• 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

The Rainforest Calls!
First-graders bring their studies to life in show.
Our first-graders have been studying the rainforest for the past few weeks, learning about the four layers of the rainforest and which species live in each one.
 
“There are four layers,” said 1st-grader Donovan C. “Lots of animals can live there.”

The students performed their grade-level show, Singing in the Rainforest, to a roomful of enchanted parents and friends. The show taught the audience about the rainforest through music and lyrics that tied directly to the classroom curriculum.
 
“Since this was their first grade-level performance on the main stage, the most challenging part was channeling the excitement while also taking time to learn important skills like staying safe on the risers, using a microphone, and performing on stage,” said Music Specialist Jessica Barker.
 
This year’s production included several upgrades from previous years. The show added a lively production number featuring spider monkeys, and the costumes were noticeably leveled up, turning the entire performance into a technicolor treat for the eyes.

Singing in the Rainforest not only reinforces the science the students have been learning in the classroom, but also gives them a wonderful way to express their artistic side through words, music, and movement.
 
“This show meets the children where they are developmentally with short songs, simple lines, and plenty of repetition,” said Ms. Barker. “There are also supports in place for this age group; they don’t have to memorize their lines yet, longer songs are balanced with shorter ones, and songs with dancers use full recordings so the singers can stay on the beat without throwing off the dancers.”

The dancing, choreographed by Dance Manager Cathy Finne, was just intricate enough to be challenging, and the first-graders performed it beautifully.
 
“It was so exciting to watch the performance magic come to life!” said Ms. Finne. “The spider monkey and butterfly dancers all worked so hard, and it showed in their performances!”
 
Donovan added: “The dancing was really cool!”
 
Sharky gives Ms. Lindsay Curry a wave of his fin in appreciation of the stunning lighting and sound that helped make the show so enjoyable.Ms. Barker also gave budding musicians the chance to play rhythm instruments live, adding a special energy to the show.
 

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.
Accredited by
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