Jacksonville Country Day School prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
Response from Parents & Alums
Here are the responses from members of the Jacksonville Country Day School community when asked how well the school is fulfilling its mission:
JCDS Alum - Abigail Pham ('11)
My experiences at Jacksonville Country Day thoroughly prepared me for the rigorous classes I would go on to take at Episcopal School of Jacksonville, and I feel that having such a solid foundation built early on made the possibilities for my future endless.
JCDS Alum - Clare Stern ('04)
As a former student, I can say without a doubt that the character education provided to me has carried me into adulthood and into my profession as an Executive Director of Interfaith Programs. We talk about shared values of service, hospitality, and kindness frequently with our students. We are in the 2nd year of our new youth leadership development program and I see our veteran students truly embodying peer mentorship. I got the idea from my experience with my buddy at JCDS.
JCDS Alum - Paul Fouts ('13)
Of everything I loved about JCDS, one thing that I found unique and especially enjoyable was how the school always took learning one-step further through experiences outside of traditional classroom learning. One of those experiences was the gardening experience provided to the younger students
JCDS Alum - Avery Patterson ('14)
I attended Jacksonville Country Day School from Pre-K 3 through 6th grade. JCDS is where I met some of my best friends, developed lasting relationships with some of the best teachers around (thank you to Ms. Szallay and Ms. McKnight), and learned how to pursue my dreams. The character education at JCDS taught me that I could achieve my goals if I believed in myself, worked hard every day, stayed courageous and positive in the face of adversity, and respected others every step of the way
JCDS Former Parent - Holly Finchem
Jacksonville Country Day School helped grow the hearts and minds of my three girls.
JCDS Parent - Claudio Varella
Our kids love JCDS and we couldn't be happier with their education. The school environment is great and the faculty and staff are caring and supportive.
JCDS Parent - Dawn Francis
We made the transition to JCDS this school year and are so happy with our choice. We feel so grateful that our children have the opportunity to go to JCDS and experience such a compassionate, nurturing and professional environment.
JCDS Parent - Diane Balotin
I love that about this school: How they facilitate a family feel between everyone.
JCDS 6th Grade Student - Su (2015-16)
At JCDS I have always been happy. I’ve made mistakes, fixed them and moved on. I’ve learned many things in my excellent years at JCDS.
JCDS Parent - Greg Wong
Character development through positive interactions with fellow students, friends, teachers, coaches, parents and other adults has been a critical part of our boys’ upbringing. JCDS’ motto of ‘Nurturing Minds. Building Character.’ uniquely sets the school apart from other educational institutions. With all the pressures our children will face as they grow up, we’re glad we have a school that can help build a foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s not an elementary school decision to attend JCDS, it is a lifetime decision.
JCDS Parent - Karen Mayfield
We chose JCDS for its strong and competitive academic curriculum. However what was equally, if not more important, was the focus on the whole child, beyond academics. The virtues that are important to our family are developed in the classroom with our children’s peers and teachers. These qualities develop our children from little people with good hearts to adults with a desire to be good and kind making a difference for themselves and others.
JCDS Parent - Ruple Galani
Beyond the classroom, JCDS offers the opportunity for children to develop the foundation for strong character, ethics, and principals that they will use throughout the rest of their life.
JCDS Parent - Shannon Pearce
Absolutely amazing school. So nurturing and supportive. I couldn't be happier to send my son here. He has learned so much already and enjoys going every day.
JCDS Pre-K 3 - Teacher Laurie Stayer
We believe that children learn through play. We use the environment, both inside and outside, as a third teacher. We use a nature-based, child-led curriculum. Opening the classroom up and bringing in nature gives children open-ended opportunities.
JCDS Alum - Alexis Terkonda ('10)
Classes ranging from computer to Spanish have been instrumental in my success in high school. JCDS allows their students to be involved in everything from Spanish, to art, to chorus, to computer, and library. I have gained skills from each of these classes that I continue to use everyday in school.
JCDS Student - Bayard (2015-16)
At Jacksonville Country Day School, the really big thing is that they are accepting of creativity. They inspire me to do so much more.
JCDS Alum - Andrew Aschi ('10)
By learning the importance of time management and perseverance at such a young age at JCDS, I have been able to make good grades, excel in soccer and Taekwondo, and have a great social life.
JCDS Student - Josephine (2015-16)
In my seven years at JCDS I have done many school activities that help the environment and the school. One of these many activities is the Green Team. There I have learned responsibility, cooperation, and to care for the environment.
JCDS Alum - David Podia ('10)
Learning the value of the virtues such as honesty and self-control ultimately made me into the best young adult I could be. My love of community service stems back to JCDS’ character education and devotion to helping others. I wouldn’t be attending my number one college choice if it were not for JCDS and their devotion to students achieve greatness in and outside of the classroom.
JCDS Alum - Mara Goldwasser ('14)
I was very well prepared entering 7th grade both academically and socially. My 7th grade year I was able to take a pottery class and already knew a lot about pottery because of Mrs. Lane’s art class. My seventh grade Spanish was a breeze because of Senora Leonard’s Spanish class.
JCDS Alum - Kimberly Hogan ('10)
The character education and academic experiences given to me at Jacksonville Country Day School are, in my opinion, unmatched by any other elementary school in the world. We had amazing fine arts training at JCDS, whether it be band with Mrs. Staples, music with Mrs. Dickert, art with Mrs. Lane, or dancing with Ms. Emily.
JCDS 6th Grade Student - Zoya (2015-16)
I’m super excited about all of the cool things we are going to do this year like Camp Montgomery, the Greek Olympics, and MarineLab.
JCDS Alum - Sophia Draughon ('10)
My character and academic education at JCDS taught me one of the most important lessons that I have ever learned; it taught me responsibility. My years at JCDS also taught me how to achieve responsibility in a social environment.
Our Philosophy
Jacksonville Country Day School is an independent and multicultural school dedicated to motivating and guiding students towards fully achieving their unique potential.
JCDS educates children so that they develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. JCDS provides a challenging yet positive and safe environment for young minds to shine. With small class sizes and differentiated instruction, we teach children how to think through project-based and hands-on learning experiences.
Through character education, self-discipline, a love for learning, and a commitment to social responsibility, students become successful teens and adults in an ever-changing and interconnected world.
Located In Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 6th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.