous place for all three of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

It is comforting to know that Finegan Elementary not only adores my chiild, but also the military. Many of the staff have been a part of the military life. They understand what your child is going through with transitions, deployments, other struggles of military life. Our experience with the Fourth and Fifth Grade Teams have been outstanding. They have looked at him as an individual and worked on his learning potential. I know teachers from other schools come in to observe and get guidance from many of Finegan's teachers. That is a good feeling knowing your child's teacher is well respected by not only at Finegan, but other schools in the district.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was my child's 3rd school in as many years. She struggled a bit coming in, but the teachers truly cared about her progress and worked with her and me to ensure that she got everything she needed. She has now gone from making all c's to a-b honor roll. I love volunteering at Finegan and seeing what wonderful things they are doing for my child and all the children at NS Mayport and the beaches areas.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, caring staff, and Gabe's first school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had experience with Finegan Elementary with 2 of my children. I have not found another school in this area that knows the needs of a military child both emotionally and academically. The teachers and staff are great. I have spent many days at the school, and I am impressed each and every time.
—Submitted by a parent

As a military family with children attending Finegan for the past 3 years, I am glad we are transferring. Otherwise, I would pull them out. The front office staff is known for being unfriendly and unhelpful, the principal placates parents but has no follow through (not an honest bone in his body), information for upcoming events is routinely not sent home until a day or two prior, the guidance counsellor is unreliable at best, etc. A few of the teachers are wonderful, but that is really all the school has going for it. Several military families are considering pulling their children out after experiencing Finegan, and many already have.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is about to finish up her first year in school, and I am amazed at the amount of time the teachers and staff put into the development of our children. Safety and courtesy is top notch and for a military child school, they are amazing! P.S. Ms. Donlyn is my daughters teacher, I would recommend her to anyone :)
—Submitted by a parent

The was by far the worst Elementary School we've been to. Being a military family and moving from place to place, the sure do not take that into account when learning is different in different states. This school focuses to much on being a top ranked school, rather than focusing on the childrens needs.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW! This is my son's first year at this school, and I MUST say that from the very first contact with anyone at the school, from the office staff, the teachers, all the way to the principal, it has been the MOST rewarding encounter! I have been treated with the highest level of respect, they really are listening to what I am saying and the reply is quick. If the answer to a question is not know, they are not afraid to admit it! But what I love the most is that the needs of the student come first! Thank you Staff at Joseph Finegan Elementary! my only regret is that I did not find you until now!! MSM
—Submitted by a parent

this is one of the best schools ever..wish we didnt have to move away. teacher and parent communications is awsome..
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the most caring, determined facilities I have ever known. While Finegan is driven toward the needs of all students, she is particularly sensitive to the needs of military children and families.

This is my son's first year in school and I sent him to Finegan on a special assignment. It was the best decision I made. His teacher is wonderful and he has come so far. The school has an excellent PTA and staff. I love this school and will continue to send my son here!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. I have had children at this school for 8 years now and would not dream of sending my last elementary school child to any other school. The teachers and staff take the time to get to know not only the students but the whole family.
—Submitted by a parent

finegan is an excellant school. my son has been going their for three years and he is doing great. i have other children attending other schools here and i am ready to transfer them to finegan. i am not at all pleased with the other schools. finegan teachers are great. they are upfront and very helpful. the only thing i would want finegan to change is to start doing yearbooks for the children. this gives them something to look back on when they get older.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school is phenomenol.... I have no complaints at all!!! The teachers are wonderful and friendly... they go above and beyond for these kids. I would definetly go with this school.... it is fantastic!! The pricipal is also fantastic!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Finegan is a wonderful school. It is a small school with only about 500 students. Their focus is on academics while still allowing students to enjoy music, P.E., art and library. There are computers in every room. The students also have access to the internet. The school is clean and safe for students. My children have done well at Finegan! They enjoy going to school everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Finegan is an amazing school! The teachers and support staff go out of their way to help my child. The school also offers full resources, which other schools do not have. Art, music, media, and PE. What well rounded children they are producing. I am a very active parent and I think if the people who posted negative comments would become more active, they would see that Finegan is a great school. Education is a partnership, parents first from birth and then teachers come into play when our children enter school. I, as a parent am more responsible for my child's education than their teacher!
—Submitted by a parent