Discover JCDS
In your journey to find the best private elementary school in Jacksonville, we are honored that you are considering Jacksonville Country Day School.
For over 65 years, our 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.
For over 65 years, our 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.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
At JCDS, we build the strongest foundation for middle school and beyond.
Our teachers and staff are true elementary education specialists who focus exclusively on young learners from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. Because we concentrate solely on this critical stage, we deliver an exceptionally deep and purposeful academic program that prepares every child to excel in middle school and thrive for the rest of their educational journey.
We nurture the whole child—academically, physically, emotionally, and socially—so that each student develops a genuine love of learning and the confidence to succeed. Through close partnership with families, we graduate young people who are not only strong in character and academics, but who also communicate with clarity, lead by example, and show genuine respect and compassion for others.
At JCDS, your child doesn’t just get ready for the next step, they get the very best start possible.
Our teachers and staff are true elementary education specialists who focus exclusively on young learners from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. Because we concentrate solely on this critical stage, we deliver an exceptionally deep and purposeful academic program that prepares every child to excel in middle school and thrive for the rest of their educational journey.
We nurture the whole child—academically, physically, emotionally, and socially—so that each student develops a genuine love of learning and the confidence to succeed. Through close partnership with families, we graduate young people who are not only strong in character and academics, but who also communicate with clarity, lead by example, and show genuine respect and compassion for others.
At JCDS, your child doesn’t just get ready for the next step, they get the very best start possible.
An Epic Adventure
Learning Through Play
In our Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning program, kids really learn by doing.
They explore, play, take safe risks, and dive into a multisensory world every day—moving, creating, collaborating, and figuring things out even when they make mistakes. That’s how they build strong social-emotional skills and spark the kind of curiosity that stays with them for a lifetime of learning.
Our teachers know exactly how to guide this process with lessons that feel just right for each age, both inside the classroom and out in nature. They encourage kids to experiment, ask questions, and discover things on their own, so they develop the confidence and thinking skills they’ll need to thrive in middle school and beyond.
They explore, play, take safe risks, and dive into a multisensory world every day—moving, creating, collaborating, and figuring things out even when they make mistakes. That’s how they build strong social-emotional skills and spark the kind of curiosity that stays with them for a lifetime of learning.
Our teachers know exactly how to guide this process with lessons that feel just right for each age, both inside the classroom and out in nature. They encourage kids to experiment, ask questions, and discover things on their own, so they develop the confidence and thinking skills they’ll need to thrive in middle school and beyond.
World-class Educators
At JCDS, our teachers surround every child with love, support, and encouragement.
They create a warm, caring environment where kids feel safe to grow and succeed every single day. Our teaching is based on the latest research, so we can shape fun, engaging experiences that fit exactly what each child needs, helping every one of them thrive.
With an average of 15 years of experience, our teachers are true experts at creating rich learning opportunities that spark curiosity and build real skills.
In a recent survey by Independent School Management consultants, our parents rated our faculty as “world-class.”
They create a warm, caring environment where kids feel safe to grow and succeed every single day. Our teaching is based on the latest research, so we can shape fun, engaging experiences that fit exactly what each child needs, helping every one of them thrive.
With an average of 15 years of experience, our teachers are true experts at creating rich learning opportunities that spark curiosity and build real skills.
In a recent survey by Independent School Management consultants, our parents rated our faculty as “world-class.”
A Challenging Curriculum
JCDS’s challenging curriculum empowers every student to reach their full potential. Our robust character education program—including the 7 Mindsets, virtues of the month, and meaningful service-learning projects—builds strong, positive relationships and a deep sense of responsibility.
Spanish, physical education, and fine arts complete the picture, ensuring well-rounded growth intellectually, physically, creatively, and ethically.
Spanish, physical education, and fine arts complete the picture, ensuring well-rounded growth intellectually, physically, creatively, and ethically.
By fifth grade, JCDS students are accomplished communicators and artists, possess a workable knowledge of Spanish, and confidently apply math and science to solve real-world problems. They are fully prepared for a smooth and successful transition to middle school.
Beyond the Classroom
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 -
16+
Average Years of Experience for Full-Time Teachers -
16k+
Books in the library -
440+
Happy Students at JCDS
School News
At JCDS, it's every week!
National Arts in Education Week, observed this year September 13–19, celebrates arts learning in schools and communities and calls for broader, more equitable access to it. At JCDS, the arts are part of the weekly rhythm of school life.
Our students receive formal art and music instruction weekly from specialists who scaffold skills with real care—and real expertise.
Art Specialist Alli Flores, an accomplished artist herself, introduces students to the styles and techniques of artists past and present. Recently, fourth-graders are finished a story-quilt project in the spirit of Faith Ringgold. Each student recalled a moment from their own life and turned it into a finished piece—personal history, stitched in color.
Students who want more time in the studio can join Art Sharks, the after-school enrichment program.
Music education also begins in Pre-K 3. This week, Music Specialist Jessica Barker had the youngest Sharks keeping a steady beat on small drums. She then led a Peek-a-Boo scarf activity: students moved to the phrasing of a recorded song, then tried the same responses when she played the music without lyrics. It was a simple, joyful lesson in listening.
Music education also begins in Pre-K 3. This week, Music Specialist Jessica Barker had the youngest Sharks keeping a steady beat on small drums. She then led a Peek-a-Boo scarf activity: students moved to the phrasing of a recorded song, then tried the same responses when she played the music without lyrics. It was a simple, joyful lesson in listening.
With first grade, Ms. Barker folded in a little science. A video of a rock tossed into a pond showed ripples traveling outward. Sound, she explained, works the same way. She set a snare drum a few feet from a bass drum; when she struck the bass, the snare rattled. Invisible waves had done the work.
Then came the bowls: plastic wrap stretched tight, salt sprinkled on top. As students drummed, the salt danced. Ms. Barker asked what else might move it—something they could do with no tools.
“You could sing like opera!” suggested first-grader Josie K.
They did. Loudly. The salt shifted in waves, and the room was amazed.
Third through fifth-grade students who want to play an instrument—and an early start to their day—can join the award-winning JCDS Band. Rehearsal begins at 7:15 a.m.
Band Specialist Chrystal Staples takes the group from first notes to demanding concert repertoire. Winter and spring performances are not to be missed.
Sharks who dance have plenty of options: hip-hop, jazz, cheer, and the JCDS Dance Team. From Pre-K 3 (beginning in the spring) through fifth grade, students work with three experienced instructors who teach, rehearse, and grow the program year after year.
National Arts in Education Week celebrates the important role the arts play in child development, a role that is woven into every JCDS student’s experience.
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Pop Tabs Collection
Early Learning service learning project. -
Writing for the Reader
Fourth-graders learn to use figurative language. -
Manipulating Math
Using blocks to make numbers make sense. -
STEM Starts Early at JCDS
There is a lab for that! -
The Magic of Colors
Kindergarten students mix their colors in the Science Lab. -
A Great Way to Start the Day
Those greetings and high-fives set the tone. -
Building Strong Mathematical Thinkers
Skills that grow each year. -
Get Those Little Sharks Moving!
PE in Pre-K 3 builds practical skills. -
Hakimi Amphitheater Dedication
Now officially open for business!
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Our Graduates
Our students graduate from JCDS with the academic foundation, confidence, and character that prepare them for success in middle school.
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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