About
About

Learn more about James River Day School, our mission, and our educational philosophy. Our school, our faculty and staff, our Board, and our community are dedicated to constantly and consistently building a school program where we cherish and challenge our students in an environment of academic excellence.
Admissions
Admissions

Learn more about the difference James River will make in your child's education. Visit these pages and make arrangements to visit the school; there's no better way to see for yourself the impact of a James River education.
Programs
Programs

The advantages of the K-8 model provide an incomparable foundation for learners and the entirety of our programming is built around a single question -- "What is best for the child?" Children flourish at James River because they are supported as students and as persons. They are given the tools for lifelong learning and the tools of good character to function well in society, leaving it better than they found it.
Giving
Giving

James River Day School has relied on the support of our community since its founding. Partnerships with parents, grandparents, trustees, faculty and staff, alumni families, alumni, friends, and corporations have made it possible to provide our students with an unparalleled educational experience. Gifts to the Cardinal Annual Fund provide valuable operating support for all our programs.
Community
Community

James River Day School is a vital community of lifelong learners of all ages. Parents, students, alumni, and alumni families can find lots of information in this section.
Summer
- Summer Enrichments
- Summer Day Camp 2026
Summer

James River Day School provides enriching opportunities for students, both inside and outside of our community. The athletic, the artistic, the junior engineers-the child with boundless curiosity-will all find something fun among our various offerings.

James River Day School Home

Curiosity moves us forward.

Our Mission

James River Day School cultivates intellectual curiosity

and strength of character in a joyful community.

Field Day Photo

HEADLINES

The Countdown Begins

This time of year moves quickly. With all of the events and festivities, it starts to feel a bit like a checklist as we count down to the last days of school. We thank all of our volunteers and the P.A. who help make these events a success.

HEADLINES

Showcasing Our Joyful Community

Our eighth graders had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. This trip serves as both an educational experience as well as a bonding experience before they graduate and matriculate to different high schools.

HEADLINES

Portrait of a Cardinal: Create Boldly

One tenet of our Portrait of a Cardinal is to create boldly. Our art courses are woven into our curriculum, kindergarten through eighth grade, and our students learn to express themselves through art.

HEADLINES

Word of the Month: Integrity

The character word of the month is "Integrity". What a fun word to reveal on April Fool's Day!

Upcoming Events

May 7

K/1 Music Program

Time: 6 PM – 6:45 PM

May 8

MS Play - Newsies Jr.

Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: VES Garmey Theatre

May 9

MS Play - Newsies Jr.

Time: 2 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: VES Garmey Theatre

May 9

MS Play - Newsies Jr.

Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: VES Garmey Theatre

May 13

MS Spring Concert

Time: 7 PM – 9 PM

May 18

8th-Grade Exams

May 19

8th-Grade Exams

May 20

8th-Grade Exams

May 21

All-School Awards

Time: 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM

May 22

Graduation

Time: 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Show All Events

About Us

7:1 Student Teacher Ratio
Spanish instruction: K through 8
100% of students have public-speaking experience
Over $350,000 in tuition assistance given each year
Art, music, & P.E. are part of the core curriculum
Community service & leadership opportunities at every grade level
60-70 minutes of recess each day in K-4