Overview

A vigorous academic program is the core of the JRDS education, but we recognize children need to learn many other things while in school.

Extracurricular experiences are important as children learn to be successful adults. To do this, they need strength of character, hobbies, athletic challenge, artistic outlets, and a safe place to try new things. Children find all of those things at James River. To enable these kinds of learning experiences, James River offers the following activities.

Character Program
Character Counts, Honor Code, Cardinal Kids, assembly programs, Safety Patrol program (4th grade)

Athletics
Beginning in 5th grade, students are invited to participate school teams in soccer, volleyball, cross country, lacrosse, and basketball.

Clubs/Activities
Available activities are wide-ranging and over the years have included: Ecology Club, French Club, Spanish Club, Drama Club, Chess Club, Ski Club, Fishing Club, Art Club, Girls on the Run, Soccer (3rd and 4th), Odyssey of the Mind, Golf Club, student community service (including gathering donations for local needy families, St. Jude’s, visiting area nursing homes), After School Study Hall (5th-8th), Chorus, and piano lessons.

Events
JRDS has many events that have become traditions for our students and families. These include the Fourth Grade One Miler, Presidential Fitness, Book Fair, Fall Family Picnic, School Operettas, Pep Rallies, Thankful Hearts Feast, Hanging of the Greens, Field Day, James River Reflections, Halloween Carnival and Parade, Hall of States, Career Shadowing, Passing of the Class Symbols, Grandparent’s Day, Talent Show, Bird Bash, and Graduation.

Field Trips
Our trips are designed to complement the curriculum and current units of study. Field trips to local resources include Civil War Reenactments, museums, businesses, farms, orchards, drama productions and the zoo, all of which enhance classroom activities. Annual field trip traditions include the 1st grade trip to the Science Museum of Central Virginia, the 2nd grade trip to the Natural Bridge, the 4th grade trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg, and special overnight trips for grades 5-8.

Children’s Center

Volunteers
Parents are encouraged to be active in the school. Parent volunteers are coordinated by the Parents' Association.

Summer Opportunities
Children’s Center Day Care available five days a week during the summer from 7:30 am – 5:30pm. Week long summer camps with topics such as: chemistry, forensics, art, drama, babysitters club, fun with letters, Harry Potter, Poplar Forest, etiquette, farms, Little House on the Prairie.

Partners in Education
Boonsboro Fire Station #5 and Lynchburg Grows

Accreditation
The Virginia Association of Independent Schools has accredited JRDS since 1979.