Discover JCDS
In your journey to find the best private school in Jacksonville, we are honored that you are considering Jacksonville Country Day School.
Jacksonville Country Day School is the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida. Our academic program, facilities, character education, after-school enrichment, and caring faculty are all well-known for their excellence.
Jacksonville Country Day School is the premier choice in elementary education in Northeast Florida. Our academic program, facilities, character education, after-school enrichment, and caring faculty are all well-known for their excellence.
At JCDS, we understand children and the process of educating them, every part of them — their minds, their bodies, and their hearts. We are passionate about children and what is best for them.
Through a very deliberate partnership with our families, we are committed to having confident graduates who are strong in character and academics, who can communicate effectively, lead by example, and show respect and compassion for others.
Through a very deliberate partnership with our families, we are committed to having confident graduates who are strong in character and academics, who can communicate effectively, lead by example, and show respect and compassion for others.
As educators, we know it is the process of getting there that is most important. It is about the journey — the everyday experiences that make the difference.
Childhood is the shortest, most important part of our lives. We need to make it impactful — we need to make it count. It is the foundation of everything else.
Childhood is the shortest, most important part of our lives. We need to make it impactful — we need to make it count. It is the foundation of everything else.
We allow children to play, to develop social and emotional skills, take risks, learn in a multisensory, integrated environment that supports development at every age. We know that children need to move a lot, learn from mistakes, problem solve, collaborate, and be able to create and express themselves.
In order to find success in the classroom, students at JCDS are surrounded by knowledgeable and caring adults who make sure our children feel loved and are learning and growing.
We provide enriching and engaging experiences for all of our students by using data and research to drive our instruction while varying the complexity for different learners.
We provide enriching and engaging experiences for all of our students by using data and research to drive our instruction while varying the complexity for different learners.
JCDS offers a challenging and engaging curriculum to help our students grow and reach their full potential. Our character education program brings out the best aspects of their personalities. Our programs — including the 7 Mindsets, virtues of the month, and service learning — help develop understanding of positive human relationships. Our Spanish, physical education, and fine arts programs ensure that our students are well-rounded.
Words alone cannot accurately describe the wondrous world our students enjoy at Jacksonville Country Day School. Plan on a campus tour, whether in-person or virtual, to see for yourself. (See Visit Us, at the bottom of this page.)
Words alone cannot accurately describe the wondrous world our students enjoy at Jacksonville Country Day School. Plan on a campus tour, whether in-person or virtual, to see for yourself. (See Visit Us, at the bottom of this page.)
At JCDS, the learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day. Fully 92% of our students participate in at least one after-school enrichment activity. Offerings include programs for students to be artistic, get active and move, as well as tackle problem-solving and academic challenges. Many activities are led by JCDS faculty and staff who are able to share their expertise or passions with the students. Others are led by local experts with whom we partner to offer new and exciting programs. All programs are carefully selected to offer our students a seamless extension of their academic day and that align with our mission as a school.
The after-school enrichment program at JCDS is the most comprehensive of any elementary school in Northeast Florida. For more information, check our Enrichment page.
The after-school enrichment program at JCDS is the most comprehensive of any elementary school in Northeast Florida. For more information, check our Enrichment page.
Facts and Figures
List of 9 items.
-
100%
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SERVICE LEARNING -
19
Acres of beautiful wooded land -
55%
People of Color -
92%
Students in After-School Enrichment -
1:1
iPads beginning in Kindergarten -
5
Days a Week of Both PE and Recess -
15
Average Years of Experience for Full-Time Teachers -
16k+
Books in the library -
400+
Happy Students at JCDS
School News
Hands-on lesson on how the Moon was formed
First graders in Ms. Deb Landon's science lab received an interesting lesson about the Moon and how it may have been formed.
The students watched a short video explaining one possible theory: that the early Earth was struck by a gigantic meteor, which blew an enormous amount of debris into space.
Eventually, the debris coalesced into a round object and moved into its current position above the Earth.
The kids had plenty of questions, and Ms. Landon had the answers.
What caused all the craters on the Moon? Smaller meteors, many of them, impacted the Moon. They punched holes in the surface, ejecting material in all directions, and leaving a crater. Even a tiny meteor can create a sizable crater merely from the speed at which it hits the Moon.
Ms. Landon devised a clever demonstration so the kids could see what a meteor does when it hits the moon. She took a kiddie swimming pool and filled it with baking flour. Then, students dropped rocks from above and watched a crater form in front of their eyes!
Ms. Landon, who believes in the power of curiosity, knew that this activity would spark their interest, as well as cement the experience into their core knowledge.
The students were fascinated by what they had created on their miniature Moon.
Why hasn't the Earth been pockmarked with craters like the moon? Fortunately, most smaller meteors either bounce off or burn up in our atmosphere. Occasionally, a meteor may be large enough or strike at the correct angle to impact the earth. Fortunately, those incidents are rare and don't cause major damage.
However, there is scientific and historical evidence that large meteors have struck the Earth and caused significant destruction. One theory is that a meteor precipitated the demise of the dinosaurs.
-
First Graders Create Books!
Students combine tech with creativity and writing skills. -
Students "Deep Dive" into Big Things!
In September, students participated in their first Deep Dive of the year, an opportunity for them to intensely focus on a creative project with our specialists. -
Third Graders Hit the Books
Remember writing book reports when you were in school? This time-tested practice is still an important tool for helping students better comprehend the material in their selected books. -
Painting Fall Landscapes
Pre-K 4 students create lovely art for autumn. -
Heads in the Clouds
Second graders can distinguish stratus from cirrus! -
The First Grade Adventure Begins!
Students hit a major milestone in their educations career. -
Little Sharks Must Swim!
Early learning students receive careful guidance in the pool. -
We're Back!
First day of school was smooth sailing at JCDS! -
Concert was a Blockbuster
JCDS Band and Drumline presented a spectacular show.
1/9
Our Graduates
One hundred percent of 6th 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.
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 6th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
© 2023 Jacksonville Country Day School. All Rights Reserved.