Disclosure :: We are frequently asked about early childhood programs and recommendations for child care, preschools and schools in Jacksonville. Our hope is that this guide will make things easier in your search for the best fit for your family. This guide is brought to you by our many child care, preschool and school sponsors! Thank you to those that participated in this guide.
The Playgarden by the Sea
Preschools & Early Childhood :: The Playgarden by the Sea is the perfect place for early childhood-aged children (pre-schooler to kindergarteners) to explore, grow and create.
We focus on the whole child: head, heart and hands. Our literacy-rich curriculum includes play, music, poetry, movement, bread-baking, gardening, painting, and frequent walks to the beach. We are a Waldorf inspired school that believe in inquiry, play and experiential learning.
We offer 2, 3, and 5-day programs for children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years of age and can now provide extended care. We also have a Forest program that lets children explore, discover and play in nature. Located at 223 8th Avenue S. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Phone: (904) 241-3259
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St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School
Private Preschool & Elementary School :: At St. Mark’s, life is “off to a roaring start” for children of all faiths, age one through the sixth grade. Our atmosphere is nurturing and friendly because we believe when students feel loved and secure, there is no limit to what they can achieve. The early school years set the stage for a lifetime of joyful learning, and our teachers use each child’s natural curiosity to drive a desire for learning and to promote intellectual, social, physical, spiritual, and emotional growth. Upon sixth grade graduation, our students are well prepared to succeed in any academic environment, take on leadership roles, and have hearts to serve others. With high expectations for academic performance, our well-rounded curriculum also encourages personal achievement and stimulates creative expression through world languages (Mandarin Chinese and Spanish), arts, music, sports, and sciences. Also, a robust after-school program offers a wide range of activities including competitive team sports and Lego Robotics teams. You are invited to visit our beautiful open-air campus to see for yourself the incredible learning environment we provide for children residing throughout Northeast Florida. Located at 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Phone (904) 388-2632
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Discovery Montessori School
Early Childhood – 6th Grade :: Nestled under Oak trees in Jacksonville Beach, Discovery Montessori School’s village-like campus offers a world-class Montessori and International Baccalaureate experience in beautifully prepared indoor and outdoor environments for children 18 months through 6th grade. Founded in 1990 as a non-profit independent school, Discovery is accredited by the following organizations:
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
- Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS)
- Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC)
Discovery Montessori’s mission is “to inspire our children to become passionate lifelong learners and responsible world citizens, in a challenging and nurturing academic environment firmly rooted in Montessori principles.” Located at 102 15th Street South Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Phone: (904) 247-4577
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Beaches Episcopal School
PreK-3 – 6th Grade :: Beaches Episcopal School is an independent school with a 60-year tradition of academic excellence. Our school provides a strong academic foundation, integrating a challenging curriculum taught by dynamic, experienced, and enthusiastic teachers in smaller class settings that help students reach their full potential. A full complement of enrichment classes in fine arts, athletics, and Christian Education provide outlets for personal discovery and spiritual growth. BES has embraced the Maker Movement by establishing IDEA Studios (Imagine Designing Everything and Anything), spaces that cultivate curiosity, inspire wonder, celebrate unique solutions, and encourage creativity in our students. Our athletic program provides opportunities for students to learn skills and exhibit sportsmanship and teamwork in a fun atmosphere. With our preeminent academic program, passionate faculty, skill-building IDEA Studios, unrivaled athletic program, and diverse after-school offerings, Beaches Episcopal School is changing the face of education on the First Coast. Located at 1150 N 5th St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Phone: (904) 246-2466
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Trinity Christian Academy
Private School Serving K- 12th Grade :: Trinity Christian Academy offers Values, Distinction, and Opportunity to each student. We value all of our students and their parents who seek to provide the very best for their children. In each TCA classroom, we embrace proven teaching techniques, grasp hold of current trends, and continually reach for new methods. One of our greatest goals is leading young people in becoming successful, respected, and productive citizens. For over forty years, we have guided students in the high standards of character, academics, fine arts, and athletics. Located at 800 Hammond Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221. Phone: (904) 596-2400
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St. Johns Country Day School
Private College Prep School PreK – 12th Grade :: St. Johns Country Day School provides a strong college preparatory program. It maintains high academic standards and offers a demanding curriculum intended to interest all students and challenge them to discover their own capabilities. Its aim is to develop young people who are independent, self-reliant individuals prepared for college and life. Admission is based on developmental maturity, academic achievement, and aptitude regardless of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious creed. Learning is enhanced by small classes, the interaction of students in Grades Pre-K through 12, and the utilization of the attractive campus environment. Recognizing individual learning styles, teachers employ a variety of instructional techniques.
Founded upon Judeo-Christian principles, the School seeks to develop in each student a sense of self-worth and respect for the values of a diverse school community. St. Johns Country Day School seeks to nurture in its students a continuing desire to learn and the skills necessary to pursue their goals. Located at 3100 Doctors Lake Drive Orange Park, FL 32003. Phone: (904) 264-9572
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Riverside Presbyterian Day School :: For 67 years, Riverside Presbyterian Day School (RPDS) has continued to educate the mind, nurture the spirit and foster the development of the whole child. RPDS provides students, PreK 3 – 6th Grade, with a carefully planned academic program within a supportive environment where respect for the individual, community, and Christian values are promoted. Riverside recognizes that each child is an individual and gears teaching strategies to ensure that children will experience success at their level of learning. Students are challenged to rise to higher goals and achievement through the use of curriculum that addresses a variety of learning styles and exposes children to rich literature, problem-solving situations, and cooperative learning strategies. Located at 830 Oak St. Jacksonville, FL 32204. Phone: (904) 353-5511
PreK3 – 6th Grade || Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Vimeo
Jacksonville Country Day School :: We help your child to realize her or his full potential. Our whole-child education approach allows your son or daughter to embrace his or her unique talents and gifts in a safe, nurturing, and family-centered environment. We focus on character education and social-emotional development, as well as encouraging healthy living with daily PE and an emphasis on good nutrition. Led by highly effective teachers, daily learning experiences integrate and emphasize art, global studies, literacy, math, music and movement, science, and Spanish. We invite you to tour the JCDS campus and discover all that our school has to offer. Located at 10063 Baymeadows Road Jacksonville, FL 32256. Phone: (904) 641-6644
Private School PreK3 – 6th Grade || Website || Facebook || Twitter
The Bolles School :: The Bolles School provides a foundation of All Things Possible learning for more than 1,700 students in grades Pre-K through 12. Founded in 1933, Bolles features four diverse and co-educational campuses: the Lower School Whitehurst and Ponte Vedra Beach Campuses, the Middle School Bartram Campus, and the Upper School San Jose Campus. The boarding program attracts more than 90 students from around the world. Bolles offers a comprehensive fine and performing arts program and offers courses in five languages (including Chinese and Japanese) and 22 Advanced Placement Courses. The School’s athletic successes are known worldwide. Students from the Class of 2015 qualified for more than $3.1 million in merit-based scholarships and the 197 graduates were accepted to 185 different colleges. Bolles students understand that pursuing excellence through courage, integrity, and compassion is not only the school motto but the foundation for a successful life. Located at 7400 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32217. Phone: (904) 733-9292
Private College Preparatory School PreK – 12th Grade || Website || Facebook || Twitter
Episcopal School of Jacksonville :: Episcopal provides a challenging college-preparatory education for approximately 880 students in grades six through twelve within an inclusive and caring environment that balances academics, athletics, fine arts, spiritual development and community service. The school’s focus on the Harkness method of teaching, as well as its college counseling program–which begins in ninth grade–helps prepare students for lives beyond secondary school. Through regular worship, probing classes in world religion studies, and an active community service program, the School instills in its students values and commitments that will equip them for useful lives of leadership. The Episcopal community is committed to the development of students academically, athletically, creatively and spiritually. Located at 4455 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207. Phone: (904) 396-5751
Independent Private College Preparatory School 6th – 12th Grade || Website || Facebook || Twitter
The Learning Experience® :: TLE® is an Academy of Early Education that gives children the opportunity to receive an early start to their education and helps them reach their full potential. With an increased focus on the importance of early childhood education, TLE® prepares children academically and socially via innovative scholastic programs. Their L.E.A.P® curriculum offers a cutting-edge proprietary approach to learning that has more than 95% of TLE® preschool graduates reading by kindergarten. To complement the academic portion, various enrichment programs crucial to advancing learning are included in every child’s tuition and include programs such as yoga, music soccer, dance, and drama. Featured Locations include TLE® Jacksonville Southside, TLE® Jacksonville Old St. Augustine and TLE® Jacksonville River City. TLE® Jacksonville Southside Phone: (904) 620-8320 || TLE® Old St. Augustine Phone: (904) 647-6262 || TLE® River City Phone (904) 757-7590
Child Development Center Child Care, Preschool, Kindergarten || Website || Facebook
Chappell Schools :: The Chappell Schools have been providing quality education to the children of Jacksonville, Florida for more than 55 years. A family-owned corporation devoted to premium service in the development of the “TOTAL CHILD.” Programs include: Infants, Toddlers, Two Year Olds, Three/Four Year Olds, VPK, Summer Camp, After School/Holiday Care, Enrichment. Convenient locations offer wholesome environments which provide continuous learning opportunities for our multi-sensory developmental approach to early childhood education. Eight locations include Deerwood Campus, Riverside Campus, Riverplace Campus, South Campus, Downtown Campus, Kent Campus, North Campus and Emerson Campus.
Child Development Center Child Care, Preschool, VPK || Website || Facebook
Keystone Child Development Center :: Keystone Child Development Center offers premier child development services and enhanced programs that prepare children, infants through kindergartners, for success in elementary school. We focus on the academic and social success of each child, Right from the Start! KCDC offers lots of great programs and services, such as classes from infancy through kindergarten (2 levels offered), high teacher-to-student ratio, free VPK, after-school care, an onsite pediatrician, highly trained education and child development professionals and tons of enrichment opportunities, such as art, music, dance, yoga, Spanish, science, nature, high energy activities and cooking classes. Enrolling now for the next school year. Located at 6867 Southpoint Blvd. N, Jacksonville, FL 32216, Phone: (904) 619-6071
Child Development Center Child Care, Preschool, VPK || Website || Facebook
Jacksonville Area Public Schools
Duval County Public Schools :: Duval County Public Schools is the 22nd largest school district in the nation and the sixth largest school district in Florida. The district is committed to ensuring that students are prepared for success in college or a career and life. Also, the district will make sure its mission of providing educational excellence is reflected in every school, in every classroom, for every student, every day.
Phone (904) 390-2000 || Website || Facebook || Twitter
St. Johns County School District :: The St. Johns County School District will inspire good character and passion for lifelong learning in all students creating educated and caring contributors to the world. The St. Johns County School District includes 45 schools and is fully accredited as a quality school s system by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), a division of AdvancED Accreditation. AdvancED Accreditation is the highest level of accreditation that a school system can receive.
Phone (904) 547-7500 || Website || Twitter
School District of Clay County :: The School District of Clay County exists to prepare life-long learners for success in a global and competitive workplace and in acquiring applicable life skills. The School District encompasses a 601 square-mile suburban/rural county in Northeast Florida, including the communities of Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Penney Farms, Clay Hill, Oakleaf and Keystone Heights.
From Green Cove Springs: Phone (904) 284-6500 || From Orange Park/Middleburg: Phone (904) 272-8100 || From Keystone Heights: Phone(888) 663-2529 || Website || Facebook || Twitter
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For those looking, The Learning Experience – River City is a pretty decent option for early childcare as well. They have a VPK program. We have two sons currently attending TLE. The center teaches sign language. It is very safe, and their meals for the children are of decent quality.