JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of parents, guardians, and loved ones rushed to KIPP Bold City High School in Northwest Jacksonville after learning the school went into lockdown due to an “active threat.”
“This is a first for me,” said Jessica, a parent. “I’ve never seen nothing like this at KIPP.”
“I’m just nervous because he’s in there still now,” said stepmother Missy Green.
Bessie Coleman Academy and KIPP Voice Academy were also placed on lockdown but were lifted before 11 a.m.
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Cars lined the road outside of the schools for hours. JSO officers were seen carrying long guns on KIPP Bold City High campus grounds.
We saw students waiting outside on the turf in the scorching heat until they were given further direction.
We asked one grandmother to walk us through what went through her head when her grandchildren called to let them know what was happening.
“Paranoia,” said Chandra Moore. “Making sure that the students are safe. My granddaughter has some health issues so I was afraid that she might go into cardiac arrest from asthma.”
KIPP Jacksonville Schools sent out an email alerting parents that the schools were on lockdown.
You can read that email here:
Safety Procedures Update
Posted by Melissa Marshall
“Dear KIPP Jacksonville Families,
“We are writing to inform you that a threat was reported involving KIPP Bold City High School. JSO is actively investigating the threat.
“At this time, all students and staff are safe and accounted for. Out of an abundance of caution, KIPP VOICE Academy, KIPP Bessie Coleman Academy, and KIPP Bold City High School are under lockdown while JSO conducts its investigation. We are following our established safety protocols and working closely with law enforcement.
“Please do not come to the campuses at this time. We will notify families when JSO provides the all-clear and share additional information as it becomes available.
“Thank you for your patience and partnership as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools released the following statement regarding the lockdown:
“As we close out the school day, we want to provide a final update regarding today’s safety concern.
“Earlier today, KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools responded to a reported threat by immediately following our established safety protocols and working closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. As a precaution, KIPP VOICE Academy, KIPP Bessie Coleman Academy, and KIPP Bold City High School were placed under lockdown while JSO investigated. KIPP Impact Academy was not affected.
“Following its investigation, JSO determined that the reported threat was not credible and provided the all-clear. The lockdowns were lifted, and all KIPP Jacksonville students and staff remained safe and accounted for throughout the day.
“All KIPP Jacksonville schools will be in session and fully operational tomorrow on their regular schedules. Student safety is among our highest priorities, and keeping our schools safe requires all of us.
“If you see or hear something concerning—whether in person, online, or through a message—please say something immediately. Students may tell a trusted adult or KIPP staff member. Students and families may also submit information through FortifyFL, Florida’s anonymous school safety reporting tool. For an immediate emergency, please call 911. We are grateful to our families for their patience and understanding and to JSO for its quick response and partnership today. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in keeping our KIPP Jacksonville community safe.”
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