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 Enrichments
- Summer Day Camp
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.

Student pointing out their work in the James River Day School Art Show at Riverviews Artspace in Downtown Lynchburg.

HEADLINES

Enjoying the K-8 Art Show at Riverviews

April 10, 2025

James River Day School eighth grader taking with a younger student during Career Day.

HEADLINES

Living a Life of Integrity

April 3, 2025

James River Day School students swinging while holding hands.

HEADLINES

Feeling the Energy of Spring

March 27, 2025

Cardinal Band at recent VBODA Assessment

HEADLINES

Hard Work Pays Off!

March 13, 2025

Upcoming Events

Apr 21

Easter Weekend-NO School

May 13

MS Spring Concert

Time: 7 PM – 9 PM

May 19

8th-Grade Exams

May 20

8th-Grade Exams

May 21

8th-Grade Exams

May 22

Last Day of School for K-7 Students

May 22

All-School Awards

Time: 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM

May 23

Graduation

Time: 10 AM – 11:30 AM

May 26

Memorial Day - School Offices are Closed

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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