• 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

First-graders Light Up Biomes
A museum-quality exhibition wows crowds!

First graders embarked on an engaging exploration of diverse animal biomes alongside Ms. Cristina Knodel in the Technology Lab. Each class delved into a specific biome, discovering its distinctive plants and wildlife.
 
In the science lab, students delved into the fascinating properties of light and shadows, testing various materials to classify them as transparent, translucent, or opaque.
 
As a highlight of their studies, the students dedicated a full week to daily sessions in the science lab, collaborating with both Ms. Knodel and Science Specialist Deborah Landon to craft impressive, large-scale displays.

Paired into teams, the students chose an animal to design and build.
 
"Tinsley and I decided on the meerkat," said first-grader Alexei M. "I like how meerkats look."
 
They started with small shadow models of their selected animal, iterating through revisions until the silhouette captured just the right form. Satisfied with their prototypes, they expanded them into striking, oversized final versions.
 
"Ari and I did the hyena. We picked it out because we were doing some savannah animals, and I am learning to do the hyena sound," added Jae F. with a smile.
 
Students also fashioned complementary habitat features, such as snowflakes, fish, sea stars, flowers, vines, and leaves.
 
Blending science and art over this extended period yielded stunning exhibits that could rival those in a museum. Parents and peers wandered through the display in admiration.
 
It proved to be a memorable learning journey that the students will cherish for years to come.
 
"I learned that there are a lot of animals in different biomes. My animal was the African crowned crane," observed Willow D. "I had a lot of fun at the light show."
 
"This project extended beyond the study of animal biomes and the science of light and shadows. It was also a meaningful lesson in perseverance, collaboration, and the value of revisiting and improving one’s work," said Ms. Knodel. "On the day of the showcase, the students’ excitement and pride were unmistakable. They eagerly guided their families to their displays, proudly pointing out the animals they had worked so hard to create. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance."
 
A special thanks to Ms. Lindsay Curry, who provided the lighting and sound for the project.
 

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.
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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.
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