August 15, 2025

New Jean Ribault High School Opens in Jacksonville

News Summary

A new Jean Ribault High School has officially opened its doors in Northwest Jacksonville, replacing the old facility. Designed for 1,563 students, the 234,000 square foot school features advanced amenities such as culinary and medical labs. Principal Gregory Bostic highlighted a recent leap from a ‘C’ to an ‘A’ grade, showcasing the school’s commitment to academic excellence. The opening ceremony included community leaders and alumni, underlining local support. The new school aims to enhance educational resources and career opportunities for students in the area.

Jacksonville – A brand-new Jean Ribault High School has officially opened its doors in Northwest Jacksonville, replacing the previous facility built in 1957. The school opened in time for the 2025-26 academic year, following a ceremony on August 8 that celebrated the community’s support for this significant educational project.

The new high school, designed to serve approximately 1,563 students, spans 234,000 square feet and is the first school to be built under the 2020 sales tax referendum aimed at enhancing school infrastructures across the district. The construction of the institution was completed within a budget of $120.5 million, which is considerably lower than the $143.4 million allocated for another project, a new Baldwin middle-senior high school, also in Duval County.

Principal Gregory Bostic has expressed a strong commitment to academic excellence, emphasizing the recent improvement of the school’s state-issued grade from a “C” to an “A.” This achievement highlights the changing trajectory and focus on educational standards at Jean Ribault High School. Various alumni, students, district leaders, and state representatives attended the opening ceremony, fostering a sense of pride and community spirit.

The new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including an on-campus VyStar Credit Union branch, culinary and medical labs, a facility dedicated to aviation programs, and a rooftop urban agricultural garden. These features are designed not only to enhance the educational experience but also to prepare students for future career opportunities in various fields.

City council member Ju’Coby Pittman played a significant role at the event, helping generate a $5,000 donation to cover unforeseen expenses for the school. Such community involvement is expected to lay a solid foundation for the educational journey of the school’s first cohort of students. The new high school is believed to be a catalyst for local economic development, contributing positively to the Northwest Jacksonville area.

Additionally, the historical context of the school’s rivalry with nearby Raines High School was acknowledged during the opening, with alumni expressing their support for both institutions, reflecting the rich educational traditions in the community. Overall, around 1,500 students are anticipated to benefit from the modern facilities and resources offered by the new Jean Ribault High School.

The launch of this high school coincides with various ongoing construction projects in Duval County, which includes a replacement for Southside Estates Elementary School and an expansion at Mandarin High School. Such projects underline the district’s commitment to improving educational resources across the region.

As the school prepares to welcome its first students on August 11, 2025, Duval County Public Schools has released comprehensive schedules and transportation information for families. Parents are required to register annually for bus transportation and create a Linked Parent Account to facilitate communication with the school.

It is important to note that Duval County does not have a uniform dress code applied countywide, as each school determines its individual policies. Some families have expressed concerns about the costs associated with required uniforms for the school year. However, the district assures that no student will be turned away for dress code violations, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity. Ribault Middle School has also adopted a grace period for uniform compliance and provides support options for families facing financial difficulties.

The new Jean Ribault High School marks a positive stride in educational development for Jacksonville, aiming to equip students with the tools and resources necessary for their academic and professional futures.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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