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 at JRDS
Summer at JRDS

James River Day School offers many options for summer 2025 that your child is sure to enjoy: week-long camps, our 8-week day camp, and more.

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.

Make learning fun!

HEADLINES

Keep Your Child Learning This Summer

Summer is a time to have fun, go on family vacations, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. That being said, your children work all school year to improve their academic, social, and emotional skills. Help keep that momentum going this summer by enriching and reinforcing the skills they worked hard to acquire. There are many resources available that are fun and exciting to keep your child learning while enjoying summer fun. CLICK THE TITLE to find some fun ideas.

James River Day School's most recent alumni celebrate their graduation.

HEADLINES

Have a Happy Summer!

May 22, 2025

Just a normal day on the James River Day School playground: birthdays are celebrated, friends are hugged, swings are swung, monkey bars are climbed, and fun and friendship are everywhere.

HEADLINES

Teacher Appreciation, Field Day, & Graduation

May 7, 2025

James River Day School kindergartener working on an Earth Day painting.

HEADLINES

Spring is a Growing Season

April 24, 2025

Upcoming Events

Jul 18

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Jul 18

LEGO STEAM Camp

Time: 9 AM – 3 PM

Jul 21

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Jul 22

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Jul 22

Basketball Open Gym

Time: 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Jul 23

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Jul 23

Summer Fun & Friends- Art with Dr. Hellewell

Time: 10 AM – 10:30 AM

Jul 24

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Jul 25

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Jul 28

Summer Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

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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