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.
-
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
Fourth-graders perform at home and away
What a whirlwind week for our fourth-grade superstars! On a Friday, they lit up the stage with their electrifying performance of Rock and Roll Forever. Families and younger students packed the morning show, while the afternoon crowd brought the whole school together for an unforgettable vibe.
But the fun didn't stop there. The following Tuesday, these young performers hopped on the bus and brought their rock 'n' roll magic to Discovery Village Deerwood, a nearby senior living community. Their high-energy singing and dancing as the Sharks earned standing ovations and glowing reviews everywhere they went.
Over the years, Rock and Roll Forever has become a JCDS classic, thanks to its vibrant costumes, upbeat dances, and timeless tunes that get everyone humming along. This year's crew nailed it!
"This year was incredible," said Music Specialist Jessica Barker. "Fourth grade is such a wonderful group of singers and actors."
The playlist was packed with hits. Kicking off with Little Richard's Tutti-Frutti. Five dynamic dancers stole the spotlight while the class belted out the lyrics with infectious energy.
Then came the Elvis crew: A lineup of mini-impersonators dazzled with flips, spins, and killer moves during Blue Suede Shoes—a fan favorite that had the audience cheering.
"The dancers in this show exceeded my expectations!" said Dance Manager Cathy Finne. "I am incredibly proud of each of them and their willingness to try several new steps."
And the encore? That Tuesday trip to Discovery Village turned into a heartwarming service-learning adventure. The "tour bus" delivered the full show to an appreciative audience of residents who were able to relive the music of their youth.
The audience could be observed tapping their fingers on the tables or mouthing the words along with the songs. This was music from their era, and they quite obviously loved hearing the young people perform it.
After the show, the students circulated throughout the room, chatting with the residents, who were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend time with our enchanting group of 4th-graders.
One resident, a 93-year-old affectionately known as Granny to the other residents, said, "I'm glad I got dressed and got out!" She added that she knew all of the songs.
Sharky couldn't be prouder of these fourth-graders for their stellar talent on stage and their genuine kindness off it. They didn't just perform; they connected, spreading joy to seniors who cherished every note and smile. Rock on!
Crossing the pond for the British Invasion, four sharp-dressed lads channeled The Beatles in Help! and brought the house down with their spot-on energy.
Back stateside, the "surfer boys" rode the wave with The Beach Boys' Surfin' USA.
They even choreographed their own surfboard stunts and struck an epic final pose.
Ms. Barker remarked. "I loved watching their excitement and creativity as they took ownership of their moment on stage."
Honoring the Queen of Soul, a group of girls in fluffy pink boas delivered a powerhouse Respect by Aretha Franklin. The show closed strong with a crowd-pleasing reprise of Rock and Roll is Here to Stay.
Honoring the Queen of Soul, a group of girls in fluffy pink boas delivered a powerhouse Respect by Aretha Franklin. The show closed strong with a crowd-pleasing reprise of Rock and Roll is Here to Stay.
And the encore? That Tuesday trip to Discovery Village turned into a heartwarming service-learning adventure. The "tour bus" delivered the full show to an appreciative audience of residents who were able to relive the music of their youth.
The audience could be observed tapping their fingers on the tables or mouthing the words along with the songs. This was music from their era, and they quite obviously loved hearing the young people perform it.
After the show, the students circulated throughout the room, chatting with the residents, who were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend time with our enchanting group of 4th-graders.
One resident, a 93-year-old affectionately known as Granny to the other residents, said, "I'm glad I got dressed and got out!" She added that she knew all of the songs.
Sharky couldn't be prouder of these fourth-graders for their stellar talent on stage and their genuine kindness off it. They didn't just perform; they connected, spreading joy to seniors who cherished every note and smile. Rock on!
-
Learn from the Expert
Second-graders explore writing and illustration from a pro -
Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth...
...and the Pre-K 4 students think they STILL rule! -
Smarter Than a 5th-grader?
The adults have their own spelling bee! -
Detectives Investigate Main Ideas
5th-graders look for suspects and evidence -
First Grade Author Study
Getting the most from Julia Donaldson -
Chorus and Band Celebrate the Season
Winter Concert was lively and entertaining -
Fifth-graders Love the Sea Turtles
Field trip to Georgia Sea Turtle Center was fun and instructive -
Learning About Light...in the Dark!
First-graders explore shadows and shapes -
We Love Our Buddies!
The buddies program is alive and well at JCDS
1/9
Our Graduates
Our students graduate from JCDS with the academic foundation, confidence, and character that prepare them for success in middle school.
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.
© 2025 Jacksonville Country Day School. All Rights Reserved.