Southside Day School is founded at Swain Memorial Methodist Church in San Marco. Eighty students are enrolled.
The school moves to current location.
The first Kindergarten class is added.
SDS becomes the first school in Duval County to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The school changes name to Southside Country Day School.
Southside Country Day School changes name to Jacksonville Country Day School.
Three hundred and fifty-three students at Jacksonville Country Day School.
JCDS limits grades to pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
JJ's (the JCDS jump rope team) perform at Disney World.
Students begin wearing uniforms.
Jacksonville Country Day School selected as a finalist for the "National School of Character".
Jane Goodall visits JCDS.
Brain based teaching and learning infuse curriculum. 
Marcus Printup, famed jazz soloist, visits JCDS.
50th Anniversary of Jacksonville Country Day School. Our Potential Realized
Established in 1960 by Jacksonville families, Jacksonville Country Day School is excited to have just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Jacksonville private school has grown from 80 students to 483 students from three years old to sixth graders. Over the years, JCDS has become a leader in early childhood education. In 1969, Southside Day School (as it was known then) became the first elementary school, public or private, to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
JCDS continues to flourish and improve itself. Character education is infused into all areas of the curriculum. Brain research has influenced the way teachers provide instruction and assessment. The lunch program strives to be the "healthiest in America" — providing such fare as lemon-peppered tilapia, salads, and whole-wheat sandwiches on a regular basis. Singapore Math, introduced in 2009, helps learners develop a keen number sense and a strong foundation in math.
Recently, JCDS was featured on national television in The Profiles Series.
JCDS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council.
JCDS Founders
• Mrs. Phyllis Fleming
• Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hirshberg
• Ms. Margaret Lovejoy
• Mrs. Margaret Ludwig
• Mrs. Norma Lumpkins
• Mr. and Mrs. Lacy Mahon
• Mr. and Mrs. William Massey
• Mr. and Mrs. John B. Monsky
• Mrs. Mildred Morgan
• Dr. and Mrs. Dudley Reep
• Mr. and Mrs. Bryant B. Skinner, Sr.
• Dr. and Mrs. Richard G. Skinner, Jr.
Looking Forward
JCDS continues to integrate character education and technology into stimulating, challenging curriculum designed to meet the needs of each individual student. Students are constantly introduced to the latest development in educational technology.
In August, 2011,
ground was broken on the Smith Center, a multipurpose building housing a gym, locker rooms, a
language classroom, conference rooms, and a dedicated dance studio. The Smith Center, scheduled to open in the fall of 2012,
will add over 24,000 square feet of valuable space for students.
With a passion for inspiring learning within a safe, loving environment, the staff and faculty at JCDS continues to nurture minds and build character.
