In Northeast Florida, there is a direct link between education, business and economic development. Therefore, innovative teaching methods are developed to focus on skills relevant to the workforce. Students learn to think analytically, to work collaboratively and to use technology so they are prepared when they enter the workforce.

• K-12
• Colleges, Universities & Training
• School Partners

K-12
Northeast Florida is home to some of the best schools in the country, including Stanton College Prep and Paxon High School, which were ranked second and third best high schools in the nation by Newsweek magazine in 2003. Four area schools made the list of "America's Best High Schools" and Duval County was the only school district to have two schools ranked in the Top Ten.

There are more than 200,500 students, 11,600 teachers, 8,600 support staff and 291 schools in the six counties that make up Northeast Florida. All have earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. More information on each of the counties' public schools can be obtained by phone or from their Web sites. For a comparison of schools and school districts on a variety of criteria, view Florida School Indicators Reports at the Florida Department of Education's Web site.

County public school district Web sites:
 

Private schools:
For those who plan to seek education opportunities outside the public school system, the First Coast has an extensive selection of private institutions from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
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Colleges, Universities & Training
Whether one's educational goal is to obtain an undergraduate degree, complete the requirements for an MBA, or pursue a doctorate degree, the First Coast offers ample opportunities for attaining higher education. Jacksonville has more than 16 colleges and universities where students can obtain an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctorate or law degree, or just take a few classes to advance a career. Numerous sources of financial aid are available. Major colleges and universities in the region include the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Edward Waters College, Flagler College, Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), Florida Coastal School of Law and many others.

For a complete listing of over 90 educational institutions offering over 700 post high-school educational and training programs in Northeast Florida, go to www.getsmartzone.com.
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