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GreatSchools Rating

River City Science Academy

Charter | 6-12 | 750 students
“Our school is best known for our strong academics and math-science focus”
 

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  • My daughter switched during 2012-2023 year after first nine weeks at...

  • This is my sons first year at RCSA. We came from a private school where he...

  • Academically challenging! As a parent, I'm very pleased with this school. I...

  • My kids have been in this school for 4 years. The quality of education, the...

  • It's been an excellent experience with River City Science Academy. I have 2...

 
 
 
 

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Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Based on 30 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 3 ratings
2012:
Based on 12 ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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30 reviews of this school

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Posted January 26, 2010
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Bravo for RCSA! The staff is wonderful and provide a structured, yet loving relationship with the students. Happy high school students, can you imagine.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 21, 2009
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out of anyother school this one is the best. best on academic's and it has the best teachers u could ever find in jacksonville. they work with your kid if he/she has a problem with any subject they would be happy to help your child.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted July 8, 2009
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This is a great school, caring teachers! private school quality at a public school!! this will be my child's 2nd year here. We are very pleased. Smaller class size for better learning for the kids, very hands on. Alot of multi cultural expierences for my child. Way to go rcsa!!!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted June 16, 2009
Report it

Excellent individual attention. Caring teachers and administrators. Education is excellent, my child has excelled.. the arts have not been cut!! The teachers are very involved with the children and offer after school clubs and tutoring.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted February 3, 2009
Report it

I think they are doing wonderfull job. I am so thanks full to teacher and the staff for there wonderfull jobs..My child is very happy to be in this school .very modern and europen teaching methot .
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted January 22, 2009
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I can't tell how dedicated teachers and staff the school have. They are doing wonderful job eventhough the school is pretty new. My child is getting what he needs...
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted July 17, 2008
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science collage prep an amazing school for youths who are excel in math and science!!
—Submitted by a student

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Posted July 16, 2008
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My son attended this school last year the first year they were open for his sixth grade year. I am very pleased with this school . The teachers are great and are very dedicated to the students. I am so pleased that I am sending my next son there this comming year for his sixth grade year. He was in the Duval county star program for children who feel behind do to not passing the third grade FCAT. He is being double promoted and I feel that the teachers here have the dedication to their students that he will surly stay on track. Also love the internet access to all home work, grades and e-mail conection with teachers. Pleased parent.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted July 8, 2008
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I couldn t be more pleased with this school. This was their first year in operation and they did a wonderful job. My children have attended both public and private schools and the amount of communication and dedicate that I ve seen at this school is comparable to private schools. Every time I contact the school or a teach I received a quick response. They have a website for parents to monitor their child s performance at any time; I don t have to wait for a progress report or report card to know what my sons grades are like. Class work and homework assignments are also available which is great since my child has a tendency to forget what he needs to do. Overall I couldn t be more pleased with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted March 22, 2008
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I am a teacher andtruly enjoying teaching in this school and I am happy to be part of this family.
—Submitted by a teacher

Write your own review

Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
60%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 57% in 2012.

100 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
65%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests

In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
55%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 58% in 2012.

113 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
61%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests

In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

142 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
61%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 55% in 2012.

142 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
50%
Science

The state average for Science was 46% in 2012.

153 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests

In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 52% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
45%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests

In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
64%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests

In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 78% in 2012.

153 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
94%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 84% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
n/a
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "A".

About the tests

Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 59% in 2012.

76 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
49%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests

In 2012-2013 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1, Biology 1 and Geometry. The EOC is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The Algebra 1 EOC has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 65% 43%
Black 20% 23%
Hispanic 9% 28%
Two or more races 4% 3%
Asian 3% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 26%N/A56%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Attendance and completion

  This school District averageState average
Dropout rate 2%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school public schools
private schools
home schooling
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per teacher 13N/A15
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 90%N/A65%
Master's degree 10%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 0%N/A1%
Other degree 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Classes taught by non-highly qualified teachers 94%N/A5%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Gifted specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
German
Korean
Russian
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • High Performing Charter School Award (2012)
  • First Place in Science Olympiad (2012)
  • Service Learning Leader School (2011)
Community service awards received in the past 3 years
  • Service Learning Leader School (2011)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Math club
  • Recycling club
  • Science club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
Media arts
  • Graphics
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Anime club
  • Arts and crafts
  • Drama club
  • Student newspaper
  • Television/Radio News
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • German
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language and culture club

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Cooking club
  • Gardening

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00 am
School end time
  • 3:00 am
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 6:00 a.m.
School Leader's name
  • DOGAN TOZOGLU
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
  • http://rivercityscience.org
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Advanced placement courses
  • College prep
  • Direct instruction
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Honors track
  • Independent Study
  • Individually guided instruction
  • Internships
  • Project-based
  • STEM
  • Standards-based
  • Teacher-run
  • Virtual school
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • German
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Flag football
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
Media arts
  • Graphics
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Anime club
  • Arts and crafts
  • Boy scouts
  • Community service
  • Cooking club
  • Drama club
  • Foreign language and culture club
  • Game club
  • Gardening
  • Math club
  • National Honor Society
  • Recycling club
  • Science club
  • Student council/government
  • Student newspaper
  • Television/Radio News
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Videos

Watch Now

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Tips for understanding school culture

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

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What are your chances?

4 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.

Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
250
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
600
Students typically come from these schools
public schools
private schools
home schooling

Planning ahead

College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
Community college courses
SAT/ACT prep classes
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Students' post-graduation plans in 2013
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
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7565 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Website: Click here
Phone: (904) 855-8010

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