currently open for in person, virtual, and hybrid learning!
School Overview
A Brief Overview
Gainesville Country Day School is an independent, coeducational, nonsectarian school providing a unique blend of educational programs for children of infants through fifth grade. The school operates on two campuses: the 24th avenue campus houses the elementary school, 4 and 5 year old preschool, and VPK; the Early Childhood Enrichment Center on Tower Road accommodates infants-4 year old children. If you would like more information, or to schedule a visit, please use our contact page.
School Philosophy
We are committed to accepting children as they are, with their own backgrounds, experiences, interests, natures, and abilities. Our teachers are dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and find success in coming to school. GCDS's curriculum emphasizes active rather than passive learning and activities are designed to encourage independence and creativity. Attention is given to utilizing basic skills and applying them in increasingly complex projects and activities. Our curriculum consists of integrated subject matter areas and flexible curricular experiences designed to meet the needs of children of different levels of ability and experience. Our low student-teacher ratio makes it possible to provide a varied and stimulating range of learning experiences for each child.
Our History
Gainesville Country Day School opened in 1951 and was originally known as Three Bears House, one of the oldest preschools in Gainesville. In 1981, the school was relocated to the Tower Road location and renamed Gainesville Country Day School. In 1984, the 24th Avenue land was acquired and the elementary school campus was created. GCDS has been a longstanding part of the Gainesville community providing over 35 years of continuous quality elementary education.
Director's Welcome
At GCDS, children are our sole focus. It is our daily goal to assure that each child develops a love for learning that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. From mathematics to physical education, and everything in between, the staff at GCDS educates our students according to their needs. Call us today to set up a tour and give us the opportunity to teach your child to love to learn.
Kelly Childers, M.Ed.
Director
Director
Kelly P. Childers M.A., M.Ed.
Accreditations
Association of Independent
Schools of Florida
AISF Website
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Website
Commission on International and
Transregional Accreditation
Florida Gold Seal School
Florida Association of Academic
Non-Public Schools
National Council for
Private School Accreditation
Staff Qualifications
The faculty at both campuses are well qualified. Teachers have bachelors degrees, more than 3 years of teaching experiences, or special skills, knowledge, and/or expertise in the areas in which they teach. Additional instructors are used for specialties such as art, physical education, Spanish, music, technology, logic and poetry to supplement the curriculum.
Financial Aid
We accept the following scholarships through Step Up for Students/FLDOE:
Misconduct Procedures
The State of Florida requires that all faculty and staff report signs of abuse/neglect to the Department of Children and Families. Penalty of misconduct by faculty or staff is immediate dismissal.