Jacksonville Country Day School

JCDS was a big mistake for my family. My son was bullied by students and staff members. When I asked for help from the administration, I was hit up for more money. I took my son out immediately and sent him to another private school with very different standards. The teachers are OK. I think they could do a better job if the school supported them and dealt with discipline problems. Teachers are asked to be involved in fundraising and other activities that take away from their ability to teach and maintain control in the classroom. When I was in the classroom observing, the kids seemed to have more control over the class than the teacher did. Teachers frequently left children unattended to take care of administrative tasks as well. In short, the school seems more concerned with raising money than teaching kids. Character education and social expectations are completely absent at the school. Just visit the lunchroom at this school and then visit it at another and you'll see what I mean.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with the education our child has received. They have been accepted into an accelerated academic program for high school and the foundation they received in elementary school gave them a distinct advantage.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children who attended JCDS. While we loved the teachers, unfortunately, we along with many other families, learned the hard way that the school has a horrendous bullying problem. Even the most egregious acts of aggression were either condoned by the faculty or ignored as "horseplay" even when numerous eye witnesses report the flagrant acts. Meanwhile, the school has completely denied that bullying is a problem or taken any steps to implement improved policies, procedures or training. The current policies and procedures are vastly inferior to other comparable schools. Victims are consistently blamed and told to get over the bullying. The children are simply not safe, particularly during PE. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated situation. Many families have left the school due to unresolved bullying issues.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 2 kids who attend (4th and pre-k) and both have done fantastic. We are very pleased with the school and the teachers. Our kids love going to school, make good grades and have learned a ton. Highly recommend. Worth every penny.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is the best schoool I have ever attended
--Submitted by a student

With our second child soon graduating from Country Day, we feel blessed to have our children taught by some of the most dedicated, caring and exceptional teachers in Jacksonville. We feel our daughters have grown not only in knowledge but also in character and leadership. With different administrators came a change in style but not substance and values. JCDS has retained all the qualities that attracted us in the first place.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at the school and have been very happy. Just like in anything else, not everything is perfect, but we have found the school responsive to issues that they have been presented with. Over the past several years I have seen very positive curriculum changes. I have found this year with one child in K-3 and one in 4-6, that both grades are very challenging, and the K-3 work seems to be significantly more challenging than in previous years. change is ineveitable, and the mark of a good school is one that is willing to listen to the good and bad, and make postiive changes for all students.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is overrated and overpriced. Our expectations were not met. The pre-primary program was less than stellar and left our children unprepared. Not what one would expect from the way the school is promoted. Also, the main goal of the administrators now seems to be to raise money.
--Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a recent graduate and a current student I have been delighted with the continued emphasis on accelerated academics and character education. This school has been doing it right for almost 50 years and is still preparing young people for the world they will live in beyond their elementary years!
--Submitted by a parent

Healthy learning environment which also supports a well run well loved summer camp