JRDS at a Glance
James River Day School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-ed, kindergarten through eighth-grade day school. The School serves academically qualified students regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnic, social, or economic background.
In 2024-2025, we currently serve 252 students with an average class size of 14.
More than 55% of our faculty have advanced degrees.
In 2024-2025, we currently serve 252 students with an average class size of 14.
More than 55% of our faculty have advanced degrees.
Facilities
The campus includes three buildings situated on 12 acres in the heart of the Boonsboro area of Lynchburg. The main building houses spacious, light-filled classrooms for kindergarten through eighth grade. Among its many spaces, this building also boasts a greenhouse, a multipurpose cafeteria, a computer lab, two middle school science labs, and a library media center with over 12,400 volumes, multiple computer stations, iPads, and 3D printers.
The other two buildings are the 13,000-square-foot Carrington Field House, which includes a gymnasium, office spaces, and a music classroom, and the Varner Music and Arts Center, which includes a large music classroom on the first floor and a pottery studio on the lower floor. James River also has two playgrounds, athletic fields, and numerous outdoor spaces used as outdoor classrooms and play spaces.
Communities Served
Our school community includes students from Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Big Island, Concord, Evington, Forest, Goode, Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Pamplin, and Rustburg.
Bus Service
Daily bus transportation is available. Please contact the school for details.
Lower School
Beginning in kindergarten, children take classes in art, library, music, PE, and Spanish with expert faculty.
Fourth-grade students are introduced to playing band and orchestra instruments.
Students take part in PE three times per week and recess twice per day.
Each grade performs a play onstage.
Students participate in multiple field trips and community service projects.
Middle School
Students in fifth through eighth grades have a faculty advisor, who supports them throughout middle school.
Middle School
Students in fifth through eighth grades have a faculty advisor, who supports them throughout middle school.
Middle school students have science, math, English, history, art, music (orchestra, band, or chorus), physical education, and Spanish or French, and supervised study hall as part of their regular, rotating schedule.
High School Credits
Students have the opportunity to earn high school credits in Algebra I and II, Earth Science, French I, and Spanish I and II.
Character Development
Students and teachers live by a character pledge that speaks of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Teachers used teachable moments and positive behavior reinforcement to help students learn to live by these principles. Middle school students also adhere to an honor code.
High School Credits
Students have the opportunity to earn high school credits in Algebra I and II, Earth Science, French I, and Spanish I and II.
Character Development
Students and teachers live by a character pledge that speaks of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Teachers used teachable moments and positive behavior reinforcement to help students learn to live by these principles. Middle school students also adhere to an honor code.
Athletics
Our athletic programs provide opportunities for all students in grades 5-8 to be part of a team. Students at this level have a wide range of abilities that will change as they grow; we endeavor to provide a program that is inclusive and developmentally appropriate.
Our athletic programs provide opportunities for all students in grades 5-8 to be part of a team. Students at this level have a wide range of abilities that will change as they grow; we endeavor to provide a program that is inclusive and developmentally appropriate.
Students have a choice of sports in each of the three seasons.
Fall Season: Soccer, Cross Country, and Girls' Volleyball
Winter Season: Boys' Basketball and Girls' Basketball
Spring Season: Boys' Lacrosse and Girls' Lacrosse
