A New Private School Is Rising in Ponte Vedra: What to Know About Kingsminster

If you've driven along Palm Valley Road recently, you may have noticed activity on the grounds of St. Francis-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, just north of Nocatee. That's the future home of Kingsminster Ponte Vedra, a new independent Christian school that broke ground this year and is set to open its doors in August 2027.

 

Kingminster Ponte Vedra exterior rendering

 Photo Credit:  Ponte Vedra Recorder

From County Plans to Groundbreaking

The project first appeared in St. Johns County planning documents under the working name Episcopal School of Ponte Vedra. In mid-2026, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a special use permit for the campus, clearing the way for…

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Key dates, calendar differences, and how local families can get ready for the new school year.

Summer's winding down, and for families across St. Johns County and Duval County, that means backpacks, school supply lists, and the return of morning carpool lines. Here's what local families need to know to head into the 2026-2027 school year prepared.

back to school traffic

Key Dates for Both Districts

Both St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) and Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) kick off the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, August 10, 2026, and both wrap up on Friday, May 28, 2027. Beyond that shared start and end date, the calendars diverge a bit.

St. Johns County School District

  • First day of school: August 10, 2026
  • Thanksgiving Break: November…

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Relocating to a new city is about more than just finding a house with the right number of bedrooms; it’s about finding the right environment where your family can truly thrive. In Northeast Florida, one of the first and most important questions we hear from families is: "How do I choose the right school?"

Students in the classroom

Beyond the Rankings

While Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra have some of the highest-rated schools in the state, the "best" school isn't always about a number on a ranking site. It’s about alignment.

Every child is different, and every family has unique values. What works for one student might not be the ideal environment for another. Whether you are looking at the top-tier public options in St. Johns County or the prestigious private schools in…

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by Jenn Heller

You've ticked off the school shopping list, snagged fresh supplies, and even sharpened the pencils. But have you thought about tuning up your child's sleep routine for the upcoming school year? Sleep is a key player in alertness, stress levels, and overall temperament, which all circle back to learning and social interactions. After a summer of carefree nights and leisurely mornings, your child's sleep schedule might need a little nudge before school starts. Here are some tips to help you out:

sleepy child at school

Start Early

Get a head start;10 days to two weeks before school begins is ideal. If time's tight, no worries, just kick it off as soon as you can. Gradually push wake-up and bedtime 15 minutes earlier each day to ease into the…

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by Sadie Pichelmann

I’m not a native of Ponte Vedra Beach, or even of Florida. Before moving here seven years ago, I was more familiar with snow than sand. One of the first memories I have of living in Ponte Vedra is of looking for treasures buried in the sand or being washed over by the ocean. I loved collecting pink-and-white seashells, shark eyes, sea glass, and encountering interesting creatures like crabs, seagulls, and sometimes even jellyfish. My family had heard that shark teeth could be found on the beach too, but that particular prize eluded me for a long time. A friend of mine told me that once you find one, you will start seeing them everywhere, which is something I now find true as a shark tooth searching aficionado.

Shark teeth…

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