Murray Hill Elementary School: Fishweir Elementary Ratings and Performance
Most Murray Hill homes are zoned for Fishweir Elementary School, located at 4550 Herschel Street. Fishweir serves PreK through 5th grade and is rated 7/10 by GreatSchools, making it one of the higher-performing elementary schools in the urban core compared to neighboring schools in Riverside and Springfield.
Fishweir's academic performance shows 56% of students testing at or above grade level in English Language Arts and 53% in Mathematics based on the most recent Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). The school enrolls approximately 630 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Fishweir is categorized as a Title I school, meaning it receives additional federal funding to support students from lower-income families.
The school offers a structured curriculum with specialty programs including art, music, and physical education. Fishweir also provides ESE (Exceptional Student Education) services for students with special needs and an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program. Before-school and after-school care is available through the Extended Day Program for working parents.
Parents frequently note Fishweir's engaged PTA, active volunteer base, and strong sense of community. The school's proximity to Murray Hill's residential core means many students can walk or bike to school, which contributes to neighborhood appeal for families prioritizing walkability.
Murray Hill Middle School Options: Landon Middle School Performance
Murray Hill students typically transition to Landon Middle School, located at 5001 Wesconnett Boulevard. Landon serves grades 6-8 and is rated 4/10 by GreatSchools, which reflects lower academic performance compared to Fishweir Elementary and creates decision points for families as children age.
Landon Middle School reports 37% of students performing at or above grade level in English Language Arts and 32% in Mathematics. The school enrolls around 850 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1. Landon is also a Title I school with comprehensive ESE and ESOL programs.
Despite lower ratings, Landon offers several programs that may appeal to motivated students. The school has elective courses including band, chorus, art, and technology education. Athletics programs include basketball, football, track, and volleyball. Landon also participates in Duval County's magnet school application process, which allows students to apply for specialized programs at other middle schools if they prefer alternatives.
Many Murray Hill families explore magnet school options or private schools at the middle school level. Duval County's magnet program allows students to apply to schools like Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, Riverside Fine Arts, or Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, though admission is competitive and not guaranteed.
Private School Alternatives Near Murray Hill
Murray Hill's central location provides access to several well-regarded private schools within a 10-15 minute drive, which families often consider alongside public school options. These schools charge tuition ranging from approximately $8,000 to $18,000+ per year depending on grade level and program.
Riverside Presbyterian Day School (RPDS) is located about 2 miles from Murray Hill in Riverside and serves PreK through 8th grade. RPDS is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and offers a college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and robust arts and athletics programs. Tuition for 2025-2026 ranges from $10,500 for PreK to $15,800 for middle school.
Assumption Catholic School is located in the adjacent Riverside neighborhood and serves PreK through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based education alongside academics and charges tuition ranging from $6,500 to $9,500 depending on grade and parish membership status.
The Bolles School operates campuses in San Jose and Ponte Vedra, roughly 15-20 minutes from Murray Hill. Bolles is one of the most prestigious college-preparatory schools in Northeast Florida, serving grades PreK-12. Tuition for lower and middle school ranges from $18,000 to $23,000 annually. Bolles offers rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs, but admission is selective.
Families considering private schools should factor tuition costs into their housing budget. Murray Hill Jacksonville property taxes are relatively affordable compared to newer suburban neighborhoods, which can offset some private school expenses for families prioritizing education spending.
How School Zoning Affects Murray Hill Home Values
School ratings and zoning boundaries measurably influence buyer interest and resale values in Murray Hill. Homes zoned for Fishweir Elementary typically sell faster and command slightly higher prices than comparable homes in adjacent neighborhoods with lower-rated elementary schools.
Buyers with school-aged children often request confirmation of school zoning before making offers. Duval County Public Schools provides an online boundary tool that allows you to verify zoning by address, but boundaries occasionally shift due to redistricting. It's worth confirming current zoning directly with the school district during your home search rather than relying on outdated listings or third-party websites.
Investors should note that Murray Hill's proximity to higher-rated schools in Avondale and Ortega, combined with relatively affordable entry prices, makes it attractive to young families willing to renovate older homes. This dynamic supports steady appreciation, particularly for updated bungalows and cottages within walking distance of Fishweir Elementary.
If you're selling a home in Murray Hill, emphasizing school proximity and walkability in your listing can shorten days on market, especially during late spring when families prioritize moving before the school year starts.
What Parents Should Know About Duval County Magnet and Choice Programs
Duval County Public Schools operates a robust magnet and school choice system that allows Murray Hill families to apply for programs outside their zoned schools. Applications typically open in January for the following school year, and acceptance is based on space availability, lottery, and program-specific criteria.
Magnet schools offer specialized curricula in areas like STEM, fine arts, Montessori, and International Baccalaureate (IB). Popular magnet elementary schools within a reasonable commute from Murray Hill include Stockton Elementary (Montessori), Hendricks Avenue Elementary (Traditional), and Fishweir Elementary's own magnet program for gifted students.
School choice allows parents to request transfers to non-magnet schools outside their zoned area if space is available. This option is less predictable than magnet applications since it depends on enrollment capacity, but it provides flexibility for families seeking specific school environments or programs.
Parents should apply early and understand that transportation to magnet or choice schools is the family's responsibility. Duval County does not provide busing for students attending schools outside their zoned area unless the school is designated as a countywide magnet program.
For families prioritizing school options, Murray Hill's central location is an advantage. The neighborhood sits within a 15-minute commute to Five Points, Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco, making it feasible to access higher-rated schools or magnet programs if your child is accepted.
Comparing Murray Hill Schools to Neighboring Urban Core Neighborhoods
When evaluating Murray Hill Jacksonville schools ratings, it helps to compare performance to nearby neighborhoods that attract similar buyers. Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco are often cross-shopped with Murray Hill, and school quality is a frequent differentiator.
Riverside: Most Riverside homes are zoned for Riverside Elementary (rated 6/10) and Riverside Fine Arts (middle school, rated 5/10). Riverside Fine Arts offers a specialized curriculum in visual and performing arts, which appeals to families prioritizing creative education. Riverside Elementary performs slightly below Fishweir, but both neighborhoods attract similar buyer profiles.
Avondale: Avondale homes are typically zoned for Fishweir Elementary (same as Murray Hill) and either Landon or Kirby-Smith Middle School depending on location. Avondale's higher home prices reflect desirability beyond school ratings, including walkability, architecture, and proximity to St. Johns River parks.
San Marco: San Marco is zoned for Hendricks Avenue Elementary (rated 9/10) and Landon Middle School. Hendricks is one of the highest-rated public elementary schools in urban Jacksonville, which directly contributes to San Marco's premium pricing. If school ratings are a top priority and budget allows, San Marco property taxes and home prices may be worth the trade-off.
Murray Hill offers a middle ground: better elementary school ratings than Springfield or parts of Riverside, more affordable pricing than Avondale or San Marco, and access to the same magnet and choice programs across Duval County.
Agent's take: School zoning matters in Murray Hill resale value. Homes within Fishweir Elementary boundaries consistently sell faster than comparable properties in adjacent neighborhoods with lower-rated schools. If you're buying with kids, confirm current zoning directly with Duval County—boundaries shift, and outdated listing data can mislead buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What elementary school do Murray Hill Jacksonville homes attend?
Most Murray Hill homes are zoned for Fishweir Elementary School, rated 7/10 by GreatSchools. Fishweir serves PreK through 5th grade and enrolls approximately 630 students. A small number of Murray Hill homes near the western boundary may be zoned for other schools, so verify zoning by address using the Duval County Public Schools boundary tool before purchasing.
Are Murray Hill Jacksonville schools ratings good compared to other urban neighborhoods?
Murray Hill's elementary school (Fishweir) is rated 7/10, which is above average for Jacksonville's urban core and higher than schools in Springfield and parts of Riverside. The middle school option (Landon, rated 4/10) has lower performance, prompting many families to explore magnet programs or private schools at that level. Overall, Murray Hill schools are competitive for the price point.
What middle school do Murray Hill students attend?
Murray Hill students are typically zoned for Landon Middle School, which serves grades 6-8 and is rated 4/10 by GreatSchools. Landon offers elective programs in arts, athletics, and technology, but academic performance is below the county average. Many Murray Hill families apply to Duval County magnet middle schools or consider private school options as children transition from elementary school.
Can Murray Hill families apply to magnet schools in Jacksonville?
Yes, all Duval County families can apply to magnet schools regardless of their zoned school. Applications typically open in January for the following school year. Popular magnet options near Murray Hill include Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, Riverside Fine Arts, and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Admission is competitive and not guaranteed, and families are responsible for transportation to magnet schools.
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