Joseph Finegan Elementary School

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

We are thrilled with Finegan Elementary. The principal, teachers and staff have a wonderful, caring way with the children. We are a military family accustomed to having to uproot and move every few years and we are really dreading the prospect of leaving Finegan very soon. We are comforted in knowing that our daughter has be given a strong eductational foundation here. Finegan is like family to us. Thank you!
--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