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.

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.

HEADLINES

Kindergarten Open House

Discover why James River Day School is the best place for curious, playful, and caring Kindergartners!

studio art spider project

HEADLINES

Important Updates (September 17, 2026)

It was so great to see so many families at the Fall Family Picnic. Thank you to the Parents Association for organizing this event and to all the volunteers who supported it.

Click the title to read more about the Conference Day and the testing of our notification system.

6th grade annual magazine

HEADLINES

Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences (September 10, 2026)

Conferences are taking place earlier this school year as an opportunity for parents to partner with homeroom teachers and advisors to develop a plan for the year before grades and academics begin to ramp up.

Click the title to read more.

1st grade student book

HEADLINES

Cardinal Character & Academic Excellence (September 3, 2026)

Our eighth graders are challenged in their biggest role to set the example of what it means to live into our Cardinal Character. In addition to character, JRDS is strongly committed to academic excellence, including reading.

Click the title to read more.

Upcoming Events

Sep 23

Fall Conferences - No Classes

Sep 28

Book Fair

Sep 29

Book Fair

Sep 30

Book Fair

Oct 1

Book Fair

Oct 1

Book Fair Family Night

Oct 2

Book Fair

Oct 9

Professional Day - No Classes

Oct 12

Columbus Day

Oct 22

2nd & 3rd-Grade Music Program

Time: 6 PM – 7 PM

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About Us

8:1 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