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.

HEADLINES

James River 8th graders raising the flags

When Things Happen (September 11, 2025)

“The true meaning of being alive is not just to feel happy, but to experience the full range of human emotions.” -Edward Deci

September faculty meeting at James River Day School

Values Bind a Community

September 4, 2025

This week, I have observed our teachers and students falling into the familiar routines of school. I have witnessed and participated in hands-on lessons for grammar, math, spelling, and social studies. I enjoyed all of the lessons, but I was enthralled with the first-grade lesson on community, where students learned about the different aspects of community and then designed their own. As a history teacher, ...

first graders renew friendships during the first week of school at James River Day School

Necessary Grace

August 28, 2025

James River Day School teachers discussed their summer reading.

August 21, 2025 - Getting into the Swing of Things

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” -- Roald Dahl

Students getting to know one another during One-Room Schoolhouse at James River Day School.

We're Nearly There!

Click to read more about our preparations for the start of school.

Making fairy wings at James River Day School during a storybook enrichment this summer.

Getting Ready for August

Make learning fun!

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.

Have a Happy Summer!

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.

Teacher Appreciation, Field Day, & Graduation

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

Spring is a Growing Season

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