Our Mission

James River Day School cherishes children and challenges them to become scholars, leaders, and citizens for the 21st century, in a community of academic excellence.

At James River Day School, Our Students...

As Scholars

• read and write well.
• think mathematically.
• develop skills needed to pursue scientific research and engineering.
• use technology for research and presentation.
• approach learning with intellectual curiosity and dedication.
• tackle challenging problems with creativity and precision.
• employ multiple perspectives in research and analysis.
• engage in strategic and critical thinking, experimentation and creative hands-on learning.

As Leaders

• listen carefully and collaborate with others.
• are innovative and seek multiple solutions to challenges.
• are honest and promote a sense of fair play.
• seek additional responsibility, and fulfill responsibilities cheerfully.
• stand up for what’s right and confront injustice.

As Citizens

• develop the ability to see and respect multiple viewpoints.
• develop the skills and flexibility necessary to thrive in a changing world.
• connect and contribute to the local and global communities.
• are good stewards of the environment.
• practice tolerance through the appreciation of diverse cultures, styles and opinions in our school, community, nation and the world.

(Board of Trustees endorsed, 10/12/11.)

Inside the classroom
James River Day School is an independent, non-sectarian day school, serving academically qualified students in kindergarten through grade eight regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnic, social or economic backgrounds.  Our curriculum is developmental and sequential in core subject areas of reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.  Our small class size enables teachers to focus actively on individual strengths and shape instruction accordingly. Two classes of English instruction in grades 5-8, focusing on grammar, composition and literature, ensure that students practice reading and writing for both pleasure and analysis. Instruction in world language, visual arts, music, and physical education begins in kindergarten. Technology instruction, part of our curriculum K-8, requires that students use technology for research, communication, presentation, and analysis.  Public speaking opportunities are embedded in the curriculum at all grade levels.  Our students graduate James River Day School well prepared for college preparatory programs in any secondary school. Our students have opportunities to accelerate in mathematics and world language, if appropriate, enabling some eighth graders to complete Honors Algebra II, French II, and/or Spanish II before graduation.

Outside the classroom
At James River Day School, we know the value of hands-on experiences outside the classroom.  Recognizing that physical activity and autonomy are essential to every child’s development, we encourage free play during daily recess.  Our students take field trips to the theater, to museums, and to historic sites.  All students in grades 5-8 have the opportunity to play team sports, regardless of skill level or ability.  Fine arts are essential at JRDS:  all students K-7 take visual arts classes, all third graders study violin, and fourth-eighth graders have the opportunity to participate in orchestra, band, or chorus.  Individual music instruction is available after school.  We stage annual grade-level theatrical performances in K-4 and middle school.  Extracurricular clubs and activities are available to various age groups in a variety of interest areas, including: visual arts, rocketry, fencing, fishing, origami, Odyssey of the Mind, chess, yoga, orchestra, band, needlepoint, drama, chorus and our literary magazine.  Every 8th grader partners with a professional in our Career Shadowing program.  Utilizing our state-of-the-art greenhouse, students grow vegetables for our cafeteria and conduct scientific research.   

In our community
As a community of active learners, our students, teachers and parents come together to nurture a life-long passion for learning in each child and foster a diverse community with shared traditions in order to build and sustain an educational environment of the highest quality. Families are active participants in the life of the school and support our efforts to educate the whole child. Our Head of School meets often with small groups of parents to discuss various school programs and to offer insight and education on child development and parenting. Our Head of School also meets with interested eighth graders on Leadership Council. Teachers communicate frequently with parents regarding students’ progress. Our advisory program supports our emerging adolescent students and their parents, while our Cardinal Buddies program facilitates relationships between older and younger students. Character education is an integral and deliberate part of the educational experience at James River Day School. Students, families and faculty work together to serve the local and global communities through various service projects.

(Endorsed by Board of Trustees, 10/12/11.)

Six Pillars of Character

1. Trustworthiness
2. Respect
3. Responsibility
4. Fairness
5. Caring
6. Citizenship

Character Pledge (grades K-8)
"I pledge to do my best to show strength of character each day. I can act responsibly, show respect, show I care, be a good citizen, be trustworthy and be fair in all that I do."

The Honor Code (grades 5-8)
"I will tell the truth. I will complete all assignments on my own unless told otherwise by the teacher. I will respect others and their property."