RIVERTOWN, Fla. – For families in the Rivertown community of St. Johns County, the new school year comes with more than just sharpened pencils and new backpacks—it comes with a brand-new school right in the heart of their neighborhood.
Hallowes Cove Academy, a K–7 school, officially opens its doors this August, offering students and parents a long-awaited option to attend school just minutes from home.
Previously, children in Rivertown were split between three different schools, often riding the bus as early as 7 a.m. But now, many are within walking or biking distance to class.
“It’ll be amazing. They used to get on the bus at 7:00, 7:05... now we probably won’t even have to leave the house until 7:45,” one Rivertown mom shared.
She’s not just excited—she’s involved. As PTO president, she and her family got a sneak peek of the school during a recent prep day.
Conveniently located across from the community’s main amenity center, Hallowes Cove is already creating buzz among local families. Still, for students leaving their former schools, it’s a bittersweet transition.
“By the end of the year, me and my two friends on the bus—we were all crying,” one student recalled.
But Principal Jessley Hathaway believes the neighborhood model will help ease those tough goodbyes.
“Everyone in this school lives in Rivertown,” he said, explaining how the local connections will foster new friendships quickly.
Hathaway, formerly the principal of a Title I school in southern St. Johns County, called the opportunity to open Hallowes Cove “unbelievable” and “an honor.”
Although the school’s mascot is a raven named River, don’t be surprised if students occasionally refer to themselves as Hurricanes—a nod to the school’s official name, Hallowes Cove Hurricanes.
School colors are blue and white, and over 1,100 students will walk the halls this year, with even more expected soon.
Currently serving grades K through 7, the school is already preparing for growth.
“We don’t even have 8th grade yet,” said Hathaway. “That will come next year, and in a year or two, we’ll need portables. Eventually, this will become a standalone middle school.”
For now, the school is split by grade level—primary students are downstairs, while middle schoolers enjoy more freedom upstairs, including lockers.
“We want to create an environment that feels like a middle school,” Hathaway explained. “So when they transition to high school, they’re ready.”
Teachers were selected from the schools Rivertown students previously attended, as well as from across the district. On a recent visit, classrooms buzzed with excitement as educators decorated, organized, and planned for day one.
Second-grade teacher Mrs. Odom was especially enthusiastic.
“We’re going to make as many memories as we can and have fun together,” she said.
As anticipation builds for the first day of school, Principal Hathaway summed it up best.
“This is an amazing community. They’ve been supportive the whole time. I’m blessed to have this opportunity to lead this school and serve this population,” Hathaway said. “Welcome to Hallowes Cove. Go Hurricanes!”
