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
JCDS sports keep our Sharks active and competitive
The energy in Steitz Gymnasium is electric as our boys' and girls' basketball teams tip off the season with lots of Shark pride! At JCDS, we’re pleased to offer our elementary students the chance to compete against other schools—building confidence, teamwork, and school spirit— while showcasing the good character traits they’re developing.
Our 5th-grade boys' team, led by Head Coach Theodore, opened the season with some early challenges and is eager to build momentum in the games ahead.
"Wins will come, but what matters most is how we come together, push each other, and keep building as a team", Coach Theodore said.
In addition to the 5th-grade boys' basketball team (seen last week in Shark Weekly), JCDS also offers girls' teams for grades 4 and 5, and boys' teams for grades 3 and 4. These multiple squads create more opportunities for athletes to participate and serve as a fun training ground for our younger students.
The girls' basketball teams—White and Blue—are off to a fantastic start this season. They are diving into some fierce competition with tremendous energy and verve on the court.
Fifth-grader Miller J. shared, "I take basketball seriously because it's my favorite thing in the world and I love it!"
Leading the girls are Head Coach Liz McNairy, our School Counselor, and Assistant Coach Ashley Barber, our Operations Coordinator. Both of whom are no strangers to sports themselves.
"I am so proud of these girls!" said Ms. McNairy.
She notes the teams practice together as one big group, fostering a strong sense of unity where everyone lifts each other.
Boys in 3rd and 4th grades have their own White and Blue teams, giving our younger Sharks a chance to hit the court and build toward the top squad when they're older. They get an early taste of competition and sportsmanship—and they take it to heart.
"I get to play a friendly match and I play hard because I don't like to lose," said 4th-grader Jake B.
These young athletes are channeling that competitive fire into real progress, turning practices into a launchpad for on-court triumphs.
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One Step Closer to Middle School
5th graders learn that with privileges, come responsibilities -
Our First Friday of the Year was a Blast!
Students enjoyed the Summer Learning Celebration -
Sharks Dive into Epic School Year
There is no time to waste at JCDS. -
Students Take to the Field!
Field Day is a Spring tradition at JCDS. -
Protect the Penguins!
First graders build comfy shelters. -
Students "Joust!" in their Final Show
Arthur pulls a zany musical from the stone! -
Examining Owl Pellets
Third-graders learn about an owl's diet by finding the bones. -
Exploring Diverse Cultures
JCDS celebrates a World of Nations. -
The Zone of Proximal Development
Our teachers are stretching the minds of students under their careful guidance.
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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.
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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