• 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

Tiny Moments Become Published Masterpieces
Second-graders write and GLOW

What happens when you ask second-graders to zoom in on life’s smallest adventures? 
 
Magic. Pure, published magic.
 
The journey began with a simple assignment: write a true personal narrative. But not just any story, no sprawling “watermelon” sagas allowed.
 
"They focus a lot on seed moments vs. the watermelon topics," explained second-grade teacher Kathy Thompsen. "An example of a watermelon topic would be My Day at Disney World. The seed moment would be Riding Space Mountain for the First Time."
 
Translation? Pick one crystal-clear instant. The splash in the puddle. The lost tooth at recess. The moment your dog ate your sandwich.

Armed with pencils and memories, every student drafted multiple tales from their own lives—then picked their favorite to polish and publish.
 
Enter the iPads and the app Book Creator. Kids typed (or dictated) their words, snapped photos of their hand-drawn illustrations, and designed a cover and an “About the Author” page. Suddenly, rough drafts became real books, complete with glossy digital flair!
 
Then came the moment they’d been buzzing about: The Glow Gallery.
 
Desks transformed into mini bookstores. Some stories glowed on iPads; others shone in crisp paper printouts. Students from all three second-grade classes rotated room to room, eyes wide, reading every single tale.
 
In their hands? A stack of Post-it Notes. Their mission? Leave a glow—one specific, heartfelt compliment—for every author.
 
"When peers point out what someone did well, it reassures them that their hard work and skills are noticed," said Ms. Thompsen. "Positive comments from classmates can feel especially meaningful because they come from their friends who they care for."
 
By the end, desks were blanketed in praise: “I felt like I was on that roller coaster with you!” … “Your drawing of the dog made me laugh out loud!” … “I loved how you described the wind in your hair!”
 
These weren’t just stories anymore. They were bridges, between writers and readers, memories and friendships, effort and celebration. And every sticky note? A tiny spark of confidence, glowing bright.
 

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.