Jacksonville Country Day School

As the parents of a recent graduate, our second, we have been extremely pleased with our time at Jax. Country Day School. The quality of the classroom education and extracurricular activities is unmatched in this region and has prepared our children to excel in their next level of schooling. The staff, teachers, and administration have always been receptive to feedback and continually work to ensure that the school is on the leading edge of best educational practices. We, without reservation, would recommend this school to anyone who wants the best educational experience for their child.
—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

This school is different now. Their main goal is to raise money and away from the academic. The math and english program in K-3rd grade is very weak. It is overpriced for what you get.They don't stick to what they believe in.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who have graduated from jcds and one currently enrolled. We have loved this school! My graduates were extremely well prepared and have gone on to much success in a rigorous program, plus they made great friends and had a lot of fun at jcds! My youngest loves it as well. We have had wonderful, caring teachers who have challenged my children academically and nurtured them as well. The character education program is outstanding. I feel blessed my children have been so lucky to attend JCDS!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school and i am graduating but i dont want to leave. The teachers really work with you to help you understand what you are doing.
—Submitted by a student

As the end of the school year gets closer I had to take time to say 'thank you' for the wonderful afterschool programs - dance, chorus, band and Jazzy Js. . .our children are blessed to have so much at such a young age! No other school in our area can provide such resources to their students -
—Submitted by a parent

The experience at Country Day started out well in the younger grades. The upper grades (4-6)were another story. Since our children have moved to another school they are much happier and their significant skill gaps have been remediated. We have been involved with several exceptional schools across the country and by far JCDS left them with the weakest education. The egos of the administrators does not allow JCDS to grow to greater educational levels. No school that blindly thinks they are the best can serve the needs of the students. Math program is extraordinarily weak. Behavior of the students has disintegrated to our observations over past 3 - 4 years. The teahers do not seem happy. We have moved on and it is the best thing we did for our children. We would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has changed under new leadership. The focus has shifted to raising money and away from the small school, open door family environment it had in the past. The math program in 6th grade is very weak. It is overpriced for what you get.
—Submitted by a parent

With three children growing up in this school we have had an overall great experience over ten years. The fine arts, science and extra curricular offerings are very excellent! Current principal not 'seen' much! A sweet, strong(character based) education & caring environment for children.
—Submitted by a parent

We found the school to have a great curriculum-however in the upper grades (4th, 5th and 6th) the teaching style is weak. The teachers were not as responsive to help our children. We noticed a strong favoritism toward the financially endowed children. Our children noticed it as well. We also had growing concerns of the open campus and no security other than the school personel. We moved our children and have seen a marked improvemnet.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic program is very good, most of the teachers are great. Great art and music. Fantastic environment in the early grades, a little too clique-y by 6th. This is the second year for the head of school.
—Submitted by a parent

Tremendous parent involvement and superior music program. Excellent phy ed department
—Submitted by a parent