Applying to J. Allen Axson Montessori School
We warmly welcome all families to apply to J. Allen Axson Montessori School, a dedicated Public Montessori Magnet School serving students from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. Axson provides a learning environment that nurtures independence, curiosity, and whole-child development.
All prospective families are required to tour the school and submit an application through the Office of School Choice. Admission is determined by the district lottery process, ensuring fair and equitable access.
School Tours
Tours are offered only during magnet season.
Call (904) 992-3600 to schedule a tour.
No walk-ins or private tours are available.
Children are not allowed on tours due to active classrooms.
Completion of a tour survey is required for credit; include your student ID number.
Magnet Application Process
Magnet season typically runs December 1 through January 31. All applications must be submitted by January 31 to be considered for the lottery. Families must apply through the Magnet Application in the parent/guardian FOCUS account. Students are selected via lottery, and notification is typically sent by the end of April. Existing Pre-K students do not need to reapply for Kindergarten, ensuring continuity. If you do not have a FOCUS account, visit the School Choice website to create one.
Complete all steps in the FOCUS enrollment process.
Submit the Magnet Application under your child’s name.
Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.
Deadline for submission: January 31. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered for the lottery.
After touring the school, families can submit an online application.
Lottery Priorities (K-5)
Neighborhood preference: Students residing in the former attendance area of Public School No. 8 (Jacksonville, FL 32206). Proof of residency required.
Military dependent: Students with a parent on active duty. See School Board Policy 5.23.
Sibling preference: Students with a sibling already attending Axson. First-time siblings are not eligible.
Title I consideration: Elementary students from Title I neighborhood schools applying to a non-Title I magnet.
Tour attendance: Families who attend a school tour or open house in the school’s attendance zone.
General applicant pool: Students who apply but did not tour the school.
Not eligible: Students in 1st grade and higher without an immediate prior year of Montessori experience.
Grade-Level Entry Requirements:
Pre-K 3 – Pre-K 4
Children must be 3 years old by September 1 of the school year.
All preschoolers must be fully potty trained according to our Toilet Training Policy.
Our Preschool Program is tuition-based, currently $364 per month, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m..
Part-time preschool and VPK vouchers are not offered.
Kindergarten
Children must be 5 years old by September 1 of the school year.
After touring the school, families submit online applications by January 31 for consideration in the lottery.
Kindergarten through 5th grade is tuition-free.
Grades 1st – 5th
Students must provide proof of prior Montessori experience from the most recent school year.
Documentation can include a letter from the previous school or a report card, verified by the Principal.
Continuity Track
Axson students have a smooth transition from Axson Montessori to John E. Ford Montessori Middle School. Fifth graders must complete a magnet application for Ford, though many also attend other middle schools such as Landon, JWJ, Darnell-Cookman, Springfield, LaVilla, Mayport, and more.
All magnet middle schools require applications through the School Choice Office.