About

Who We Are

Our Mission Statement

Jacksonville Country Day School prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.

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.
 

History of JCDS

In 1960, a group of families looking for an alternative to the unaccredited (at the time) public schools in Duval County joined forces to found Jacksonville Country Day School. These dedicated parents dreamed of a better education for their children and strove to turn their dream into reality. Our school’s founders believed that a quality education was best achieved in an independent, non-denominational setting. 

Today, as we celebrate more than sixty years of serving the students and families of Northeast Florida, our founders’ dreams remain evident. Our dedication to the mission of providing a strong academic and character-rich foundation for each student from Pre-K 3 through 6th grade is foremost. Our school emphasizes intellectual exploration involving project-based and hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for success at the next academic level and beyond. 

Strengthened by a supportive and nurturing community of teachers and peers, JCDS students learn to approach challenges with confidence and perseverance, resulting in the conviction that they can achieve great things.

Our commitment to connecting those in our community allows JCDS students to develop positive relationships that are grounded in respect, compassion, patience, and thoughtful and honest communication.

Through our school’s character education program, our students come to understand that leadership is as much about setting an example and being accountable for their own actions as it is about guiding others.

We are a School of Character

Character Education is the cornerstone of the JCDS academic program. The character education component emphasizes our targeted virtues, such as self-control, respect, honesty, responsibility, empathy, perseverance, teamwork, patience, and kindness.

In addition to its focus on academic excellence and character education, JCDS also helps children to develop healthy lifestyles through its daily physical education and nutritious lunch programs.

Ready to Experience JCDS?

We look forward to meeting with prospective families.  To schedule a time to visit our beautiful campus and learn more about Jacksonville Country Day School, contact Krista Pizzi, Director of Admissions, or Lauren Ellis, Manager of Admissions and Enrollment.

Want a quick preview? Take a Closer Look at JCDS here.