Discover JCDS
In your journey to find the best private school in Jacksonville, we are honored that you are considering Jacksonville Country Day School.
Our 65-year history of excellence makes JCDS the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida. Our academic program, spacious facilities, character education, robust after-school enrichment, and a dedicated faculty are all well-known for their exceptional caliber.
Our 65-year history of excellence makes JCDS the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida. Our academic program, spacious facilities, character education, robust after-school enrichment, and a dedicated faculty are all well-known for their exceptional caliber.
Our teachers and staff at JCDS are experts in elementary education, focusing exclusively on young learners from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade.
At JCDS, we lay the foundation for the future, equipping each student for lifelong learning, good character, and social responsibility.
We are deeply committed to nurturing every aspect of a child. Our faculty are driven to provide an environment where children develop their love of learning—enabling them to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
Through a purposeful partnership with our families, we cultivate confident graduates who are strong in character and academics, who can communicate effectively, lead by example, and demonstrate respect and compassion for others.
At JCDS, we lay the foundation for the future, equipping each student for lifelong learning, good character, and social responsibility.
We are deeply committed to nurturing every aspect of a child. Our faculty are driven to provide an environment where children develop their love of learning—enabling them to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
Through a purposeful partnership with our families, we cultivate confident graduates who are strong in character and academics, who can communicate effectively, lead by example, and demonstrate respect and compassion for others.
At JCDS, learning is an epic adventure. Our students experiment, innovate, and grow through every experience—all within a safe, nurturing environment. Childhood is the foundation of a lifetime—every moment matters.
Explore how our programs inspire creativity and confidence.
Explore how our programs inspire creativity and confidence.
In JCDS’s early-learning program, children learn through play, exploration, and risk-taking in a multisensory environment. Moving, creating, collaborating, and learning from mistakes foster their social-emotional growth and spark the curiosity they need for a lifetime of learning.
Our teachers are adept at presenting developmentally appropriate lessons in the classroom and outdoors to encourage exploration and experimentation.
Discover how we nurture every child’s potential in early learning.
Our teachers are adept at presenting developmentally appropriate lessons in the classroom and outdoors to encourage exploration and experimentation.
Discover how we nurture every child’s potential in early learning.
At JCDS, our caring educators surround students with love and support, fostering growth and success. Our research-driven instruction tailors engaging experiences to every learner’s needs, ensuring that all thrive.
With an average of 15 years in the field, teachers are masters at delivering robust educational opportunities for their students.
In a recent survey conducted by Independent School Management Consultants, our faculty was rated "world-class."
Discover how we inspire academic and personal excellence.
With an average of 15 years in the field, teachers are masters at delivering robust educational opportunities for their students.
In a recent survey conducted by Independent School Management Consultants, our faculty was rated "world-class."
Discover how we inspire academic and personal excellence.
JCDS’s challenging curriculum empowers students to reach their full potential. Our character education, including the 7 Mindsets, virtues of the month, and service learning, fosters positive relationships. Spanish, physical education, and fine arts ensure well-rounded growth.
See our vibrant community in action—schedule a tour today.
See our vibrant community in action—schedule a tour today.
At JCDS, learning continues beyond the classroom. With 92% of students joining our after-school enrichment, they explore fine arts, sports, problem-solving, and academics. Led by faculty with specialized knowledge as well as local experts, these programs extend our mission.
The after-school enrichment program at JCDS is the most comprehensive of any elementary school in Northeast Florida. Visit our Enrichment page to learn more.
Facts and Figures
List of 8 items.
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100%
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SERVICE LEARNING -
19
Acres of beautiful wooded land -
55%
Diversity Rate -
92%
Students in After-School Enrichment -
5
Days a Week of Both PE and Recess -
15
Average Years of Experience for Full-Time Teachers -
16k+
Books in the library -
420+
Happy Students at JCDS
School News
The buddies program is alive and well at JCDS
Third-graders and their Pre-K 4 buddies lit up the LearningScape with laughter and connection, making it tough to tell who was having more fun, the littles or their not-so-little friends!
Gathered in the Pre-K 4 Sharks’ home base, the LearningScape, everyone dove into playtime and heart-to-heart chats with equal enthusiasm. From high-fives in the sandbox to whipping up “haute cuisine” out of sticks, rocks, and mulch, the 3rd-graders gleefully channeled their inner 4-year-olds, while the younger Sharks soaked up every moment of fun.
The fifth-graders visited their buddies in their classrooms. They played games, assembled puzzles, colored pages, and had some great conversation. The smiles were contagious!
"We made our buddy bookmarks and we gave them some and we played with them," said 1st-grader Tinsley G. "We...have more people in our classroom to play with."
"My buddy and I competed with some other buddies in a paper airplane contest, and my buddy won!" said 1st-grader Donovan C. "We can give lots of hugs to our buddies."
Sharky loves that the bigger kids serve as mentors for the smaller ones.
"Younger children practice communication, sharing, and cooperation with someone outside their immediate peer group," said Early Learning Team Lead Wendy Johnston.
"Younger children practice communication, sharing, and cooperation with someone outside their immediate peer group," said Early Learning Team Lead Wendy Johnston.
These joyful encounters don’t stop at the planned events. Whether it’s a quick high-five in the hallway or a hug in the Dining Room, the bond between buddies creates a ripple effect of community across our school.
"They get so excited when they see them on campus!" added Ms. Johnston. "It is just another way JCDS shows how we are all connected!"
The buddy program isn’t just about fun; it’s one of the cornerstones of character-building at JCDS. Older students step into leadership roles, modeling kindness and responsibility, while their younger buddies gain role models to look up to. It’s a win-win that fosters growth and connection.
For years, the buddy program has been a shining star in JCDS’s character education program, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections that make our school truly special.
School Counselor Liz McNairy couldn't be prouder of this JCDS tradition.
"The buddy program at JCDS is such a special part of our school community," said Ms. McNairy. "It is a great way for all of our students to grow in empathy, respect, and community as part of their character development."
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Colorful Science in Pre-K 4
Learning to do things the old way -
Tiny Moments Become Published Masterpieces
Second-graders write and GLOW -
Second-graders Made Us Squirm!
The first grade-level show of the school year -
Learning About the Moon Festival
Sharing other cultural traditions -
Make Your Mark, Right on the Dot
Fourth-graders celebrate Dot Day. -
A Meaningful Partnership
Service learning at the highest level. -
Basketball Season is Underway
JCDS sports keep our Sharks active and competitive. -
One Step Closer to Middle School
5th graders learn that with privileges, come responsibilities -
Our First Friday of the Year was a Blast!
Students enjoyed the Summer Learning Celebration
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Our Graduates
One hundred percent of 5th 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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