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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 -
15
Average Years of Experience for Full-Time Teachers -
16k+
Books in the library -
420+
Happy Students at JCDS
School News
Second-graders explore writing and illustration from a pro
Our 2nd-graders had an exciting visit from Mr. Maurizio Curto, a celebrated author and illustrator of children's books, who guided them through his creative process for crafting captivating stories.
Mr. Curto is the talented mind behind Made to Create: A Guide to Confidence and Discipline in Art. He also illustrated the delightful tales Forgetful Eddie and Bear Hockey.
Plus, he's the proud dad of a 2nd-grader right here at JCDS!
All three classes joined together in Ms. Thompsen's classroom for the session. The presentation was timely, as the kids have been diving into narrative writing lately.
Under Mr. Curto's guidance, their first adventure was dreaming up a main character (what older kids call the protagonist). As a group, they settled on a speedy cheetah and, after some fun voting rounds, named him Bolt.
Under Mr. Curto's guidance, their first adventure was dreaming up a main character (what older kids call the protagonist). As a group, they settled on a speedy cheetah and, after some fun voting rounds, named him Bolt.
Using a handy form provided by Mr. Curto, they brainstormed a problem, dream, or challenge for Bolt, along with the story's setting. In true 2nd-grade style, they decided Bolt's big goal was to win an aerial race—set in the sugary world of Candyland!
"I think it's because they love candy, honestly," said 2nd-grader Quinn Z. about the choice of locale.
Next up, Mr. Curto explained, they'd need a rival for Bolt and some tricky obstacles to overcome—these elements form the thrilling backbone of any great story.
"These kids have these bright ideas and thought it would be fun," shared Alia A. "The kids want it to be a challenge for the main character."
As a professional illustrator, Mr. Curto had everyone sketching storyboards to visualize their book's layout. He shared pro tips, like making the most of page space and leaving room for text to shine!
Finally, he demonstrated a standout book cover: a bold image of the main character with a catchy title in eye-popping font.
"The cover shows the cheetah so everybody can know what it's about," noted Wyatt W.
After all, the cover provides a strong first impression and should draw readers in immediately.
Sharky extends his fins in a big thank-you to Mr. Curto for sharing his expertise and inspiring our young creators.
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Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth...
...and the Pre-K 4 students think they STILL rule! -
Smarter Than a 5th-grader?
The adults have their own spelling bee! -
Detectives Investigate Main Ideas
5th-graders look for suspects and evidence -
First Grade Author Study
Getting the most from Julia Donaldson -
Chorus and Band Celebrate the Season
Winter Concert was lively and entertaining -
Fifth-graders Love the Sea Turtles
Field trip to Georgia Sea Turtle Center was fun and instructive -
Learning About Light...in the Dark!
First-graders explore shadows and shapes -
We Love Our Buddies!
The buddies program is alive and well at JCDS -
Colorful Science in Pre-K 4
Learning to do things the old way
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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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