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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
Field Day is a Spring tradition at JCDS.
One of the most exciting days of the year happened in April, as our Sharks participated in Field Day! Our sensational Physical Education department spent many weeks planning the activities, creating team assignments, and gathering equipment and supplies.
The day began with an assembly at the Yellow Circle. The JCDS Band and Drumline performed for the students.Sharky was on hand to greet the students and boost their spirits, which were already very high!
Head of School Chris Johnson gave some encouraging words, an officially declared the games to begin.
There was a wide array of games for the students to play, requiring various degrees of skill and luck, as well as athletic ability.
"The purpose of a school-wide Field Day is to show our school spirit and experience a connection with our JCDS community," said PE Specialist Emily Vasquez. "As PE teachers, of course, we want to promote physical activity but also a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship towards everyone involved."
Some games were set up especially for our Early Learning Sharks in the gym. The younger students played some water balloon throwing games outside as well. They enjoyed themselves immensely while, at the same time, developing their motor skills.
"Many of the stations are practiced at some point during PE classes to not only help the day run smoothly but also to help students be successful," Ms. Vasquez explained. "We emphasize the importance of following the rules, spotlight students who demonstrate good sportsmanship, and give pep talks about showing good character."
The same expectations were in effect for Field Day.
The success of Field Day depended on adult supervision to keep things moving. Our wonderful parent volunteers made it possible for a smooth Field Day.
"Parent volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated to host our JCDS Field Day with 410 students and 30 different stations. Volunteers help keep things organized and safe for our students, allowing them to have an enjoyable day," said Ms. Vasquez.
The parents helped the children to move from one activity to the next and provided some friendly encouragement as the students competed.
Every year, one of the objectives of Field Day is to get WET! Many of the activities involve water balloons, water blasters, moving water from one bucket to another, or throwing wet sponges. Staff members were observed filling 5-gallon jugs of water and delivering them to various stations around the field. Some students couldn't wait to get wet from errant water droplets and doused themselves! No worries; the warm sun evaporated it quickly.
Every year, one of the objectives of Field Day is to get WET! Many of the activities involve water balloons, water blasters, moving water from one bucket to another, or throwing wet sponges. Staff members were observed filling 5-gallon jugs of water and delivering them to various stations around the field. Some students couldn't wait to get wet from errant water droplets and doused themselves! No worries; the warm sun evaporated it quickly.
Of course, the special day concluded with the classic tug-of-war. The students competed by grade level and tried their best. There was disappointment, of course, when a team wasn't victorious, but the Sharks consistently demonstrated how competition can be friendly!
"Our students displayed great teamwork and sportsmanship on Field Day," said PE Specialist Leif Noren. "It’s great to see our students encouraging each other with friendly competition. It was a fun, action-packed day for our students to get some energy out and compete with each other."
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Protect the Penguins!
First graders build comfy shelters. -
Students "Joust!" in their Final Show
Arthur pulls a zany musical from the stone! -
Examining Owl Pellets
Third-graders learn about an owl's diet by finding the bones. -
Exploring Diverse Cultures
JCDS celebrates a World of Nations. -
The Zone of Proximal Development
Our teachers are stretching the minds of students under their careful guidance. -
Divide and CONQUER!
Learning long division in 3rd grade is a labor of...persistence! -
NASA Will Be Hiring
Our fourth-graders enjoyed their unit on space and rocket science. -
Our Sharks Can Write!
And they can spell it right! -
A Show About Icky Things!
The second grade show is about creepy crawlies.
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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.
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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