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
If you have any questions, please call or email the admissions office. 901-261-2157 or admissions@cmdsmemphis.org
Admissions Process
Applicant Admissions Visits
All 2K through 6th grade applicants will attend an admissions visit, either in-person or online.
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
For the 2025-26 school year, admissions decisions will go out in mid-February.
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 10 • 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, November 6 • 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 3 • 8:30 a.m
Virtual Tour
Prefer to see the school virtually? No problem! Please check out our virtual tour online to learn more about CMDS.
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 28 at 10:30 a.m. • Busy Builders
Wednesday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m. • Turkey Traps
Friday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. • Merry Christmas
January 1, 2025
New Student Applications Due
Mid-January, 2025
Admissions visits for prospective students, by appointment
February 3, 2025
Re-Enrollment Contracts Due
Mid-February, 2025
New Student Notification for Admission
March 1, 2025
New Student Contracts Due
Spring 2025
Applications processed 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
Field Day T-Shirt (EC/GS) and Lunch (GS)
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
Upper School Out-of-Town Field Trips
2024-25 Tuition
2K
3 Days (T/W/Th)
Half: $5,770
Full: $8,370
5 Days
Half: $7,850
Full: $10,970
Pre-Kindergarten
3 Days
Half: $7,100
Full: $9,335
5 Days
Half: $8,995
Full: $12,740
Junior Kindergarten
5 Half Days: $8,995
Combo (2H,3F): $11,285
5 Full Days: $12,740
Senior Kindergarten
$13,310
First – third Grades
$15,285
fourth - Fifth Grade
$15,340
Sixth Grade
$15,715
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 540 students enrolled from 2K to Sixth Grade for the 2024-25 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.
