Seaside Charter K-8 School

2865 MAYPORT RD

School District

Duval County Public Schools
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

charter

School Map for Duval County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 24, 2025

This is the most wonderful school, my children are thriving and happy here! I have one 5th grader in particular whom has hated school her entire life but not anymore. Seaside has made the biggest difference in her life and AI could not be more greatful. I have now had 4 kids attend Seaside and I could not be happier with this school. Their teachers communicate with me regularly and the entire staff acts more like a family. The kindness, positive reinforcement and compassion my kids receive is unlike anywhere else. I have neurodivergent kiddos who need more help and understanding and this school gives the support they need without needing to be asked. Every single student gets the attention they need and the encouragement to be who they are. My children feel safe and loved instead of invisible and confused. I can't recommend this school enough!
Submitted by teacher on February 22, 2025

This is my second year teaching at Seaside and I couldn't be happier. The Waldorf curriculum is married with traditional public school state standards, resulting in instruction that is filled with creativity and joy of learning. Families are so very appreciative and supportive, adding immensely to the community feel of the school. The staff supports each other and admin is always there when needed. If I still had young kiddos of my own, I would be thrilled for them to be students here at Seaside. I myself feel grateful to be a teacher at this wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2025

My daughter is currently in 5th grade and has attended Seaside Beaches since pre-K. We live 35 minutes away and early on made the decision to make the daily commute to a school we felt would be the right fit for our family. We’ve been so happy with our choice throughout the years. Our daughter has experienced hands on learning with extras including gardening, yoga, handwork, Spanish, and school wide festivals with significant meaning. She spends significant time outside in the fresh air, goes to Hanna Park often for learning and exploration, and even in 5th grade uses art, color, stories, and creativity in lessons. She has loved all her teachers throughout the years and always felt cared for and valued. She’s consistently scored at or above state standards on testing, yet we don’t spend hours of our precious family time doing homework. Every family needs to find the right school for them, Seaside has certainly been right for us and I’ll forever be grateful we found this school home.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

My child goes to school with excitement every day. She feels calm and confident and she receives great results on her tests. She feels like she belongs and I see myself how nice everybody is with her and our family. I am very happy that she is encouraged to create, be herself, respect and love differences, always say the truth. I could not have chosen a better school for my daughter than Seaside Charter School.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

Seaside was our first choice when trying to find a school for our daughter and we were so thrilled when we found that we had won the "lottery." She attended kindergarten and is currently half-way through first grade. The school is wonderful and her teachers are excellent. Our daughter loves the school and is always excited to go to school, even after breaks. Her teacher understands her very well and keeps us involved.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

This school is so special. Being Waldorf-inspired means that students spend more time outdoors, nature-based learning is promoted, along with arts and the curriculum teaches to the whole child- head, heart and hands. But the best part is the community! The families support each other and we are all like family! Regardless if it is your first day or you’ve been there for 8 years like us, you belong.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

My two children have been there through elementary school and we have had an amazing experience. The school is tech free and very hands on. They have a lot of outside time and because it backs up to Hanna Park they get to enjoy nature and often walk over to eat lunch and play. I have had nothing but great experiences with teachers and staff. I would highly recommend this sweet little school.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2025

Seaside Charter at the Beach has been an incredible experience for my family. I initially enrolled my oldest after pulling him from public school, and the difference was remarkable. He began thriving in ways I never thought possible, both academically and emotionally. After seeing how much he benefited from the nurturing environment, it was an easy decision to enroll my youngest there as well.The small class sizes are truly amazing. The teachers are able to give each child the individual attention they deserve, helping them grow at their own pace while fostering a love of learning. The unique blend of Waldorf and Montessori methods encourages creativity, hands-on exploration, and a deeper connection to the world around them.Both of my children are thriving, and I couldn’t be happier with the community and education Seaside provides. The school feels like a second home—warm, supportive, and deeply invested in every student’s success. I highly recommend Seaside Charter to any family looking for an exceptional education. It’s been a game-changer for ours!
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2025

Both of our kids were/are at Seaside (daughter did 1-8 grade, son K through 6th, where he is currently and planning to stay through 8th grade).Passionate staff, great Waldorf elements, best free public school alternative around Jax!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2025

My children have been seaside students for 7 years. We have only had positive experiences every year. My kids have a hard time deciding which teacher was their favorite because they trust and enjoy each of their teachers. As a parent, my voice is important to the faculty and I have really appreciated how they handle difficult situations. No school is perfect, but I would choose Seaside if I had to do it all over!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2025

I enrolled my son at Seaside because I was looking for something different. Prior to his transfer, he was attending a highly-rated school, but it seemed like he was being drilled for standardized tests and losing his natural love for learning. To be honest, I thought Seaside sounded a little too good to be true, but it is everything, if not more than I hoped for. On an almost daily basis my son tells me excitedly about the things he’s learning in school. Seaside encourages his curiosity and ensures that he has a well-rounded education that keeps him thinking, exploring, and moving. At many other schools I’ve visited, there is an element of stress that seems pervasive among staff, but I haven’t seen that here. Everyone I’ve encountered seems sincerely happy to be there each day, and I am continually grateful that we made the switch to Seaside.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2025

Seaside practices conscious discipline revering the children as their head heart and hands learn and grow. Social emotional wellbeing is priority at this school creating the safety required for any learning to take place! We have 3 members of our family and several friends in the Seaside community. It’s very special.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2025

Our family has been at Seaside Charter Beach Campus for over 5 years, and we absolutely love it. The Waldorf-inspired approach is so different from traditional schools—it’s all about child-centered learning, creativity, and connecting with nature. I truly believe this type of education is so beneficial for kids, giving them the freedom to grow and learn without being cooped up inside all day. Every single teacher and admin we’ve met has been so kind and welcoming. It’s such a special little gem of a school, and we’re so thankful to be part of this amazing community!
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

Awesome staff, teachers and overall learning environment. Highly recommend to all types of young students.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

Parent Engagement is over and beyond available. Teacher availability is great too. The teachers we have had are great and truly care about the students.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

Seaside is a warm and welcoming school. We have been there since 1st grade (2018) and are currently in 7th grade at the school. We originally chose Seaside because of the focus on outdoor time, and the integration of natural movement within the curriculum which allows small energetic bodies the peace to learn when it's time to sit still. The curriculum and instruction style is Waldorf inspired, and students are treated as whole people, not just little brains to be filled up with knowledge. Enjoying the learning experience, and interacting with subject matter in a positive way are areas of focus and I'm so pleased with the way my daughter has grown emotionally and spiritually while also progressing intellectually. Seaside, like all schools has had issues come up, but I commend the administration and board for addressing those problems head on and always continuing to improve. I especially appreciate that the teachers are well versed in Florida standards, but the students are not pressured to perform and are not drilled, it is a very organic approach to learning what is required. My daughter has been able to achieve top scores without the pressure placed at other schools. I would recommend touring if possible, it is a true bright spot in education in Jacksonville.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

We switched our middle schooler here last year from the local public middle school which was treating him horribly and the students bullying him. Seaside was the best and the staff Was so supportive. He thrived. We moved our other three ESE daughters (K and 5th) to Seaside the following year and it's been equally amazing. Super attentive and responsive ESE staff and overly communicative teachers. We love Seaside and how it feels like a family. We are letting it kids attend until they can't anymore. Thank you Seaside!!!
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

We love seaside beaches! Almost everyone I've ever met here have rapidly become like family and we are so grateful for this school community we're now apart of here at seaside. We've been thru multiple schools both public, homeschool groups, and private school. This was by far the first time we have instantly taken in love with a school that also meshed well with our needs as a family.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

We came in October of last year from an extremely stressful situation in our previous country and the school accepted us with open arms, willing to learn and help us with out situation and has been nothing short of incredible since we've arrived at making us feel loved, welcome and full of community. My kids 1st and 3rd now are thriving. My 3rd grader hadn't learned to read yet coming from another language and a private Waldorf school and they have gotten him up 2 grade levels in this short time. Any time we ask for help, we've gotten it, they've been communicative when my kids get hurt and taken action when challenges arise. I love the family nights and community. The parents are wonderful as well and I love the rhythm of indoor and outdoor experiences the kids get on a daily basis.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2025

Seaside Beaches Community Charter School is a magical place where nature and education come together to nurture the whole child. As a public charter school, it’s free to attend, but it goes far beyond basic state standards by integrating the Waldorf method. Children aren’t confined to desks all day—they’re fully engaged with hands-on learning that nurtures their minds, bodies, and hearts.The natural setting is a highlight. Students explore the nearby Hannah nature trails and even walk to the beach to learn and connect with the environment. This unique perk of living in Florida enriches their education in ways traditional schools simply can’t match.The teachers are extensively trained in Waldorf methods and Conscious Discipline, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where kids are treated with respect and encouraged to grow into kind, capable individuals. The sense of community here is unparalleled, making the school feel like a second family.Seaside also hosts amazing events and traditions, from the Festival of Courage to the winter spiral and lantern walk, bringing families and students together in celebration. “Special Friend Day” invites loved ones to visit during lunch and recess to experience the school’s warmth and joy firsthand.What truly sets Seaside apart is the happiness of the students. My kids come home excited and energized, often disappointed when the weekend arrives because they miss their friends and teachers. They’ve gained unique skills like knitting, needle felting, and yoga, alongside their academics. This balanced approach fosters creativity, confidence, and a love for learning.Coming from homeschooling, I can’t imagine a better place for my kids. While no school is perfect, Seaside handles challenges with grace and love, ensuring every child feels safe and supported. I leave every morning knowing my kids are cared for, inspired, and learning in an extraordinary environment.If you’re seeking a school that embraces the whole child, fosters community, and creates joyful learners, Seaside Beaches Community Charter School is a treasure you need to explore.