Student Life
A Shark's Life
The Mind of a Shark
Imagine...
Your child is thriving in a nurturing, vibrant community where they grow into creative thinkers, confident learners, and kind friends. At Jacksonville Country Day School, our Sharks—led by our beloved mascot, Sharky—embark on a remarkable journey that builds their academic foundation from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade.
As a school, our mission is to prepare students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility. Beginning in Pre-K 3 and continuing through 5th grade, we provide a challenging and innovative program in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and beyond.
Small Classes, Big Connections
Our class sizes are kept small so that each child has the opportunity to work with their teachers and in small peer groups, learning and problem-solving. In the early learning grades, each class has a teacher and an assistant teacher full-time.
Learning That Sparks Joy
Our teachers use traditional learning techniques with modern learning tools to make learning fun and effective. Students learn to read and write with paper and pencil—utilizing books from classroom libraries and the main school library, which they visit weekly.
Starting in 4th grade, each Upper Elementary student is assigned an individual iPad, which they use both in class and at home to complete work and enhance projects. These one-to-one devices support students as they explore and create across subjects, building confidence with technology in a safe, guided environment. In math, iPads may be used in place of physical manipulatives; in writing, they help students create and publish their own papers. Teachers carefully select apps to reinforce key skills, present information, and provide opportunities for practice. iPads become “power tools” for learning—enhancing creativity, deepening engagement, and helping students build fluency with essential technologies.
Specialists Who Inspire
In addition to PE every day, every week, students at JCDS engage in dynamic learning with our dedicated Specialist teachers in music, art, technology, library, science lab, and computer science. These experiences expand their thinking, spark new interests, and nurture skills beyond the core classroom. For many Sharks, Specialist classes are a favorite part of their weekly schedules, and one of the many ways a JCDS education is so exceptional.
"A Specialist I will never forget is Technology," said recent graduate Lucas S. "I'm so grateful I got to learn about coding and 3-D printing. This helped me discover a new passion."
A Balanced Day for Growing Minds
Students at all grade levels enjoy daily recess and physical education, providing essential time to recharge, move their bodies, and return to class ready to learn.
Your child is thriving in a nurturing, vibrant community where they grow into creative thinkers, confident learners, and kind friends. At Jacksonville Country Day School, our Sharks—led by our beloved mascot, Sharky—embark on a remarkable journey that builds their academic foundation from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade.
As a school, our mission is to prepare students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility. Beginning in Pre-K 3 and continuing through 5th grade, we provide a challenging and innovative program in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and beyond.
Small Classes, Big Connections
Our class sizes are kept small so that each child has the opportunity to work with their teachers and in small peer groups, learning and problem-solving. In the early learning grades, each class has a teacher and an assistant teacher full-time.
Learning That Sparks Joy
Our teachers use traditional learning techniques with modern learning tools to make learning fun and effective. Students learn to read and write with paper and pencil—utilizing books from classroom libraries and the main school library, which they visit weekly.
Starting in 4th grade, each Upper Elementary student is assigned an individual iPad, which they use both in class and at home to complete work and enhance projects. These one-to-one devices support students as they explore and create across subjects, building confidence with technology in a safe, guided environment. In math, iPads may be used in place of physical manipulatives; in writing, they help students create and publish their own papers. Teachers carefully select apps to reinforce key skills, present information, and provide opportunities for practice. iPads become “power tools” for learning—enhancing creativity, deepening engagement, and helping students build fluency with essential technologies.
Specialists Who Inspire
In addition to PE every day, every week, students at JCDS engage in dynamic learning with our dedicated Specialist teachers in music, art, technology, library, science lab, and computer science. These experiences expand their thinking, spark new interests, and nurture skills beyond the core classroom. For many Sharks, Specialist classes are a favorite part of their weekly schedules, and one of the many ways a JCDS education is so exceptional.
"A Specialist I will never forget is Technology," said recent graduate Lucas S. "I'm so grateful I got to learn about coding and 3-D printing. This helped me discover a new passion."
A Balanced Day for Growing Minds
Students at all grade levels enjoy daily recess and physical education, providing essential time to recharge, move their bodies, and return to class ready to learn.
Strong and Healthy Sharks
We believe that active bodies fuel bright minds! Our Sharks thrive with daily physical education and playtime designed to build strong bodies, boost confidence, and spark joy.
Daily Fun in Physical Education
Every student participates in physical education (PE) every day. We have three full-time PE specialists on staff.
Our youngest Sharks build confidence and coordination through fun movement games tailored to their growing bodies. As they grow, our three PE specialists lead the students in games to develop their motor skills and sportsmanship. In warmer months, your child can splash and practice swimming in our two safe, child-friendly pools.
"When I was in 2nd grade, I hated jumping off the blocks," said 2025 grad Julia M. "The one day, my friends cheered me on to jump off them, and now I love it! At JCDS, friends encourage each other."
Play Spaces Built for Every Age
Sports for Budding Athletes
An important part of our after-school enrichment programs are developmental team sports for students in grades 3 and up. After-school opportunities in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football are available for students.
Daily Fun in Physical Education
Every student participates in physical education (PE) every day. We have three full-time PE specialists on staff.
Our youngest Sharks build confidence and coordination through fun movement games tailored to their growing bodies. As they grow, our three PE specialists lead the students in games to develop their motor skills and sportsmanship. In warmer months, your child can splash and practice swimming in our two safe, child-friendly pools.
"When I was in 2nd grade, I hated jumping off the blocks," said 2025 grad Julia M. "The one day, my friends cheered me on to jump off them, and now I love it! At JCDS, friends encourage each other."
Play Spaces Built for Every Age
Our 19-acre campus is a playground paradise! Kids love our basketball courts, big field, and two awesome Kompan playgrounds designed for fun and coordination. We even have a round track for tricycles. Rainy day? No problem—our Smith Center’s full-size gymnasium keeps the action going. Plus, shaded areas keep everyone cool under the Florida sun.
Sports for Budding Athletes
An important part of our after-school enrichment programs are developmental team sports for students in grades 3 and up. After-school opportunities in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football are available for students.
Getting to a Shark's Heart
At JCDS, we nurture every Shark's heart, mind, and spirit! Our community celebrates creativity, friendship, and growth through arts, performance, and fun traditions that make our days special.
Celebrating Every Achievement
Our Summer Learning Celebration kicks off the year by cheering the academic achievements in Summer Learning.
Students participate in a number of Fine Arts activities in after-school enrichment. The Art Sharks program is very popular for students who love to create 2D and 3D works of art. Student artwork is showcased throughout the school. Students with musical interests can participate in band, chorus, or drumline. Students and families are delighted by the concerts they perform.
Spotlight Moments
Grade-level productions provide an opportunity for students to sing, act, or dance. Each student from the grade level participates. The Veteran's Day show is a crowd-pleaser that touches hearts!
Fun Traditions Build Community
Pajama days, themed dress-up days, and student-led assemblies—hosted by our 5th-grade student council—bring our Sharks together.
The Sharks love learning about character through The 7 Mindsets that are an integral part of our program.
Annually, 5th graders engage in a little friendly competition with the faculty in kickball and basketball. (The faculty usually has the advantage of size, but it's just for fun.)
Ready to become part of the Shark family? Schedule a tour to see for yourself.
Celebrating Every Achievement
Our Summer Learning Celebration kicks off the year by cheering the academic achievements in Summer Learning.
Students participate in a number of Fine Arts activities in after-school enrichment. The Art Sharks program is very popular for students who love to create 2D and 3D works of art. Student artwork is showcased throughout the school. Students with musical interests can participate in band, chorus, or drumline. Students and families are delighted by the concerts they perform.
Spotlight Moments
Grade-level productions provide an opportunity for students to sing, act, or dance. Each student from the grade level participates. The Veteran's Day show is a crowd-pleaser that touches hearts!
Fun Traditions Build Community
Pajama days, themed dress-up days, and student-led assemblies—hosted by our 5th-grade student council—bring our Sharks together.
The Sharks love learning about character through The 7 Mindsets that are an integral part of our program.
Annually, 5th graders engage in a little friendly competition with the faculty in kickball and basketball. (The faculty usually has the advantage of size, but it's just for fun.)
Ready to become part of the Shark family? Schedule a tour to see for yourself.
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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