Our Mission James River Day School cultivates intellectual curiosity and strength of character in a joyful community. For over 50 years, James River has provided its students with amazing academic and athletic opportunities while recognizing the need to honor the sanctity of childhood. Our mission statement reflects the purpose of James River Day School, which is to serve students during their critical years of development while on campus and beyond. It speaks to the joy of childhood, a child's natural curiosity about the world, and the vital work we do to develop character in our students. The Board of Trustees approved the mission statement above on March 13, 2024. While this mission is authentic to our school community, we recognize the school's history and previous mission statements are inherent in the values of the school, and we have adapted them into our core beliefs: We understand and cherish childhood.
We commit to the whole child and foster academic excellence.
We care about developing strength of character and meaningful relationships.
We value a diverse and inclusive community. We recognize every child can make a positive impact on their community.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked VA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 260 students
- Yearly Tuition: $16,400
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
James River Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1971
First Day of School
Wed. Aug 26, 2026
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
Campus Size
12 acres
Student Body
Total Students
260 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
8%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
51%
Average Class Size
14 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$16,400
Tuition Notes
Lower School- 16400
Middle School- 17200
% on Financial Aid
28%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
W. Matthew Farley
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Math Counts TeamRobotics Team
School Notes
- School Mascot: Northern Cardinal
- Please visit our website for more information (www.jrds.school.org) or contact our Admissions office at (434) 384-7385.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does James River Day School cost?
James River Day School's tuition is approximately $16,400 for private students.
What schools are James River Day School often compared to?
James River Day School is often viewed alongside schools like Blue Ridge Montessori School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of James River Day School?
The acceptance rate of James River Day School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 79%.
What sports does James River Day School offer?
James River Day School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is James River Day School's ranking?
James River Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for James River Day School?
The application deadline for James River Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the James River Day School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 26, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: James River Day School vs. Blue Ridge Montessori School
People that viewed James River Day School also viewed these schools: Blue Ridge Montessori School, New Covenant Schools and Timberlake Christian Schools.
The nearest high school and elementary school to James River Day School is Rivermont Lynchburg North (2.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Montessori Childrens House (3.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
4.2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 136 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
Timberlake Christian Schools
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
7.5 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
Timberlake Christian Schools
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
7.5 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
Timberlake Christian Schools
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
7.5 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
4.2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 136 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
Timberlake Christian Schools
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
7.5 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Rivermont Lynchburg North
Special Education School
3024 Forest Hills Cir
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
2.2 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 34 students
Virginia Episcopal School ![Virginia Episcopal School Photo - Jett Hall is our main building on the VES campus. This original building, constructed in 1916, is where we welcome guests to campus. It houses our administration, Admissions, Development, Marketing and Business offices, holds classrooms and our Day Student Lounge.]( "Virginia Episcopal School Photo - Jett Hall is our main building on the VES campus. This original building, constructed in 1916, is where we welcome guests to campus. It houses our administration, Admissions, Development, Marketing and Business offices, holds classrooms and our Day Student Lounge.")
(Episcopal)
400 VES Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 385-3600
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 385-3600
2.2 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 234 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 17 | Extracurrculars: 33 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Montessori Childrens House
Montessori School
1400 Lakeside Drive, Unit B
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 528-3216
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 528-3216
3.1 miles
Gr: PK-K | 60 students
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
4.2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 136 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Rivermont Lynchburg North
Special Education School
3024 Forest Hills Cir
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
2.2 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 34 students
Virginia Episcopal School ![Virginia Episcopal School Photo - Jett Hall is our main building on the VES campus. This original building, constructed in 1916, is where we welcome guests to campus. It houses our administration, Admissions, Development, Marketing and Business offices, holds classrooms and our Day Student Lounge.]( "Virginia Episcopal School Photo - Jett Hall is our main building on the VES campus. This original building, constructed in 1916, is where we welcome guests to campus. It houses our administration, Admissions, Development, Marketing and Business offices, holds classrooms and our Day Student Lounge.")
(Episcopal)
400 VES Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 385-3600
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 385-3600
2.2 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 234 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 17 | Extracurrculars: 33 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
520 Eldon St
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 846-0301
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 846-0301
4.3 miles
Gr: 4-12 | 37 students Avg. class size: 4 students Tuition listed
Temple Christian School
(Baptist)
4467 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
5.8 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 313 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Rivermont Lynchburg North
Special Education School
3024 Forest Hills Cir
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
2.2 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 34 students
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
520 Eldon St
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 846-0301
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 846-0301
4.3 miles
Gr: 4-12 | 37 students Avg. class size: 4 students Tuition listed
Temple Christian School
(Baptist)
4467 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
5.8 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 313 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Fellowship Christian Academy
(Christian)
380 Colony Road
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 230-0752
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 230-0752
6 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 24 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Montessori Childrens House
Montessori School
1400 Lakeside Drive, Unit B
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 528-3216
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 528-3216
3.1 miles
Gr: PK-K | 60 students
New Covenant Schools ![New Covenant Schools Photo]( "New Covenant Schools Photo")
(Episcopal)
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 423 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
4.2 miles
Gr: PK-K | 136 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
Forest KinderCare
Daycare / Preschool
16780 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 455-0880
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 455-0880
5.8 miles
Gr: NS-PK Tuition listed
Temple Christian School
(Baptist)
4467 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
5.8 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 313 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Huddleston Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1027 Huddleston Drive
Huddleston, VA 24104
(540) 297-5144
Huddleston, VA 24104
(540) 297-5144
9083.8 miles
Gr: PK-5 | 221 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Bedford Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
806 Tiger Trail Road
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-0275
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-0275
9084.4 miles
Gr: 2-5 | 448 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Bedford County Alternative Education Center
Alternative School
600 Edmund Street
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-1270
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-1270
9084.6 miles
Governor's Health Sciences Academy
Vocational School
600 Edmund Street
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 393-3000
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 393-3000
9084.6 miles
Susie G. Gibson Science And Technology Center
Vocational School
600 Edmund St
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-3933
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-3933
9084.6 miles
School Reviews
5 2/7/2025
I have both my kids at JRDS (one in elementary school and one in middle school), and the school has genuinely helped my kids to reach their full academic potential. The JRDS community is diverse and very inclusive, and an emphasis on a kid's overall growth is cherished in this school. We could not be happier!
5 9/23/2022
My daughter is a student at James River and we are impressed!!! Best school!
5 11/16/2015
The academic program is very strong. The teachers are excellent, creating a challenging and supportive environment where children love learning. Small class sizes. Foreign language (Spanish or French) begins in Kindergarten. Music, art and PE are taught in every grade. Sports begin in 5th grade. No SOLs. The academics are the best in town, but more importantly the students are happy, caring, and kind.
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