Frequently Asked Questions
Families have lots of questions as they consider their school choices. Here, we've tried to cover the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask; we are happy to help.
Q: What are the school hours?
A: Regular school hours are:
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Grades 2 - 4: 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
Grades 5 - 8: 8:15 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Grades 2 - 4: 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
Grades 5 - 8: 8:15 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Q: Does James River have a lunch program?
A: James River uses MyHotLunchBox.com to offer lunch service for families who desire it. Parents set up an account with MyHotLunchBox and order meals for their children as they choose, which are then delivered to the school.
Q: What is the average class size?
Our average class size is 14 students.
Q: Is there a dress code or school uniform?
We do not have a uniform, as we support students’ privilege of dressing to show individual style. We are a school that teaches each child as an individual, and our dress code reflects our mission. We do stress neatness and appropriateness. Our expectations are as follows.
● All clothing should be clean, neat, free of holes, and free of inappropriate slogans or pictures.
● Bottoms should come to mid-thigh.
● Tops must have sleeves and cover the midriff.
● Shoes must be closed-toed and fit securely on the foot. No flip-flops or Crocs.
● All clothing should be clean, neat, free of holes, and free of inappropriate slogans or pictures.
● Bottoms should come to mid-thigh.
● Tops must have sleeves and cover the midriff.
● Shoes must be closed-toed and fit securely on the foot. No flip-flops or Crocs.
Q: What enrichment or “specials” classes are offered?
James River offers music, art, library, physical education, and Spanish beginning in kindergarten. Technology instruction is taught in first through sixth grade, and it is interwoven into classes on a cross-curricular basis.
Q: How often do students have recess?
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade have recess twice a day and PE twice a week.
Students in fifth through eighth grade (our middle school) have PE as a part of their core class schedule. Students also enjoy a break time each morning, during which they can go outside (weather permitting), as well as a club period on alternating Fridays that allows them to participate in an activity of their choice
Students in fifth through eighth grade (our middle school) have PE as a part of their core class schedule. Students also enjoy a break time each morning, during which they can go outside (weather permitting), as well as a club period on alternating Fridays that allows them to participate in an activity of their choice
Q: What athletics are offered?
Students in grades five through eight may participate in the following athletic teams.
Fall: Co-Ed Cross Country, Co-Ed Soccer, and Girls’ Volleyball
Fall: Co-Ed Cross Country, Co-Ed Soccer, and Girls’ Volleyball
Winter: Boys’ Basketball and Girls’ Basketball
Spring: Girls’ Lacrosse and Boys’ Lacrosse
Participation is arranged for each boy and girl appropriate to their age, development, ability, and interest, while
maintaining an element of fun throughout all levels of our program. For more information, see the Athletics section of our website.
Participation is arranged for each boy and girl appropriate to their age, development, ability, and interest, while
maintaining an element of fun throughout all levels of our program. For more information, see the Athletics section of our website.
Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: The priority deadline to submit the initial application for fall admission is December 31 for kindergarten and February 12 for grades 1-8.
Q: What high schools do James River students attend?
James River graduates are well-prepared for any high school, whether it is a public school, private boarding school, or private high school. The majority of James River students go on to E.C. Glass High School, Virginia Episcopal School (VES), or Jefferson Forest, although we have had students go on to Woodberry Forest, Madeira, Choate Rosemary Hall, Phillips Academy Andover, Baylor School, Episcopal High School, and many others.
James River alumni have done well wherever they go to high school. As Randy Trost (JRDS Class of 2017 and 2021 Valedictorian at E.C. Glass) noted, "James River gave me a firm foundation educationally. And not just me, if you look at the top students from E.C. Glass over time, many of them were James River students."
Q: Does James River have after-school childcare?
Yes, James River's Children’s Center offers a supportive environment after school in which school-age children may grow and develop. The Children’s Center schedule balances structured and free-choice activities, indoor and outdoor time, and active and quiet time. It is open to receive students from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. when school is in session. The program is an added service offered by James River Day School for its students and parents.
Q: How is James River Day School accredited?
From 1979 onward, James River Day School has been fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). The accreditation process requires the School to undergo a full review of all its policies, procedures, and programming at regular intervals, which includes site visits and documentation reviews by VAIS representatives.
Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized at the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). VAIS is also recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).
Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized at the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). VAIS is also recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).
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