Head of School Message

From the Desk of Christopher Johnson

Dear JCDS Friends and Families,

As the newly appointed Head of School, it is with tremendous enthusiasm that I extend a heartfelt welcome to all. I am excited and honored to embark on this new journey with such a vibrant and engaged community that is Jacksonville Country Day School. This new adventure will be filled with learning, growth, and the deepening of our collective spirit.

One of my top priorities is to get to know each of you – students, parents, teachers, staff, Sharky, and community members. I want to hear your stories, understand your dreams, and work with you to make our school an even more engaging, welcoming space. Our community is a tapestry of diverse experiences and perspectives, and it's the richness of these threads that has made Jacksonville Country Day School the vibrant and unique place it is for more than sixty years.

Besides joining you as your new Head of School, the other role that I am looking forward to is becoming a JCDS parent. My daughter Sophia will be joining the Pre-K 4 class of Sharks this year, and I am delighted that she will share in the dynamic educational experience that Jacksonville Country Day School offers. Being both a leader in this community and a parent provides me with a unique dual perspective and further fuels my commitment to our school’s success.

I am deeply impressed with the school’s dedication to character education, a commitment that shines through every aspect of our mission. We do not merely equip our students with academic skills; we also focus on teaching them to be compassionate, responsible, and respectful individuals. I am proud to lead a school that values the cultivation of character as much as academic achievement.

The academic opportunities at our school are truly outstanding and I look forward to working together to continuously encourage students to push their boundaries, strive for their personal best, and develop resilience. Simultaneously, our dedicated staff is committed to supporting each student's journey. The teaching team at JCDS is exceptional, and I take comfort in knowing that our children are in the best of hands.

In my experience working, visiting, and accrediting top-tier independent schools across the world, I have never seen an elementary school with enrichment programming as robust as JCDS. From sports to fine arts to STEM, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals by providing diverse opportunities for students to explore their passions and talents. I can't help but think that JCDS is truly a great place to grow up and be a kid.

Our state-of-the-art facilities provide the ideal environment for learning and growth. A testament to our community's commitment, our facilities match the quality of education our students receive. These spaces are purposefully designed to stimulate creativity, foster collaboration, and encourage discovery, making our campus a place where students can truly thrive.

The year ahead promises to be filled with abundant learning, laughter, and JCDS spirit. I thank you for welcoming me and my family into this remarkable community, and I am eager to meet all of you.

With my best wishes,

Christopher M. Johnson

Head of School

Jacksonville Country Day School

About Mr. Johnson

Mr. Johnson comes to us with a wealth of diverse teaching and school leadership experience that spans three continents. A teacher at heart and a lifelong learner, Mr. Johnson has a passion for education that has allowed him to build a skill set that reflects the cutting edge of leadership and curriculum development. His deep respect for the important work of the faculty and staff on his team promotes an environment of collaboration, trust, and excellence.

Most recently, Mr. Johnson served as the Head of Upper School for Scheck Hillel Community School in Miami, Florida. His prior experience includes working as a K-8 Assistant Principal, Teacher Trainer, Curriculum Coordinator, and Classroom Instructor on three different continents.

Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English and Political Science from the University of Arizona, a Postgraduate Teacher Certification in Secondary Education from Pima Community College, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction from Plymouth State University, and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from the University of Arizona. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.