How Duval County School Zoning Works in Murray Hill
Unlike traditional neighborhood zoning, Duval County uses a hybrid system. Every address has a zoned school, but families can also apply to magnet programs, KIPP charter schools, or use open enrollment to request other schools with available capacity.
Most Murray Hill homes fall into the Fishweir Elementary zone (K–5), which feeds into Kirby-Smith Middle School (6–8) and Robert E. Lee High School (9–12). Some southern Murray Hill streets near Edgewood Avenue may be zoned to different schools—always verify your exact address with Duval County's school zone finder before making an offer.
Many families in Murray Hill also consider nearby magnet options like Riverside Presbyterian Day School (private, PreK–6) or apply to schools in adjacent neighborhoods like San Marco. If you're comparing walkable urban neighborhoods with school options, check out what families need to know before buying in San Marco.
Fishweir Elementary: The Core Neighborhood School
Fishweir Elementary serves around 500 students and is located at 4650 Shirley Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from the heart of Murray Hill's commercial district along Edgewood Avenue. The school was built in 1952 and underwent renovations in 2018.
Test scores: Fishweir Elementary received a C grade from the Florida Department of Education in 2023, with proficiency rates in the mid-40% to low-50% range for math and reading. It's not a top-performing elementary in Duval County by statewide metrics, but many families choose it for proximity and community involvement.
What parents say: The school has an active PTO and benefits from parent engagement typical of walkable neighborhoods. Families who prioritize being able to walk or bike to school often weigh this against test score rankings. If academic performance is your top filter, many Murray Hill buyers supplement with tutoring, after-school programs, or ultimately apply to magnet schools for middle and high school.
If you're looking at multiple urban Jacksonville neighborhoods and want to compare school options, read our comparison of Murray Hill vs Springfield to see how schools and inventory differ.
Middle and High School Options for Murray Hill Families
Kirby-Smith Middle School is the zoned middle school for most Murray Hill addresses. It's located on the Westside and serves a broader area, with a 2023 grade of D from the state. Test proficiency rates are in the 30–40% range. Many Murray Hill families apply to magnet middle schools like Lavilla School of the Arts, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, or Riverside Fine Arts instead.
Robert E. Lee High School is the zoned high school. It received a C grade in 2023, with graduation rates around 85%. Lee offers AP courses, dual enrollment, and career academies in health sciences and engineering. Some families are satisfied with the school's offerings; others apply to magnet high schools like Paxon, Stanton, or Douglas Anderson during 8th grade.
Duval County's magnet application opens in the fall each year. Acceptance is competitive and often depends on lottery or audition (for arts programs). If your child doesn't get into a magnet, the zoned school is your fallback—so it's worth knowing what that school looks like before you buy.
Private and Charter School Alternatives Near Murray Hill
Murray Hill's location makes it convenient to several private and charter schools:
- Riverside Presbyterian Day School — PreK–6, tuition around $14,000/year, about 2 miles from Murray Hill
- KIPP Impact Middle School — Free public charter, lottery-based, located in nearby Riverside
- Bolles School — PreK–12, one of Jacksonville's top private schools, tuition $20,000+, campuses in Riverside and San Jose
- Bishop Kenny High School — Catholic, grades 9–12, tuition around $13,000/year, located in Arlington
Many Murray Hill families use a hybrid approach: attend the zoned elementary, then apply to magnet or private schools for middle and high school. Budget accordingly—private school tuition in Jacksonville typically runs $10,000 to $25,000 per child per year depending on the school and grade level.
What This Means for Your Home Search
If schools are a dealbreaker, Murray Hill may not check every box on paper. The neighborhood's value is in walkability, character homes, and location—not in zoned school performance. Buyers here tend to fall into a few categories:
- Families who plan to apply to magnet schools or use private schools
- Parents with younger kids who are comfortable supplementing with tutoring or after-school enrichment
- Buyers without school-age children who prioritize home style, commute, and walkable coffee shops and restaurants
- Investors buying for rental income in a high-demand area close to downtown
Murray Hill homes typically sell between $250,000 and $450,000 depending on size, condition, and whether you're buying a bungalow or a renovated Craftsman. Inventory moves fast—most listings get offers within two weeks. If you're weighing this neighborhood against others with better-rated schools, also consider Ortega vs Riverside, which offers a mix of school zones and price points.
How to Verify School Zones Before You Make an Offer
Before writing an offer on any Murray Hill home, do this:
- Use the Duval County Public Schools School Locator tool on their website and enter the exact street address
- Check GreatSchools.org and the Florida Department of Education school report cards for current test scores and grades
- Talk to neighbors or parents—ask your agent to connect you with a local family for a candid take
- Confirm magnet application deadlines and requirements if you plan to apply outside your zone
Real estate agents can't make recommendations about schools or tell you which areas have "better" schools based on demographics—that violates fair housing law. But I can show you the data, walk you through your zoned schools, and connect you with the right resources to make your own informed decision.
If you're ready to look at homes in Murray Hill or want to talk through school options in context with your family's priorities, get in touch and I'll walk you through what's available right now.
Agent's take: Most Murray Hill buyers either plan to use magnet schools or accept that the neighborhood's walkability and character come with average-rated zoned schools. If test scores are your top priority, you'll likely need to look at Mandarin or Ponte Vedra—but you'll trade the bungalows and coffee shop proximity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What elementary school is Murray Hill Jacksonville zoned to?
Most Murray Hill homes are zoned to Fishweir Elementary, located at 4650 Shirley Avenue. Some southern streets may be zoned to other schools depending on exact address. Always verify your specific address using the Duval County Public Schools school zone finder before making an offer.
Are Murray Hill schools good in Jacksonville?
Murray Hill's zoned schools—Fishweir Elementary, Kirby-Smith Middle, and Robert E. Lee High—receive C and D grades from the state based on test scores. Many families in Murray Hill supplement with tutoring, apply to magnet programs, or use private schools. The neighborhood's strength is walkability and character, not zoned school performance.
Can I send my child to a different school if I live in Murray Hill?
Yes. Duval County allows families to apply to magnet schools, charter schools, or request transfers to other schools with available seats. Magnet admissions are competitive and often lottery-based. Your zoned school is your guaranteed option if other applications don't work out.
What private schools are near Murray Hill Jacksonville?
Murray Hill is close to several private school options including Riverside Presbyterian Day School (PreK–6), Bolles School (PreK–12), and Bishop Kenny High School (9–12). Tuition ranges from around $13,000 to $25,000+ per year depending on school and grade level.
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