Welcome to SJEDS
Where Faith and Learning Thrive Together
Since 1950, SJEDS has nurtured the mind, body, and spirit of children in a welcoming, faith-filled community. Every student is known and valued, fostering genuine connections between teachers, families, and peers. Blending strong academics with joyful faith, the school creates a lasting sense of belonging and purpose.
Our Mission
Inspiring a passion for learning, a life of integrity, and a heart for Christian service.
A Passion for Learning: Curious minds. Bold questions. Mistakes celebrated. Growth embraced.
A Life of Integrity: Hearts guided by honesty. Actions shaped by empathy. Leaders of character.
A Heart for Christian Service: Hands that help. Voices that care. Faith made visible through action.
Our mission comes alive in every aspect of school life. It inspires teachers to ignite curiosity and challenge minds, encourages students to approach learning and relationships with integrity and kindness, and unites our community in meaningful service. From handson classroom projects to mentoring, chapel reflections, and outreach initiatives, SJEDS students and faculty embody these values each day, nurturing not only academic growth but also character, empathy, and leadership.
A Letter from
Dr. C a s t lem a n
Greetings and welcome to the San Jose Episcopal Day School family! Founded in 1950 and accredited through the Florida Council of Independent Schools, SJEDS has been educating the mind, body and spirit of Jacksonville’s finest for generations. Nestled in the historic neighborhood of San Jose, this close-knit learning community shares a love for its many long-standing traditions and a passion for preparing today’s students for a bright and fulfilling future.
Whether you explore the wonders of our Early Explorer program or into one of our upper school’s dynamic learning spaces, you’ll encounter faculty who thoughtfully craft learning experiences that promote each learner’s communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
For 75 years, San Jose Episcopal Day School’s faculty and staff have served this community as Difference-Makers! Generations of educators have led with humility, grace, compassion, joy, and generosity, modeling what it means to be a lifelong learner and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. As an extension of the San Jose Episcopal Church, SJEDS’s program is based on the Episcopal tradition of inclusion, scholarly exploration, and respect for self, others and the wider world around us. Indeed, across every grade level, division, and department, our offerings are designed to meet the School’s mission, which is to inspire a passion for learning, a life of integrity, and a heart for Christian service.
Though SJEDS may be small in size, our impact extends far beyond our campus. Here, our students build a solid academic foundation, discover and develop their athletic and artistic abilities, and cultivate a commitment to service and outreach. Our graduates go on to excel in the secondary schools of their choice and become leaders and innovators in their fields. We take great pride in knowing that they are not only academically and professionally accomplished but are also deeply committed to giving back to their communities. They embody our highest aspirations, often returning to campus to express their gratitude for the nurturing and supportive environment that helped them build lives of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
We invite you to experience SJEDS for yourself! We cherish the opportunity to share the spirit of our school and welcome new members into this cherished community. With small class sizes, space is limited, so we encourage you to contact our Admission Department today to schedule a tour and inquire about availability for the 2026-27 school year.
Yours in Christ, Head of School
Arts & Resources:
• Visual Arts
• Spanish
• Music
• PE
• Library & Literacy
• Kingdom Theatre
• STEAM
Snapshot of SJEDS
• Average class size of 14 students per classroom.
• Student-Teacher ratio of 7:1 .
• 220+ students enrolled in Pre-K3 through sixth grade.
• 36% of students are people of color.
Afterschool Activities:
• Athletics
• Clubs & Enrichment
• CubHouse (Extended Day)
• Flexible Care
We accept Step Up for Students Scholarship.
Learning That Inspires
Academics with Purpose
At SJEDS, learning is active and personal.
• Core Strengths: Solid foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies prepare students for advanced academics.
• Differentiated Instruction: Teachers adapt content and pace to match each child’s strengths.
• Enrichment & Support: The Bear’s Den Support Center provides smallgroup extension and individual support—at no extra cost.
• Innovation & STEAM: Engineering challenges, collaborative problemsolving, and project-based learning spark critical thinking and creativity.
• Global Perspectives: Spanish instruction from Pre-K introduces language and culture early, supporting global awareness. Graduates leave confident, resilient, and eager to keep learning.
Life on Campus
Life on campus at SJEDS is a rich blend of learning, friendship, and faith that extends well beyond the classroom. Students begin each day in a welcoming environment where curiosity, creativity, and character take center stage. From the excitement of shared traditions to the quiet moments of reflection, every experience is designed to strengthen minds, build connections, and inspire a sense of purpose.
A Day
Filled with Discovery
The heartbeat of SJEDS is the daily experience of students and families.
• Morning chapel sets a reflective tone, while hands-on classes and collaborative projects keep minds engaged.
• Traditions like Flag Raising, Chapel, Washington D.C. Trip, Fall Festival, and the First & Sixth Grade Buddy Program build lasting friendships across the school.
• Leadership opportunities—from Student Council to classroom ambassador roles—help children practice decision-making and teamwork.
• Parents are part of the story too, through volunteer opportunities and community events that make the school feel like an extended family.
Everyday Faith
Faith is woven naturally into school life and expressed through service.
• Weekly Chapel: Scripture, music, and student participation create moments of reflection and celebration.
• CROSSroads Character Program: Focuses on virtues such as empathy, perseverance, and gratitude.
• San Jose Cares Outreach: Students collect supplies, prepare meals, and serve the wider community, learning that love and service are inseparable.
Faith in Action
The Five Pillars of Our Community
We celebrate God’s love through worship and service.
We welcome and respect every individual as part of our school family.
We inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of discovery.
Integrity Learning Community Faith
We choose what is right and take responsibility for our actions.
We care for others and the world entrusted to us.
Arts & Resources
Visual Arts
Students explore the elements of art and principles of design, building skills year by year with mediums such as chalk, oil pastels, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic. A cherished tradition is our handcrafted Nativity, begun in first grade and completed by graduation.
Spanish
Our immersive Spanish program uses gestures, stories, songs, and dance to build oral and written proficiency. Students also explore Hispanic cultures, history, and geography.
Music
Students learn rhythm, pitch, and basic instruments. By sixth grade, they read music and play recorders, percussion, Orff instruments, guitars, and ukuleles. Music is integrated into worship, drama, holiday programs, and assemblies.
PE
PE classes, combine stretching, conditioning, and games for all skill levels. Students learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and the value of an active lifestyle.
Library & Literacy
Our Library Media Center fosters a love of reading through weekly storytime, exploration, and personalized book recommendations. Students also learn research skills and digital citizenship for safe, responsible technology use.
Kingdom Theatre
Kingdom Theatre is a beloved program where students bring Bible stories to life through drama, imagination, and reflection. Rooted in the Episcopal tradition, it nurtures faith, confidence, and a deeper understanding of God’s story.
STEAM
The STEAM program integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to foster intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary learning. Students engage in inquiry-based projects that promote innovation, problemsolving, and collaboration.
Engage, Learn, Grow
SJEDS offers a variety of extracurricular programs and CubHouse, our Extended Day program, to enrich students’ school experience in a safe, supportive environment.
• Athletics: SJEDS offers basketball, cheer, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. Teams compete in the North Florida Independent School Athletic Conference (NFISAC).
• Clubs & Enrichment: Engineering, robotics, art, dance, drama, and more.
• CubHouse: Structured activities, study hall, snacks, and outdoor play.
• Flexible Care: Monthly or drop-in options, Monday through Friday.
Afterschool Activities
Admission Process
Step 1: Personal Tour
Call the Admission Office to schedule a personal tour of our campus or complete the online inquiry form.
Step 2: Application
To apply for admission, please click HERE and submit the application fee of $100.00.
Step
3: Teacher Recommendation & School Records
Ensure that the current teacher, if applicable, completes the teacher recommendation form below and returns it directly to the Admission Office:
Teacher Recommendation Form – Pre-K3 through First Grade
Teacher Recommendation Form – Second through Sixth Grade
For students entering first through sixth grade, please send the last two years of report cards and testing to admission@sjeds.org.
Step 5: Student Visit & Evaluation
The Admission Office will contact you to schedule the visit and evaluation.
Step 6: Admission Decision
The Admission Committee will review applicants once they have completed all steps of the application process. Admission decisions will be made at the end of February.
Step 7: Financial Assistance
Admission decisions are not made based upon a family’s need for financial assistance. San Jose Episcopal Day School is dedicated to providing financial assistance through Independent School Management FAST. Please contact Vivian Bradford in the Admission Office at (904) 733-0352 for additional information.
Non-discriminatory policy:
In the spirit of the Episcopal Church, SJEDS welcomes qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions, financial aid programs, or athletic and other school administered programs.
Financial Information 2025-2026
*Please note: 2026-2027 tuition rates will be made available in January.
Pre-K3
8 AM - 1 PM $10,828.00
Pre-K4
8 AM - 1 PM K 8 AM - 3 PM
1st - 3rd
8 AM - 3 PM
4th - 6th
8 AM - 3 PM
$3,321.54 $3,422.52 $3,248.40 $3,663.30 $5,240.40 $5,535.90 $5,704.20
• A non-refundable deposit is required with each annual contract for new and returning students. The deposit amount is equal to one-tenth of the yearly tuition and is applied to the yearly tuition account.
• Our tuition structure includes all fees except the Administrative Fee ($215 per student, which includes Parent Association membership, yearbook, and all student supplies), the Sixth-Grade Cares & Shares Fee ($100 per student, sixth-grade only), and a one-time Third-Grade Device Procurement Fee ($525 per student, third-grade only, to support the purchase of a student-specific device to advance learning).If your family receives the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (Step Up for Students), a fee of $250 per student will be assessed upon scholarship award.
• Receive a $150 discount if payment in full is received by March 1, 2026.
• Please see our tuition refund insurance policy below.
Tuition Refund Insurance
Tuition refund insurance is required with any payment plan not paid in full by August 1; it is a one-time charge in August.
Pre-K3 ………….......$135.35
Pre-K4 ……………... $152.64
Kindergarten ......$218.34
Grades 1-3 ………..$230.67
Grades 4-6 ………..$237.67
Additional Costs
• Uniforms - purchased through school’s approved vendor (used uniforms are available at no charge)
• CubHouse Program (optional)
• Lunch Program (optional)
• Out of town field trips (optional)
CubHouse Program
CubHouse is offered Monday through Friday until 6:00 PM. For monthly care, there is an annual registration fee of $50 per family.
1-3 PM .……… $245/month 1-6 PM .……… $315/month 3-6 PM
CubHouse Program
Occasional care is available for $10 per half-hour or $12 per house per child.
Late Fees
After 6:00 PM., late fees will apply: $15 for first 15 minutes; $20 for each additional 15 minutes.
Portrait of a Graduate
Graduates from the SJEDS Class of 2025 are attending the following schools:
• Episcopal School of Jacksonville
• The Bolles School
• St. Johns Country Day School
Where Our Graduates Soar
Appalachian State University
Auburn University
Babson College
Belmont University
Boston College
Boston University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
Columbia College Chicago
Eckerd College
Emory University
Flagler College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Southern College
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State University
Fordham University
Full Sail University
Furman University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hampden–Sydney College
High Point University
Howard University
Jacksonville University
Johns Hopkins University
Kenyon College
North Dakota State University
Northeastern University
Penn State University
Presbyterian College
Purdue University
Ringling College of Art + Design
Rollins College
Samford University
Savannah College of Art + Design
Seton Hall University
Sewanee: The University of the South
St. Leo University
St. Olaf College
Stetson University
Tallahassee Community College
Trinity University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Alabama
University of Central Florida
University of Florida
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
University of North Florida
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennylvania
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Virginia
University of West Florida
Valdosta State University
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Washington & Lee University
Western Carolina University
