Quick Facts (2026-27)
- 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
James River Day School
About the School
- 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: Because curiosity moves us forward, we are assured of a bright future for James River Day School.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- 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
School Rankings
James River Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Facts
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Students By Grade
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1971
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%
Academic Profile
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
51%
Average Class Size
14 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
List of Courses Offered
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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.: 85%
Admissions Director
W. Matthew Farley
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
School Mascot
Northern Cardinal
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Math Counts TeamRobotics Team
School Notes
- 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.
- 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 82%.
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 below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 27, 2026 (Friday)
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:
Distance: 4.2 mi
Gr: PK-K | 136 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 7
Montessori School
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 7.5 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 7.5 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 7.5 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Distance: 4.2 mi
Gr: PK-K | 136 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 7
Montessori School
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 7.5 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 487 students
Alternative School (Christian)
202 Horizon Dr
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 237-5943
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: 1-12 | 34 students
Special Education School
3024 Forest Hills Cir
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 234 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 17 | Extracurriculars: 33
Episcopal
400 VES Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 385-3600
Distance: 3.1 mi
Gr: PK-K | 60 students
Montessori School
1400 Lakeside Drive, Unit B
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 528-3216
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 4.2 mi
Gr: PK-K | 136 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 7
Montessori School
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: 1-12 | 34 students
Special Education School
3024 Forest Hills Cir
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 234 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 17 | Extracurriculars: 33
Episcopal
400 VES Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 385-3600
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 4.3 mi
Gr: 4-12 | 37 students
Avg. class size: 4 students
Special Education School
520 Eldon St
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 846-0301
Distance: 5.8 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 313 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 3
Baptist
4467 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: 1-12 | 34 students
Special Education School
3024 Forest Hills Cir
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 200-9257
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 4.3 mi
Gr: 4-12 | 37 students
Avg. class size: 4 students
Special Education School
520 Eldon St
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 846-0301
Distance: 5.8 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 313 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 3
Baptist
4467 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
Distance: 6.0 mi
Gr: 1-12 | 24 students
Christian
380 Colony Road
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 230-0752
Distance: 3.1 mi
Gr: PK-K | 60 students
Montessori School
1400 Lakeside Drive, Unit B
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 528-3216
Distance: 3.4 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 2
Episcopal
122 Fleetwood Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-8313
Distance: 4.2 mi
Gr: PK-K | 136 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 7
Montessori School
1071 Woodberry Square Pl
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 525-0061
Distance: 5.8 mi
Gr: NS-PK
Daycare / Preschool
16780 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 455-0880
Distance: 5.8 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 313 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 3
Baptist
4467 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-0024
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
(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%
(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%
Alternative School
600 Edmund Street
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-1270
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-1270
9084.6 miles
Vocational School
600 Edmund Street
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 393-3000
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 393-3000
9084.6 miles
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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Did You Know?
The average private school tuition in Virginia is $14,733 for elementary schools and $18,294 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Virginia is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).
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