What is Jacksonville Marine Institute (JMI)?

JMI is a non-profit academic facility for at-risk teens. JMI opened its doors in 1973 and has been providing a successful method for changing young lives for a positive outcome for 31 years.

How does a student get to attend JMI?

All JMI students are juvenile offenders who have been court-ordered to attend its programs.

Who attends JMI?

Students are both male and female teens, age 14-18 years.

How long does it take a student to complete JMI’s programs?

The at-risk students attending JMI complete the programs at their own pace. The time a student is enrolled at JMI can vary from 4 – 9 months. The average student completes the academic, vocational, rehabilitation, and behavior modification programs in 6 months.

What is the marine aspect of JMI?

There are 3 components to JMI’s marine programs: Aquatics, Seamanship, and Scuba Diving. All of the marine courses are offered as incentives to the students, who must earn entering these programs by exhibiting leadership skills and good social skills, excelling in academics, and by adhering to the guidelines and structure set forth. JMI employs top-notch, licensed and certified instructors for their boating and diving programs. JMI has found the marine programs channel positive behavior while teaching teamwork and improving self-esteem and confidence. All are steps towards a better person!

What is the primary goal of Jacksonville Marine Institute?

JMI’s primary goal is to provide guidance, positive role models, structure, education, and discipline to its students. JMI provides encouragement and support to help children succeed and become law-abiding, productive adults. Providing a caring, family-oriented environment is the key to setting a positive future course for students.

What type of facility is JMI?

JMI is a non-profit educational facility. JMI is considered an alternative educational facility contracted by the Duval County School Board and the Department of Juvenile Justice for juvenile offenders. A core curriculum is taught, along with vocational, behavioral modification, and rehabilitation programs.

What is Jacksonville Marine Institute’s success rate?

Historically, 75% of students who successfully complete JMI’s programs do not recidivate. This success is based on the emphasis on academics, individual needs assessment, referral to ancillary programs for counseling, and social skills training. Many return to their neighborhood assigned schools or receive their GED through JMI’s evening program.