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
5th graders learn that with privileges come responsibilities
Our 5th graders are diving into their capstone year at JCDS, filled with new challenges, creative opportunities, and the tools to thrive in middle school and beyond. This year, students will work through more complex lessons, and homework assignments will increase, all while building independence and confidence.
The 5th graders are already shining as school leaders. They proudly wear their colorful and comfortable tie-dye shirts on Mondays. Many have joined the Leadership Corps, guiding our youngest Sharks to their classrooms in the morning.
They have also began their elective classes this year. The students got to select classes that spark their passions, where they will explore activities like acting, video production, Makerspace, or survival skills.
The 5th-grade teachers have already begun inspiring the students in their academic growth.
"Our expert 5th grade teachers thoughtfully prepare students for the transition to middle school by guiding them through more complex assignments with greater expectations, fostering personal responsibility and accountability, and gradually extending privileges that support both independence and confidence," said Director of Education Tonya Elstein.
In Ms. Stephanie Teitelbaum's writing class, the students are brainstorming ideas for their first narrative assignment.
"Each student generated three possible story ideas and then shared them with their table groups to receive feedback," said Ms. Teitelbaum. "This collaboration helped them think critically about which ideas have the most potential to grow into strong, engaging stories."
JCDS students' writing and communication skills have been highly commended over the years by area middle schools.
In language arts class, Ms. Melissa Lamph is deepening the students' word analysis skills. This week they learned the roots hydr (Greek for water), aqu/aqua (Latin for water), and mer/mar (Latin for sea).
"It's a step up from fourth grade as students now focus on higher-level thinking by breaking words apart and applying root knowledge to determine the meaning," said Ms. Lamph.
The students study words independently, complete creative assignments, and share their understanding with their peers within one class period.
"Fifth graders enjoy more enrichment opportunities, like interactive activities where they act out or illustrate vocabulary, which is making learning engaging and meaningful," said Ms. Lamph.
Math comes alive in Ms. Dona Kenny's class, where students are currently tackling decimals.
Ms. Kenny goes well beyond having the students simply work problems on a worksheet. She will have the students use whiteboards to practice or review math concepts. Specialized apps on their iPads allow the students to play educational games to practice math skills. They will review skills through competitive games like "Trashketball" or "Table Wars," where they earn points for their team by solving problems. The students will go on math scavenger hunts where they will move around inside and outside of the classroom to find and answer questions with a partner. Math is not boring with Ms. Kenny!
The final year at JCDS is the culmination of our premiere educational program. It is the launching pad for each child's future!
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Our First Friday of the Year was a Blast!
Students enjoyed the Summer Learning Celebration -
Sharks Dive into Epic School Year
There is no time to waste at JCDS. -
Students Take to the Field!
Field Day is a Spring tradition at JCDS. -
Protect the Penguins!
First graders build comfy shelters. -
Students "Joust!" in their Final Show
Arthur pulls a zany musical from the stone! -
Examining Owl Pellets
Third-graders learn about an owl's diet by finding the bones. -
Exploring Diverse Cultures
JCDS celebrates a World of Nations. -
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!
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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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