River City Science Academy: A Comprehensive Overview

River City Science Academy (RCSA) is a tuition-free public charter school system serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Jacksonville, Florida, and surrounding areas. The school is recognized as a high-performing charter school by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and was the first charter school in Duval County to earn an "A" grade. RCSA aims to provide a strong academic foundation, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), to prepare students for college and future success.

Academic Excellence and STEM Focus

RCSA distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on STEM education, integrated into a well-rounded curriculum. This focus aims to equip students with problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, providing them with a competitive edge in a globally competitive economy. Research suggests that an education centered on science, technology, math, and reading enhances the potential for prosperity and leadership. The curriculum incorporates various resources, including technology for both in-school and at-home learning, requiring computer and internet access.

River City Science Elementary Academy stands out for its top-tier STEM education, academic excellence, and student success. Recognized as a School of Excellence, it outperforms state averages in math and reading and promotes innovation through STEM projects.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at RCSA Elementary includes the following resources:

ELA: Houghton Mifflin Into Reading in conjunction with i-Ready, IXL, Accelerated Reader, Study Island, and Top Score Writing.
Math: Houghton Mifflin Go Math in conjunction with i-Ready, IXL, Rocket Math, and Study Island.
Science: Houghton Mifflin Florida Science in conjunction with IXL and Study Island.
Social Studies: McGraw Hill Florida Social Studies in conjunction with IXL and Study Island.

Rankings and Performance

River City Science Academy is ranked #1,520 in the National Rankings, #103 in Florida High Schools, #10 in the Jacksonville, FL Metro Area High Schools, #6 in Duval County Public Schools High Schools, and #258 in Charter High Schools. These rankings are based on student performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college preparation.

Specifically, U.S. News & World Report evaluates schools based on student performance on state-required tests and internationally available exams on college-level coursework (AP® and IB exams). Subject proficiency is measured using the Florida Standards Assessment, EOC, and Biology 1 EOC.

At River City Science Elementary Academy, 85% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 74% scored at or above that level for reading.

College Readiness

A significant proportion of students at River City Science Academy participate in Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Data indicates that 78% of 12th-grade students took at least one AP exam, and 45% passed at least one AP exam. Among exam takers in the 12th grade, 57% scored 3 or higher on an exam.

Demographics and Student Support

The student population of River City Science Elementary Academy is 577, serving grades K-5. The school's minority student enrollment is 55%. The student-teacher ratio is 17:1, which is better than that of the district. The student population is made up of 51% female students and 49% male students. The school enrolls 47% economically disadvantaged students.

RCSA provides several support services, including Gifted Education through an on-site program with a Gifted Endorsed teacher and ESE Services for students with IEPs/504s. IEPs and 504s are requested with applications to ensure that accommodations can be met.

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School Operations

General Information

RCSA Elementary follows the DCPS School Calendar. School hours are from 7:35 AM to 2:45 PM, with classes beginning at 8:00 AM sharp.

Transportation

Bus transportation is not available. Students are dropped off and picked up using carpool lanes in front of the building. RCSA-issued car tags are required for pick up from the carpool lanes.

Before and After-School Care

Before School Fees: $150 / Month & $75 per sibling; Starts at 6:45 AM. The Boys and Girls Club provides after-school care. This program is free, but space is limited.

Fees are subject to change each school year.

Uniforms

Polo shirts with the school logo, khaki or navy-blue bottoms, and athletic shoes are required. RCSA fleece school jackets are the only jackets to be worn inside the building. Hoodies are not allowed on campus at any time.

Read also: Explore Feather River College

Class Structure & Size

K-2: self-contained (1 core teacher)
3-5: rotate through separate teachers for ELA/SS, Math/ Science
Grades 3-5 adhere to Florida State Assessments

Resource Classes

RCSA offers resource classes including:

PE
Art
STEM
Technology
Media Center/Character Education

Testing

RCSA Elementary is required to participate in all state-wide testing. Students scores are made available through the Focus Parent Portal. i-Ready testing is administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Scores are sent home in the Friday Folder.

After-School Programs

After-school Study Hall is 45 minutes once a week. ESOL tutoring is offered on Monday and Friday each week. After-school clubs are 45 minutes a week.

Code of Conduct and Parental Involvement

RCSA Elementary follows a strict code of conduct. ClassDojo is utilized as the school-wide discipline/parent contact system, and it is mandatory that parents are connected. K-5 students receive discipline consequences, which may include, but not limited to: lunch/recess detentions, after school detentions, and Out of School Suspensions. Parents can track their child’s conduct log and disciplinary actions on RCSA Connect. Parental involvement is essential for student success. All students have weekly homework and quarterly projects that must be completed at home.

Fostering Independence

RCSA Elementary is an "I Can" school, emphasizing independence and accountability for learning. The school utilizes standards-based teaching/learning, and students’ grades reflect their mastery of standards.

Staying Connected

RCSA Connect is available in the app store to keep track of what’s happening in the class and receive instant notifications of messages, events, and grades via push notifications. The Fortify Florida app, an anonymous reporting tool, is available for reporting suspicious activity.

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