Discover JCDS
In your journey to find the best private school in Jacksonville, we are honored that you are considering Jacksonville Country Day School.
Jacksonville Country Day School is the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida. Our academic program, facilities, character education, after-school enrichment, and caring faculty are all well-known for their excellence.
Jacksonville Country Day School is the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida. Our academic program, facilities, character education, after-school enrichment, and caring faculty are all well-known for their excellence.
At JCDS, we understand children and the process of educating them, every part of them — their minds, their bodies, and their hearts. We are passionate about children and what is best for them.
Through a very deliberate partnership with our families, we are committed to having confident graduates who are strong in character and academics, who can communicate effectively, lead by example, and show respect and compassion for others.
Through a very deliberate partnership with our families, we are committed to having confident graduates who are strong in character and academics, who can communicate effectively, lead by example, and show respect and compassion for others.
As educators, we know it is the process of getting there that is most important. It is about the journey — the everyday experiences that make the difference.
Childhood is the shortest, most important part of our lives. We need to make it impactful — we need to make it count. It is the foundation of everything else.
Childhood is the shortest, most important part of our lives. We need to make it impactful — we need to make it count. It is the foundation of everything else.
We allow children to play, to develop social and emotional skills, take risks, learn in a multisensory, integrated environment that supports development at every age. We know that children need to move a lot, learn from mistakes, problem solve, collaborate, and be able to create and express themselves.
In order to find success in the classroom, students at JCDS are surrounded by knowledgeable and caring adults who make sure our children feel loved and are learning and growing.
We provide enriching and engaging experiences for all of our students by using data and research to drive our instruction while varying the complexity for different learners.
We provide enriching and engaging experiences for all of our students by using data and research to drive our instruction while varying the complexity for different learners.
JCDS offers a challenging and engaging curriculum to help our students grow and reach their full potential. Our character education program brings out the best aspects of their personalities. Our programs — including the 7 Mindsets, virtues of the month, and service learning — help develop understanding of positive human relationships. Our Spanish, physical education, and fine arts programs ensure that our students are well-rounded.
Words alone cannot accurately describe the wondrous world our students enjoy at Jacksonville Country Day School. Plan on a campus tour, whether in-person or virtual, to see for yourself. (See Visit Us, at the bottom of this page.)
Words alone cannot accurately describe the wondrous world our students enjoy at Jacksonville Country Day School. Plan on a campus tour, whether in-person or virtual, to see for yourself. (See Visit Us, at the bottom of this page.)
At JCDS, the learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day. Fully 92% of our students participate in at least one after-school enrichment activity. Offerings include programs for students to be artistic, get active and move, as well as tackle problem-solving and academic challenges. Many activities are led by JCDS faculty and staff who are able to share their expertise or passions with the students. Others are led by local experts with whom we partner to offer new and exciting programs. All programs are carefully selected to offer our students a seamless extension of their academic day and that align with our mission as a school.
The after-school enrichment program at JCDS is the most comprehensive of any elementary school in Northeast Florida. For more information, check our Enrichment page.
The after-school enrichment program at JCDS is the most comprehensive of any elementary school in Northeast Florida. For more information, check our Enrichment page.
Facts and Figures
List of 9 items.
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100%
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SERVICE LEARNING -
19
Acres of beautiful wooded land -
55%
People of Color -
92%
Students in After-School Enrichment -
1:1
iPads beginning in Kindergarten -
5
Days a Week of Both PE and Recess -
15
Average Years of Experience for Full-Time Teachers -
16k+
Books in the library -
400+
Happy Students at JCDS
School News
JCDS celebrates a World of Nations
In February, JCDS celebrated our annual World of Nations event. A total of 31 parents represented 20 countries/regions from all over the globe. Students moved in rotation from one table to another to gather knowledge, look at photos from different regions around the world, and maybe pick up some trinkets as souvenirs! They carried a "passport" with them and got a stamp at each country they visited.
An assembly in the auditorium kicked off the event. Head of School Mr. Chris Johnson remarked on his experiences with different cultures as he worked in various countries. He introduced Ms. Cristina Knodel and Ms. Debbie Cannington to get the festivities started.
"Families had all sorts of familial ties to each place represented" said Kamryn St. Thomas, Annual Giving and Family Engagement Manager
The event Chair, Mr. Tobias Lederer, brought many new ideas to the World of Nations this year. The presentation styles varied: craft-making, language and greetings, music, dance, and scavenger hunts were features the students participated in as they visited various presenters.
"This made each station a different and immersive learning experience, resulting in an interactive and memorable experience for presenting families and our students," said Ms. St. Thomas.
Each presenter shared artifacts, photos, costumes, and fun facts about their country to provide the students with some visual content.
The adults shared information about their culture and how things may be different from what kids are used to in the U.S.
The students were well-engaged by the presentations and took getting their passports stamped very seriously.
"This is really a special event because it is an opportunity to share something from our school community that only our families can provide," said Ms. St. Thomas. "We have a diverse school community, and this is a way to highlight that even though we are all different and may come from different places, have different traditions, and speak different languages, we are all part of the JCDS community!"
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The Zone of Proximal Development
Our teachers are stretching the minds of students under their careful guidance. -
Divide and CONQUER!
Learning long division in 3rd grade is a labor of...persistence! -
NASA Will Be Hiring
Our fourth-graders enjoyed their unit on space and rocket science. -
Our Sharks Can Write!
And they can spell it right! -
A Show About Icky Things!
The second grade show is about creepy crawlies. -
First Graders are Over the Moon!
Students get a hands-on lesson on how the Moon was formed. -
To Bee or Not to Bee
Third graders learn about our favorite pollinators. -
First Graders Create Books!
Students combine tech with creativity and writing skills. -
Students "Deep Dive" into Big Things!
In September, students participated in their first Deep Dive of the year, an opportunity for them to intensely focus on a creative project with our specialists.
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Our Graduates
One hundred percent of 6th grade graduates from JCDS get their choice of local private middle schools.
Our Portrait of a Graduate captures the school’s core beliefs and how those are reflected in each of our students and graduates. We focus on the qualities that make our students uniquely prepared for middle school and beyond. It is this portrait that brings our mission to life and affirms the choice families make to send their children to Jacksonville Country Day School.
Visit Us
Jacksonville Country Day School is an independent and multicultural school dedicated to motivating and guiding students towards fully achieving their unique potential.
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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