John Stockton Elementary School

Stockton embodies all that is right with our community, our education, our future.
—Submitted by a parent

Great administration, Great teachers, Great parental involvment.
—Submitted by a parent

Need more social opportunities for children... Kindergarteners are forced to sit boy girl boy girl at lunch and my child has told me they are not allowed to talk, or at most allowed a quiet whisper, but he is afraid of getting in trouble, so does not talk at all! Can't talk in line, cant talk at lunch, can[t talk in class... how is THIS more social than homeschooling!!?
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending this school for 5 years now and I have 6 more to go with my next child. It is a wonderful school. The parents that are involved are a tight knit group. They work together to help this school in any way they can. Parents have every opportunity to get involved. They can join the PTA, FOS, or just work in the class. Every little bit helps the teachers and staff. We have never had any complaints.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at John Stockton since kindergarten. We have been very happy with our experience. They boast a very involved PTA and a men's group called the friends of Stockton that raise money for the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two boys that attend school here and one will be leaving to middle school this year. I am truly going to miss having him at Stockton because of it's warm atmosphere and awesome teachers. The parental envolvement is great and the reading dinner theater and fall festival are lots of fun. The office staff are friendly and it's a small school environment so everyone knows each other.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Stockton from grades 2-5. There was always something 'extra' going on for the kids and the teachers are generally positive and caring. The parental involvement via PTA, Patrols, and FOS (a group of dads making a difference) is amazing. The carpool line is the best-run/most efficient one I've seen so far. The afterschool program is not 'enriching' but the kids are safe, and I wish there was more exposure to the arts/music, but overall this is an excellent elementary school.
—Submitted by Jen Woofter, a parent

I love this school. The discipline is great. I don't see kids acting up at all here. There is the little click problem. My son loves it here, the classes are small and he began reading before I knew it. They do music, art and pe. No problems there. Parents are very involved and encouraged to be involved. Lots of field trips and affordable activities. Great lunches, great teachers. Love love love it!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended John Stockton for 6 fantastic years. The school is easily one of the best in the state, if not the country. The teachers are caring and compassionate and go well beyond the call of duty. Evening activities are always happening at JS. That tells you how much these teachers care. Reading Theatre, dances, festivals.....these are the things we are now keeping close to our heart as our son has moved on to middle school. The classroom curriculum is not for the faint of heart. These kids have homework and plenty of it. That's why the FCAT score are always high. That's also why our son's transitition to middle school has been an easy adjustment. I would highly recommend this school to any parent who believes strongly in a great education for their child!
—Submitted by Christine Jump, a parent

The only, only bad thing about this school is the obviously lack of music and art. I do understand this school focuses on math and science, but all work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy! Right?
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a great school. My family is so proud that our daughter is able to attend this school on the magnet program. I feel that there is not much to offer as far as extracurricular activites though. I do agree with another parent, as far as the volunteer group being a tight-knit click that is hard to penatrate. Parent involvment does seem high, but for an 'outsider, that does not live in that upper scale neighborhood' I have found it hard to fit in, not many open arms wanting to know you. But whats important is the wonderful education that my child seems to be recieving. Teachers/staff can seem to be a bit snappy and harsh with the little ones, but I'm guess thats needed at times. Overall this school is a extremly great school to place your child.
—Submitted by a parent

My daugheter attended John Stockton for 5 years. It is an impressive school. The academic program is of good quality. The extracurricular activities are numerous and parental involvement is outstanding. I was particularly impressed with the after school art program and the opportunities for the children to take typing classes. It may be difficult to penetrate this tight-knit volunteer group, however, if you do not find it easy to get to know complete strangers. It is my understanding that several local school principals have enrolled their children at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though this is a highly praised school, I was not impressed with it. Some of the older teachers need to retire. They are frustrated and cynical. This school is also an FCAT test preparation center!
—Submitted by a parent

We just relocated here from Ga. We are very pleased with John Stockton. It is very small, VERY safe, and the parents are very involved. It is lacking in the arts, p.e., and music dept. I think this is a school-wide issue. I do believe Florida, in general, is behind in academics. Their curriculum seems a bit behind, but Stockton does a good job of trying to ' beef it up'. Overall, we are very happy here. The little things they do, such as school dances, reading nights etc. make it feel like a small town school. It is your BEST choice, by far, if you are on the westside area of Jacksonville. ( in Duval Co.)
—Submitted by a parent

several teachers with many years' tenure. Terrific office staff. Not having art anymore starting 2004-2005 year. Great neighborhood. Very little discipline problems.
—Submitted by Janet Masterson, a parent