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.
A History of JCDS
In 1960, a group of caring families in Duval County came together because they wanted something better for their children than what the public schools could offer at the time. With hope and determination, these parents founded what would become Jacksonville Country Day School so their children could receive a quality education in a warm, independent, and non-denominational setting.
More than sixty years later, that same vision still guides us. As we celebrate our long history of serving families across Northeast Florida, we remain deeply committed to giving every child—from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade—a strong academic foundation paired with rich character development. Our school is a place where children learn through meaningful project-based and hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare them for success in the years ahead. It’s the same dream our founders had—now brought to life every day for the next generation of families.
More than sixty years later, that same vision still guides us. As we celebrate our long history of serving families across Northeast Florida, we remain deeply committed to giving every child—from Pre-K 3 through 5th grade—a strong academic foundation paired with rich character development. Our school is a place where children learn through meaningful project-based and hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare them for success in the years ahead. It’s the same dream our founders had—now brought to life every day for the next generation of families.
A Premier Academic Program
At JCDS, we’re proud to offer an exceptional education that prepares children for success in today’s world while honoring the wisdom of time-tested teaching methods. We thoughtfully blend traditional learning with fresh, innovative approaches so every student enjoys a well-rounded experience that feels both challenging and joyful.
We believe every child is wonderfully unique, which is why we take the time to get to know each student and use differentiated teaching strategies that meet their individual needs.
Our math program features Singapore math, a highly effective method used around the world that helps children build strong mathematical understanding and confident problem-solving skills.
We cherish the arts and physical education as essential parts of a child’s growth, which is why we offer rich programs in art, music, and physical education. These experiences give children a wonderful creative outlet, support their physical well-being, and help them develop important skills like teamwork, self-expression, and self-discipline.
Our teachers assign grade-appropriate homework that reinforces learning without overwhelming students. We’re committed to keeping a healthy balance so children have time and energy for extracurricular activities—opportunities that help them grow, explore their interests, and become capable, masterful individuals.
We believe every child is wonderfully unique, which is why we take the time to get to know each student and use differentiated teaching strategies that meet their individual needs.
Our math program features Singapore math, a highly effective method used around the world that helps children build strong mathematical understanding and confident problem-solving skills.
We cherish the arts and physical education as essential parts of a child’s growth, which is why we offer rich programs in art, music, and physical education. These experiences give children a wonderful creative outlet, support their physical well-being, and help them develop important skills like teamwork, self-expression, and self-discipline.
Our teachers assign grade-appropriate homework that reinforces learning without overwhelming students. We’re committed to keeping a healthy balance so children have time and energy for extracurricular activities—opportunities that help them grow, explore their interests, and become capable, masterful individuals.
Character Education
At the heart of our program is a strong focus on character education. We help children grow into kind, responsible, and thoughtful individuals by emphasizing important virtues such as self-control, respect, honesty, responsibility, empathy, perseverance, teamwork, patience, and kindness.
Each month, the entire school comes together for special assemblies that celebrate our character theme. One grade level usually shares a presentation, and we take time to recognize students who have shown outstanding character in front of their peers. It’s a warm and meaningful way to encourage positive growth.
We also use the 7 Mindsets curriculum, which offers fun, age-appropriate activities that help children build skills like accountability, positivity, connection with others, gratitude, and pursuing what they love.
Alongside academics and character development, we support healthy lifestyles every day through physical education classes and nutritious lunch options, giving children the foundation they need to thrive in body and mind.
Each month, the entire school comes together for special assemblies that celebrate our character theme. One grade level usually shares a presentation, and we take time to recognize students who have shown outstanding character in front of their peers. It’s a warm and meaningful way to encourage positive growth.
We also use the 7 Mindsets curriculum, which offers fun, age-appropriate activities that help children build skills like accountability, positivity, connection with others, gratitude, and pursuing what they love.
Alongside academics and character development, we support healthy lifestyles every day through physical education classes and nutritious lunch options, giving children the foundation they need to thrive in body and mind.
Service Learning
Helping others is cool! It's not just about making someone else's day better, it can actually help you become a better person too! This is service learning.
Service learning teaches young students that when they reach out to help their community, they not only brighten someone else’s day, they also become kinder, more confident, and more connected to the world around them.
At JCDS, service learning begins in Pre-Kindergarten. Our youngest Sharks collect aluminum pop tabs and supplies to donate to Ronald McDonald House as well as books for Books-A-Go Go to provide reading material to needy children.
The Student Council conducts drives to benefit Feeding Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
The Student Council conducts drives to benefit Feeding Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Service learning teaches children to be kind, responsible, and to think about others' needs. It's a fun way to practice being a good person and is a major part of our overall Character Education.
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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