• Jacksonville Country Day School is the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida.

  • At JCDS we educate the mind, the body, and the heart.

  • We know that children need to create and express themselves.

  • JCDS students are surrounded by knowledgeable and caring adults.

  • JCDS provides enriching and engaging experiences for the students.

 

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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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

A Fractured, Froggy Fairy Tale
5th-graders fill the room with music and laughter.
Thwacked!, a fractured tale of frogs, folks, and falling skies, landed with a splash at JCDS last Friday when our 5th-graders delivered its school premiere as their Capstone year grade-level show.

The trouble starts when a naughty prince (Evan K.) gets exactly what’s coming to him: a sorceress (Evelyn F.) turns him into a frog. In his new green skin (now played by Saurav M.), he takes an accidental thwack to the head from a falling acorn. Convinced by his fellow frogs that the sky itself is collapsing, chaos and comedy take over from there.
 
For several years, our Capstone classes have leaned into medieval-themed productions. This year, Music Specialist Jessica Barker kept the tradition alive with a clever twist.

"With our 5th grade, we wanted to stage a show with a nod to the medieval times that our 'seniors' could continue to claim as their own," Ms. Barker said.

Rehearsals kicked off in early December. Ms. Barker used her notes from the first read-throughs to cast students in roles that let them shine while serving the story. Even the Mayor’s Council, initially worried about their handful of lines, ended up stealing scenes once their characters came alive.
 
"It was really cool to watch their characters' rapport develop during rehearsals," Ms. Barker said. "By showtime, they were some of the funniest guys on stage. Sometimes the funniest parts have the fewest lines."

As the weeks went on, the students grew more confident, offering ideas for character quirks, extra jokes, and stage business.
 
"Our greatest challenge was striking a balance between pulling from our idea bank while also working toward mastery of the content," said Ms. Barker.

Dance Manager Cathy Finne loved watching the energy on the stage as the energetic students busted their moves.
 
"So many of our 5th-graders were excited to dance and learn their choreography," said Ms. Finne. "Every student worked hard, stayed focused, and performed an amazing show! I am proud of each one of them!"

Fine Arts Coordinator Lindsay Curry handled lighting and sound design, and even tracked down the oversized acorn prop for that fateful thwack. A seasoned performer herself, she spent hours coaching stage presence and basic stagecraft.
 
"Their finest moments on stage were when you could see them really enjoying themselves," said Ms. Curry. "Live performance is a special experience, and I most love watching them realize in the moment that it's all working out."
 
For the 5th-graders, it was a bittersweet finale to their grade-level productions, but one they met with creativity and plenty of laughs. Sharky is delighted these young performers had the chance to sing, dance, and act in front of a live audience.
 

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.
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Jacksonville Country Day School

10063 Baymeadows Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
P. 904-641-6644
F. 904-641-1494
office@jcds.com
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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