• 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

Learning About the Moon Festival  
Sharing other cultural traditions
On Monday, October 6, Ms. Julie Springer’s Kindergarten class was treated to a dazzling blend of celestial wonder and cultural celebration, all centered around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Two amazing homeroom moms, Dr. Wenhui Qiao from China, and Mrs. Shinhea Kong from South Korea, brought this vibrant tradition to life with stories, maps, and a fun-filled art project.

Dr. Qiao kicked things off by showing the class where China and South Korea are on a globe and a map. The kids’ jaws dropped when they saw the size difference between the two countries—China is HUGE compared to South Korea, and it's also shaped like a rooster, she pointed out. Talk about a geography lesson with a wow factor!
 
Mrs. Kong shared how both China and South Korea, rooted in ancient agricultural traditions, have long relied on the lunar calendar to guide their farming. Enter the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival—a joyful celebration of the harvest and the glowing full moon, much like our own Thanksgiving. It’s a time for families to come together, give thanks for the year’s blessings, and feast on delicious foods.

The class dove into the magic of the festival with Moon Festival Wishes by Jillian Lin, a charming story about a young girl and her family preparing for the celebration. The kids were captivated!
 
"In China, people traditionally eat mooncakes—round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings—which symbolize reunion and completeness," said Mrs. Kong. "The festival is also connected to the legend of Chang’e, the goddess who lives on the moon, and people admire the moon while sharing wishes for happiness and good fortune."
 
Mrs. Kong also shared that in South Korea, the same lunar day is celebrated as Chuseok, one of the year’s biggest holidays. Families travel to their hometowns for charye (ancestral rites) and seongmyo (visiting and tending to family tombs). They savor special harvest foods like songpyeon (half-moon-shaped rice cakes) and celebrate the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.

Both festivals shine a light on gratitude, family, and the beauty of the full moon, reminding us how deeply we’re connected to nature and each other. Lantern displays and moon-gazing are beloved traditions that make these celebrations sparkle.
 
The Kindergarteners got in on the fun with a hands-on project, crafting traditional lanterns from colorful paper. Their creativity was on full display, and they proudly took home their beautiful creations to show off to their families.
 
Sharky is over the moon when parents share their unique cultures with our students! These moments open young minds to the wonders of the world, fostering curiosity and connection. A huge thank you to Dr. Qiao and Mrs. Kong for making this a day to remember!
 

Our Graduates

One hundred percent of 5th grade graduates from JCDS get their choice of local private middle schools.

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.
© 2025 Jacksonville Country Day School. All Rights Reserved.