I want to issue a cautionary tale – don’t be a victim of St. Johns County school district rezoning. If you are planning a family move to St. Johns County, my sense is you are interested in the schools. Additionally, you are likely reliant on online information. Unfortunately, redistricting/new schools coming online is often one area where there is a lag in information updates.
Why the Need to Redistrict?
See St. Johns County is growing and has been growing. Part of that growth means new schools are being added (which is a win for our kids). However, where there are new schools – there are rezoning efforts. There are 2 new schools coming online this August – Lakeside Academy (Beacon Lake area formerly identified as School OO) and Trout Creek (Shearwater Area – formerly identified as School NN).
District Rezoning May Not be Properly Captured
Just now – I was doing some research for clients and came across a national builder indicating the previously zoned school on their website. It pains me to think people might take that info at face value – be looking for a specific school AND buy on bad information. Resale homes are not exempt from the efforts. My biggest concern is with listings from earlier in the year. Some of the larger impacted communities include: Beachwalk, Beacon Lake, SilverLeaf and Shearwater.
How Can You Avoid Misinformation Regarding the St. Johns County School District?
1. Work with a local real estate agent who knows the schools and where to get accurate info.
2. In the absence of an agent (maybe you’re buying direct from the builder) – know where to check things yourself. In the case of St. Johns – an address search tool – updated for the 2024 – 2025 school year is available online.
Also remember – if you’re looking at new construction – you can use an agent but you often need to get that squared away/documented during your first visit/tour.
Rezoning Will Continue to be a Topic in the St. Johns County School District for the Foreseeable Future
With other communities having donated land to the school district along with continued overcrowding in may of the schools – redistricting will continue to be a facet of the educational system here for the foreseeable future. Someone said it best to me when we moved here “expect at least one redistricting while your children are in the schools.” What I can offer is that in the more established neighborhoods – there is less of a risk. If you find yourself on the side of a redistricting initiative – know that you are not alone. Your fellow neighbors will be in the same boat.
If you are looking for a home in St. Johns County or the Jacksonville metro area. Please let me know how I can help – contact me with your questions and I am happy to assist.