About
Who We Are
Our Mission Statement
Jacksonville Country Day School prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
Our Philosophy
Jacksonville Country Day School is an independent and multicultural school dedicated to motivating and guiding students towards fully achieving their unique potential.
JCDS educates children so that they develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. JCDS provides a challenging yet positive and safe environment for young minds to shine. With small class sizes and differentiated instruction, we teach children how to think through project-based and hands-on learning experiences.
A History of JCDS
In 1960, a group of families looking for an alternative to the unaccredited (at the time) public schools in Duval County joined forces to found Jacksonville Country Day School. These dedicated parents dreamed of a better education for their children and strove to turn their dream into reality. Our school’s founders believed that a quality education was best achieved in an independent, non-denominational setting.
Today, as we celebrate more than sixty years of serving the students and families of Northeast Florida, our founders’ dreams remain evident. Our dedication to the mission of providing a strong academic and character-rich foundation for each student from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade is foremost. Our school emphasizes intellectual exploration involving project-based and hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for success at the next academic level and beyond.
Strengthened by a supportive and nurturing community of teachers and peers, JCDS students learn to approach challenges with confidence and perseverance, resulting in the conviction that they can achieve great things.
Our commitment to connecting those in our community allows JCDS students to develop positive relationships that are grounded in respect, compassion, patience, and thoughtful and honest communication.
Through our school’s character education program, our students come to understand that leadership is as much about setting an example and being accountable for their own actions as it is about guiding others.
Strengthened by a supportive and nurturing community of teachers and peers, JCDS students learn to approach challenges with confidence and perseverance, resulting in the conviction that they can achieve great things.
Our commitment to connecting those in our community allows JCDS students to develop positive relationships that are grounded in respect, compassion, patience, and thoughtful and honest communication.
Through our school’s character education program, our students come to understand that leadership is as much about setting an example and being accountable for their own actions as it is about guiding others.
A Premier Academic Program
At JCDS we provide a first-class education that prepares students for success in the modern world while honoring time-tested learning methods. Our approach combines traditional learning with innovative pedagogy, ensuring our students receive a well-rounded education that's both rigorous and engaging. We understand that every child is unique, which is why we emphasize differentiated learning strategies to meet each student's individual needs.
Our academic program includes Singapore math, a method that has gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness in developing strong mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
We recognize the importance of the arts and physical education in a child's development. We offer a variety of programs in art, music, and physical education. These subjects not only provide a creative outlet and promote physical well-being but also help develop important skills such as teamwork, self-expression, and discipline.
We recognize the importance of the arts and physical education in a child's development. We offer a variety of programs in art, music, and physical education. These subjects not only provide a creative outlet and promote physical well-being but also help develop important skills such as teamwork, self-expression, and discipline.
Our teachers assign grade-appropriate homework, allowing students to reinforce their learning without feeling overwhelmed. We believe in striking a balance that enables our students to participate in extracurricular activities — fostering their growth beyond the classroom and helping them become masterful individuals.
Character Education
Character Education is a cornerstone of the JCDS academic program. The character education component emphasizes our targeted virtues, such as self-control, respect, honesty, responsibility, empathy, perseverance, teamwork, patience, and kindness.
Our school-wide assemblies highlight the character education theme of the month, and usually feature a presentation by one grade level. Students who have exemplified outstanding good character traits are recognized before their peers.
The 7 Mindsets is a curriculum that provides engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that focus on accountability, positivity, connectivity, gratitude, and embracing one's passions.
Our school-wide assemblies highlight the character education theme of the month, and usually feature a presentation by one grade level. Students who have exemplified outstanding good character traits are recognized before their peers.
The 7 Mindsets is a curriculum that provides engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that focus on accountability, positivity, connectivity, gratitude, and embracing one's passions.
In addition to its focus on academic excellence and character education, JCDS also helps children to develop healthy lifestyles through its daily physical education and nutritious lunch programs.
Service Learning
Helping others is cool! It's not just about making someone else's day better — it can actually help you become a better person too! This is service learning.
When young students get involved in helping their community, they learn important life lessons. They begin to understand they can make a real difference in the world, even at a young age. This helps them feel more confident and connected to the people around them.
When young students get involved in helping their community, they learn important life lessons. They begin to understand they can make a real difference in the world, even at a young age. This helps them feel more confident and connected to the people around them.
At JCDS, service learning begins in Pre-Kindergarten. Our youngest Sharks collect aluminum pop tabs and supplies to donate to Ronald McDonald House as well as books for Books-A-Go Go to provide reading material to needy children.
The Student Council conducts drives to benefit Feeding Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
The Student Council conducts drives to benefit Feeding Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Service learning teaches children to be kind, responsible, and to think about others' needs. It's a fun way to practice being a good person and is a major part of our overall Character Education.
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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