JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The school of the day is James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School!
Sixth through eighth graders at JWJ returned to the classroom Monday, Aug. 24.
According to the school's website, JWJ is Duval County's original college prep middle school. JWJ is a magnet school and offers an academically talented track and gifted track.
JWJ began in 1991 as the only middle school in Duval County for gifted and academically talented students. The school is named in honor of Jacksonville native and former school principal, James Weldon Johnson - author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, songwriter and early civil rights activist.
While at JWJ, students may earn high school credit for Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, French I and Spanish I. The school is currently building a Chinese language track as well.
JWJ also features all four fine arts disciplines, including painting and sculpture, music, theatre and dance. Additionally, the school offers courses in computer technologies and programming, TV production and journalism. Students interested in atheltics can choose from over ten different sports, including football, baseball, swimming, volleyball, softball and soccer.
Since 1991, JWJ has earned numerous honors:
- "A" rated school since 1999
- National Blue Ribbon School
- Magnet School of Distinction
- Consistently ranks in the top 3 for FCAT scores in reading, math, writing and science at both district and state level
- Average of 100 students per year scoring a perfect 6 on the FCAT writing exam
- First in the state for FCAT writes 2008-2012
- Strong science and history fair traditions, with many winners at regional, state and national levels. JWJ has sent more students to state science and history fairs than any other middle school in Duval County
- State level winners in the PTA sponsored Reflections art contest
- Multiple "Critics Choice" awards at Regional Thespian Competition (drama)
- Highly ranked in Stock Market Contest for the State of Florida - winner in 2012
- 2010 Governor's essay contest winner
- First place in National Poison Control Center poster contest
- Winners in Douglas Anderson Creative Writing Contest
- Winners of the district sports trophy for over 10 years
A big congratulations to James Weldon Johnson College Prep for being our school of the day! Go Trojans!
Stay with First Coast News as we feature a school of the day, with a personalized weather forecast, throughout the entire 2015-2016 school year. To nominate a school of the day, email Colette DuChanois at cduchanois@firstcoastnews.com.
