Student
Handbook

Philosophy and Mission

Mission Statement

Presbyterian Day School strives to glorify God by developing boys in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
(1 Corinthians 10:31 and Luke 2:52)
Read More
Philosophy and Mission

Statement of Mission and Broad Vision

We define our education broadly as what happens to the heart, soul, mind, and body of each boy.
Read More
General Information

School Motto

Quaque Sunt Vera is Latin for, "Whatsoever Things are True" and is taken from Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, Chapter Four, beginning with Verse Eight:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

Read More
General Information

PDS Alma Mater

O happy hours of work and play
The classmates that we join each day
Our flying colors, red and blue,
To thee we promise to be true
Oh, PDS, we pledge to thee
Our reverence and our loyalty.

Words by John B. Dykes

Read More
General Information

PDS Closing Prayer

Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14

Read More
General Information

School Colors and Logo

Presbyterian Day School's colors are red and blue. These colors are used in all school activities. The PDS shield is the schools’s official logo.
Read More
General Information

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees selects a Headmaster to direct, manage, and operate all aspects of PDS. The Board also sets policies on broad, strategic issues; develops and adopts long-range plans, and secures the resources for their implementation.
Read More
General Information

Annual Fund

Each year, donations to the Annual Fund help the school sustain excellence in teaching, support the health of our boys via our full-time nurse, and secure our campus with our in-house security team.
Read More
General Information

Parents’ Association

By virtue of being a parent of a PDS student, all parents are members of the PDS Parents’ Association. There is no membership fee or charge for belonging to the Parents’ Association. A Parents’ Association Board exists to manage efforts and to coordinate its work with the Advancement office.
Read More
Academics

Standardized Testing

The Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) developed by the Educational Records Bureau is administered each year to boys in grades two through six. The CTP is the most widely used test among independent schools in the country, and its results afford us the most accurate measurement of both the aptitude and achievement levels of our boys.
Read More
Academics

Promotion and Retention

PDS requires that each student acquire the skills and strategies listed in the Subject Area Competencies section of the PDS report card in order to be promoted to the next grade.
Read More
Academics

Awards Day

Several awards are given out at the conclusion of each year.
Read More
Academics

Academic Support

At PDS, we believe that every boy can learn, and we strive to teach in ways that maximize learning for each boy.
Read More
Academics

Homework/Testing/Exams

Parents or guardians have a key role to play in assuring that their boys are completing their homework, preparing for tests (as applicable), and doing other work necessary to a boy’s academic growth and development. Parents should provide the appropriate structure and support and assure that a boy is completing these school obligations.
Read More
Academics

Summer Reading & Math

Many elementary students suffer a relapse in reading and math skills during the summer months. Therefore, PDS asks families to make reading and review of math skills a priority by weaving these important endeavors into their summer schedule of activities.
Read More
Academics

Extra Help and Tutoring

On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, teachers generally remain in their rooms for 30 minutes after the school day ends to work with students whom the teacher determines need extra help. Such extra help sessions are at the invitation of the teacher only.
Read More
Academics

Academic Reports/Grading

Academic and behavioral performance are reported to parents in the following manner:

Read More
Academics

Field Trips

PDS schedules a number of field trips throughout the year designed to enrich traditional classroom instruction by exposing our boys to creative and practical applications of curricular concepts in the field.
Read More
Academics

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parents must be kept up-to-date even beyond the report cards issued each trimester. Open and regular communication will not only avoid negative surprises but will also encourage parents to join us in our efforts with their boys.
Read More
Academics

Honor Rolls

Trimester Honor Roll

Each trimester boys in grades 5 and 6 will receive recognition on Honor Roll if they achieve 90’s or better in each of the 5 core subject areas (Reading, English, Math, Science, Social Studies) and 2 or

Read More
Presbyterian Day School
We know boys.

Presbyterian Day School (PDS) is a private, Christian preschool and elementary school serving 500 boys from 2-years-old through 6th grade.

With our mission of striving to glorify God by developing boys in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man, we take a holistic approach to education, nurturing the heart, soul, mind, and body of each boy.

4025 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111

901-842-4600

Contact Us

Follow Us