We make learning child’s play.
Christ Methodist Day School first opened its doors in 1958 to 75 kindergarten students. Since then, we have continued to grow and thrive in the same spot where we were founded: right along Poplar Avenue, in the middle of Memphis, just about halfway between FedExForum and Shelby Farms Park.
We are known for providing a foundation of strong academics balanced with an emphasis on spiritual growth, emotional development and personal integrity. We encourage you to come see why CMDS is the primary choice for boys and girls, ages 2K to 6th grade. We offer several admissions events each year, and are always available to schedule individual tours.
Portrait of a CMDS Graduate
All facets of the learning process from 2K to 6th grade embody our mission statement and come together to create this picture of a CMDS graduate. During their years at CMDS, students are guided to Grow Spiritually, Excel Academically, Practice Social Responsibility and Display Integrity.
How To Apply
Christ Methodist Day School strives to admit the most qualified candidates who will best fulfill the mission of the school. Special consideration may be given to children of alumni, siblings of current CMDS students, CMDS EEP students and active Christ Church members. Special consideration does not guarantee admission.
The CMDS application packet will include the following items:
✓ Application for Admission
✓ Records Release Form
✓ $75 Application Fee
✓ Birth Certificate
*This application is for CMDS 2K-6th Grade. To apply for infant care in the Early Education Program (EEP), click here.
If you have any questions, please call or email the admissions office. 901-261-2157 or admissions@cmdsmemphis.org
Admissions Process
Schedule a Visit
We invite you to schedule a tour or attend one of the CMDS admissions events to learn more about the school.
Submit an Application
Applications for the 2026-27 school year are due by January 1, 2026. Apply online here.
Admissions Testing
All 2K through SK applicants will attend an Admissions Visit. First through Sixth grade applicants will attend a Shadow Day during which they will complete admissions testing.
Admissions Committee Meetings
The Admissions Committee will meet and review the following:
Application Materials
Teacher Recommendations
Report Cards
Admissions Testing
Outside Evaluations (if applicable)
Admissions Decisions
Admissions decisions for the 2026-27 school year will be shared on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Experience CMDS this fall
Campus Tour
We are happy to offer individual family tours of our school. Contact the CMDS Admissions office to schedule yours.
Sneak Peek
Join us for a small-group campus tour to see CMDS in action. Reservations are encouraged.
Thursday, October 16 • 8:30 AM
Wednesday, November 5 • 11:00 AM
Tuesday, December 2 • 8:30 AM
Discovery DayS
Join us for a morning of hands-on fun in the Early Childhood Discovery Lab and outdoors in the CMDS Courtyard.
Monday, October 27 at 10:30 AM • Busy Builders
Wednesday, November 19 at 10:30 AM • Fairy Tales
Friday, December 5 at 10:30 AM • Merry Christmas
Virtual Tour
Prefer to see the school virtually? No problem! Please check out our virtual tour online to learn more about CMDS.
January 1, 2026
New Student Applications Due
Mid-January, 2026
Admissions Visits and Shadow Days for prospective students, by appointment
February 2, 2026
Re-enrollment Contracts due for current CMDS students
Mid-February, 2026
New Student Notification Day
February 27, 2026
New Student Contracts Due
Spring 2026
Applications accepted as space allows
Tuition
Christ Methodist Day School’s tuition is set up to provide your child with an inclusive educational experience. Tuition at each grade level includes fees that cover:
School Supplies
School Bag (EC)
Spirit Shirt (EC)
Yearbook
Textbooks and Novels
Art Supplies
Field Trip Expenses
Technology Infrastructure and Student Use of Technology Equipment, such as iPads and Chromebooks
Supplemental Student Accident Insurance
CMDS Parents’ Association Membership and several event costs
Blackbaud Management Fee
2025-26 Tuition
2K
3 Days (T/W/Th)
Half: $6,000
Full: $8,700
5 Days
Half: $8,165
Full: $11,400
Pre-Kindergarten
3 Days
Half: $7,385
Full: $9,700
5 Days
Half: $9,355
Full: $13,250
Junior Kindergarten
5 Half Days: $9,355
Combo (2H,3F): $11,740
5 Full Days: $13,250
Senior Kindergarten
$13,845
First – third Grades
$15,900
fourth - Fifth Grade
$15,950
Sixth Grade
$16,345
Christ Methodist Day School offers need-based financial assistance to qualifying students in SK through sixth grade. The financial aid application is available online through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management by clicking on the link below.
Please contact the Admissions Office at 901.261.2157 if you have questions.
FAQ
When should I apply?
Christ Methodist Day School accepts applications year round for the upcoming school year and future school years. It is best to apply by January 1 of the entrance year to attend the January Admissions Visits and be considered in the first round of contracts offered mid-February.
What are the birthday cut-off dates?
Students entering 2K must be 2 before June 1 of their entrance year.
Students entering PK must be 3 before June 1 of their entrance year.
Students entering JK must be 4 before June 1 of their entrance year.
Students entering SK must be 5 before June 1 of their entrance year.
Students entering 1st grade must be 6 before June 1 of their entrance year.
How many students are enrolled at Christ Methodist?
CMDS has 546 students enrolled from 2K to Sixth Grade for the 2025-26 school year.
What is the average student/teacher ratio?
In order to provide the most individualized educational experience for your child, Christ Methodist places importance in keeping our class sizes small. Class sizes range from 12-20 students, depending on the grade level. 2K through SK classes have a lead teacher and an instructional assistant.
What class options are there for early childhood students?
2K
Choice of 3 Days (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday) or 5 Days (Monday through Friday) with the option of the following times:
(Morning carpool drop off from 7:45 a.m. to 8:05 a.m.)
Half Days: 8 a.m. – noon
Full Days: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Before and After Care is available, extending the school day from 7:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Pre-Kindergarten
Choice of 3 Days (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday) or 5 Days (Monday through Friday) with the option of the following times:
(Morning carpool drop off from 7:45 a.m. to 8:05 a.m.)
Half Days: 8 a.m. – noon
Full Days: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Before and After Care is available, extending the school day from 7:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Junior Kindergarten
(Morning carpool drop off from 7:45 a.m. to 8:05 a.m.)
5 Half Days: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – noon
Combination: Monday/Friday 8 a.m. – noon, and Tuesday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5 Full Days: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Senior Kindergarten
(Morning carpool drop off from 7:45 a.m. to 8:05 a.m.)
Full Days: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
What are the lower & Upper School hours?
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Morning carpool drop off from 7:45 a.m. to 8:05 a.m.)
What are the options for lunch?
All students have the option to bring their lunch from home or buy lunch at school. Students do not have to commit to a lunch plan.
Does CMDS offer before & after school care?
Yes. Christ Methodist offers a Before and After Care program called AOK@CMDS. The program begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 5:45 p.m. Students may drop in or select a 3- or 5-day plan. Many after school enrichment opportunities are offered as well, such as ballet, gymnastics, Taekwondo, chess and others. More information can be found here or by contacting Amanda Bardos.
Is there a summer program?
CMDS offers Summer@CMDS for rising Pre-Kindergarten through 7th grade campers. Summer@CMDS offers weekly thematic activities, as well as many week-long special enrichment classes. Day Camp is open from 7:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. Additional information about Summer@CMDS can be found here.
Do Christ Methodist students wear uniforms?
Students in 2K, PK and JK wear special CMDS Spirit shirts the school provides every Wednesday and play clothes with tennis shoes every other day of the week. Students in SK through Sixth Grade wear school uniforms every day. Uniforms may be purchased from Lands’ End.
Where do Christ Methodist graduates go in seventh grade?
Christ Methodist students matriculate to many of the Memphis area’s independent schools. We take pride in the variety of schools our graduates attend and work hard to ensure our students are prepared for middle school and beyond.
This graph shows the middle schools CMDS graduates have attended cumulatively over the past five years.
