The Bolles School
General Information
About The Bolles School
The Bolles School is a premier private, co-educational college preparatory school located in Jacksonville, Florida, offering programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1933, the school has developed a reputation for academic rigor, a vibrant campus culture, and a commitment to cultivating leadership, character, and intellectual curiosity. Bolles emphasizes a holistic educational philosophy, integrating advanced academics with a wide variety of extracurricular, athletic, and artistic programs to foster well-rounded development. The school’s mission is to challenge students to reach their fullest potential while instilling integrity, resilience, and a commitment to service. With small class sizes and a highly qualified faculty, Bolles provides individualized attention and mentorship to support each student’s growth.
College counseling is a central component, ensuring students are prepared for admission to top-tier universities both nationally and internationally. The school’s programs emphasize STEM, humanities, visual and performing arts, athletics, and global citizenship. Students also benefit from leadership opportunities, community service initiatives, and experiential learning, which collectively prepare them to excel academically and socially. Bolles prides itself on fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where students from all backgrounds are encouraged to explore their passions, develop interpersonal skills, and become responsible, engaged citizens.
Contact Information
Address: 7400 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Phone Number: (904) 256-5210
Email Address: admissions@bolles.org
The Bolles School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1933 |
| Motto | “Intellect and Integrity” |
| Type | Private Co-educational College Preparatory |
| Grades | Pre-K – 12 |
| School Colors | Blue and White |
| Mascot | Bulldog |
The Bolles School Rankings
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Florida Private Schools | Top 10 |
| National College Prep Schools | Top 25% |
| College Matriculation Success | 98% to Top Colleges |
The Bolles School Academics
The Bolles School Faculties / Departments
- Lower School (Pre-K – 5)
- Middle School (6 – 8)
- Upper School (9 – 12)
- Mathematics Department
- Science Department (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering)
- Humanities Department (English, History, Social Studies)
- World Languages Department (Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin)
- Visual and Performing Arts Department (Art, Music, Theater, Dance)
- Physical Education and Athletics Department
- Technology and Innovation Department (Robotics, Coding, STEM Labs)
- College Counseling and Student Support Services
The Bolles School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP Literature, AP US History
- STEM Programs: Robotics, Coding, Engineering, Advanced Laboratory Research
- Humanities: Creative Writing, Literature, Philosophy, History Research
- Arts: Studio Art, Music Ensembles, Theater Production, Digital Media
- Athletics: Football, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Golf, Cross Country
- Leadership Programs: Student Council, Honor Societies, Community Service Projects
- Global Studies: Model UN, International Exchange Programs
- Outdoor and Experiential Learning Programs
Online Learning
The Bolles School offers hybrid and online courses for students requiring remote instruction or wishing to take specialized courses unavailable on campus. The platform provides interactive classes, virtual labs, and access to faculty support, ensuring that students maintain academic rigor and engagement even when learning remotely.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Performance |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1350 – 1520 |
| ACT | 28 – 33 |
| AP Exams | 4.0 Average Score |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The Bolles School maintains high retention, with over 95% of students returning each year. The graduation rate is nearly 100%, and graduates consistently matriculate to top universities, reflecting the school’s academic strength, college counseling, and comprehensive student support system.
The Bolles School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Incoming students typically demonstrate strong academic performance, with GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 4.0. Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are recommended for upper school admissions, helping assess readiness for advanced coursework.
The Bolles School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Approximately 45% |
| Early Decision | Approximately 55% |
The Bolles School Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a completed application, teacher recommendations, academic transcripts, and standardized test results if applicable. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character, leadership potential, and engagement in extracurricular activities. A personal interview is part of the admissions process, providing students an opportunity to demonstrate their individuality, goals, and alignment with Bolles’ values.
Application Process
- Submit completed application online
- Provide academic transcripts and teacher recommendations
- Submit standardized test results (if applicable)
- Attend personal interview and/or campus visit
- Receive admission decision and confirm enrollment
The Bolles School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Process | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September 1 |
| Early Decision Deadline | November 15 |
| Regular Decision Deadline | January 15 |
| Enrollment Confirmation | March 1 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are asked to write a short essay reflecting on their academic interests, extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and reasons for applying to Bolles. Essays should convey the applicant’s personality, goals, and alignment with the school’s mission.
The Bolles School Scholarships
Bolles offers merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, and awards recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. The financial aid office works closely with families to make the school accessible to qualified students from diverse backgrounds.
The Bolles School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Lower School) | $28,000 per year |
| Tuition (Middle School) | $32,000 per year |
| Tuition (Upper School) | $38,000 per year |
| Technology Fee | $500 per year |
| Athletics and Extracurriculars | $1,000 – $2,000 per year |
| Boarding (if applicable) | $45,000 per year |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The Bolles School enrolls approximately 1,200 students aged 5 to 18, with an even gender distribution. The student body is diverse, comprising approximately 50% White, 20% Hispanic, 15% Asian, 10% African American, and 5% other ethnicities, creating a culturally rich environment that fosters collaboration and understanding.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 12% of students receive financial aid, and the school provides extensive resources for students with disabilities, including learning support specialists, counselors, and individualized accommodations, ensuring equitable access to education.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 1,200 |
| Boarding Students | 200 |
| Students with Disabilities | 10% |
| International Students | 20% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 9:1 |
University Diversity
The Bolles School places strong emphasis on fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Students from various cultural, socio-economic, and geographic backgrounds are encouraged to engage in collaborative learning, leadership, and community service projects. Diversity is promoted through cultural events, language programs, and international exchange opportunities, helping students develop global awareness, empathy, and social responsibility. The school’s commitment to diversity prepares students to thrive in higher education and a multicultural world.
Average Earnings
Bolles graduates are well-prepared for admission to top-tier universities and pursue competitive careers across a range of fields including STEM, business, arts, humanities, and public service. Alumni often receive prestigious scholarships, internships, and leadership opportunities, leading to strong professional outcomes and average earnings that reflect the school’s rigorous academic preparation and emphasis on personal development.
The Bolles School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Bolles employs over 150 faculty members, many of whom hold advanced degrees and professional certifications. The faculty is committed to providing individualized attention, mentorship, and guidance to students in both academics and extracurricular pursuits.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty members have distinguished themselves through teaching excellence, professional research, innovation in curriculum design, and leadership in athletics and the arts. Many have received awards and recognition for contributions to education, ensuring students benefit from high-quality instruction and mentorship.
The Bolles School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Bolles operates a large, state-of-the-art campus offering both day and boarding options. Boarding facilities provide supervised dormitories that encourage independence, responsibility, and a sense of community. The campus offers robust extracurricular opportunities, including athletics, arts, clubs, outdoor education, and leadership programs, fostering personal growth and student engagement.
Transportation
Day students have access to school bus services within designated areas, while boarding students enjoy secure residential living and transportation to school events and extracurricular activities. The campus is easily accessible via major roads, and internal pathways provide safe, convenient mobility for students between academic, athletic, and residential facilities.