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
Fifth-graders chose sides and made their arguments.
By the end of their Capstone year at JCDS, our 5th-graders have emerged as poised, articulate communicators who are skilled in the art of forming, researching, and defending thoughtful opinions. They confidently craft arguments supported by strong evidence, whether in polished writing or compelling oral presentations, demonstrating a level of preparation that positions them well for the rigors of middle school.
Writing teacher Stephanie Teitelbaum challenged them with a sophisticated assignment that would test even high-school students: select a side on a complex issue, conduct thorough research, develop a complete argumentative essay, and then deliver a structured debate before their peers.
Each student selected a topic aligned with their interests and formed a clear, evidence-based stance. Their options included:
• Should zoos be banned?
• Traditional textbooks vs. digital textbooks
• Should youth sports concentrate on skills development or winning?
• Should kids be paid to do chores?
While the topics naturally sparked strong feelings, the students moved beyond emotion to build robust, logical cases. They dove into reliable sources, gathered credible evidence, and learned to cite it properly, creating full “works cited” pages and incorporating precise in-text citations within their essays. This process honed their ability to construct arguments worthy of advanced academic settings.
After refining their essays through review and revision, the students collaborated in debate teams to craft professional scripts that thoughtfully presented both sides of each issue, preparing them to anticipate counterarguments and respond with clarity and respect.
"This group of students showed what it really means to be thoughtful thinkers and strong communicators," said Ms. Teitelbaum. "They asked questions, challenged ideas respectfully, and supported their claims with solid evidence. Their commitment to improving their work and supporting one another made this entire experience truly special."
After refining their essays through review and revision, the students collaborated in debate teams to craft professional scripts that thoughtfully presented both sides of each issue, preparing them to anticipate counterarguments and respond with clarity and respect.
"This group of students showed what it really means to be thoughtful thinkers and strong communicators," said Ms. Teitelbaum. "They asked questions, challenged ideas respectfully, and supported their claims with solid evidence. Their commitment to improving their work and supporting one another made this entire experience truly special."
The students’ deep convictions, backed by preparation, resulted in exceptionally persuasive presentations.
"Some of their arguments were so compelling that they even made me reconsider my own thinking, especially when they presented research and examples about zoos that pushed me to question my own assumptions," said Ms. Teitelbaum.
The excellence of their work extended all the way to school leadership. Director of Education Ms. Tonya Elstein observed the debates with great interest and provided detailed written feedback to every group.
"The growth we witnessed in our 5th graders during last week’s debates was nothing short of inspiring," said Ms. Elstein. "With confident, expressive voices and thoughtfully crafted visual props and presentations, our 5th graders brought their beliefs to life in ways that truly reflected their deep knowledge, research, and preparation."
She noted how their smooth transitions and respectful yet persuasive responses revealed not only the depth of their learning, but how thoroughly ready they are for the intellectual challenges of middle school.
"They didn’t just participate, they led, they communicated, and they impressed. Look out, debate teams!” Ms. Elstein boasted.
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A Heartwarming Reunion and Send-off!
Seniors get a "clap-out" at assembly. -
Hands Hard at Work Creating Art
5th-graders create scrumptious (looking) projects. -
Little Hands, Big Hearts
Pop-tabs collection brings hope to Ronald McDonald House. -
Strings, Questions, and Smiles
Jacksonville Symphony string quartet enchants students. -
The Rainforest Calls!
First-graders bring their studies to life in show. -
We Swim in This?
Fourth-grader amazed when they peer into living water. -
Bringing Ancient Greece to Life
5th-graders complete their Greek unit in style. -
Characters on the March!
Early learning students celebrate reading. -
A Fractured, Froggy Fairy Tale
5th-graders fill the room with music and laughter.
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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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