• 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

Fifth-graders Love the Sea Turtles
Trip to Georgia Sea Turtle Center was fun and instructive

Despite the gloomy weather, the 5th-graders' enthusiasm shone bright during their field trip to Jekyll Island, where they explored the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the Tidelands Nature Center. This outing built on their recent studies of sea turtles in the Science Lab.

At Tidelands, staff educators captivated the students with details about various reptiles and amphibians and their unique characteristics.
 
The kids enjoyed up-close encounters with a box turtle, a rat snake, and a baby alligator—and even had the opportunity to pet them!
 
"I liked the gator best because it was a gator, and it's cool that they have gators!" said 5th-grader Thomas H.
 
All the animals housed at Tidelands were rescues, each there for a different reason, and some may never be able to return to the wild.

At the Sea Turtle Center, the students attended a presentation on the Center's work. Seated comfortably on the floor, they learned from experts about different sea turtle species, the intricate egg-laying process, and the hatchlings' dangerous path to adulthood amid threats from predators.
 
As they absorbed the information, some students connected it to their classroom lessons.
 
"I learned that the carapace is the back of the turtle shell," recalled Mathias B. "They talked about the carapace and some of them had carapace injuries, and we knew what the carapace was."
 
The center's museum area also offered interactive exhibits for the students to explore and gather even more insights.

In the hospital section of the Center, the students delved into the anatomy of sea turtles, examining their shells and internal structures.
 
Many of the "patients" at this unique hospital have suffered tragic accidents, such as boat propeller strikes—a common hazard that often demands swift, intensive care for the turtles to survive.
 
The hospital also cares for baby turtles that are too young to fend for themselves in the wild. These little ones receive a balanced diet and a simulated swimming environment mimicking their natural habitats until they're ready for release. Rather than simply being dropped at the beach, they're typically transported offshore to a reef where they can thrive.

The sea turtles and their heartfelt stories deeply touched many of the students.
 
"It was really cool how they were helping the turtles who were hurt," remarked Reyna J.
 
Like humans, these resilient creatures can overcome hardships and misfortunes, emerging stronger after rehabilitation.
 
And those babies? They're just so darn cute.
 
"It touched my heart that they are helping the sea turtles," said Kate A.
 
The center even invited the students to write personal "get well soon" notes directly to the turtles.
 
Overall, this unforgettable trip not only deepened the students’ understanding of marine life but also inspired a lasting appreciation for conservation efforts that protect vulnerable species like sea turtles.
 

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.