Discover your day...
| Explore what a day at Carrollwood Day School can offer by choosing your interests and preferences. Customize your experience to see how our vibrant community and diverse programs cater to your unique passions and goals. |
Step 1: Choose Your Division
A warm welcome
| Welcome to Carrollwood Day School, a premier International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Tampa, FL serving students from age 2 through 12th grade. At CDS, we believe that education is a journey that shapes principled, inquisitive, and reflective thinkers who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to both their local and global communities. Our seamless curriculum across all divisions ensures that each student is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and character necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. From early exploration in our youngest Patriots to the robust challenges of the IB Diploma Programme, CDS fosters a culture of inquiry, self-discovery, and academic excellence. | As you explore our website, you’ll discover how CDS is more than just a school—it’s a community where students are encouraged to rise to every challenge and embrace risk-taking as a part of their growth. Our students develop a strong sense of character and self-advocacy, becoming athletes, artists, and innovators who understand the value of collaboration and leadership. This is a place where passions are ignited, talents are cultivated, and future leaders find their voice. We invite you to find your place at CDS and experience a world-class education designed to inspire greatness. |
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Lower School
Lower Academic excellence
In the Lower School at Carrollwood Day School, academic excellence begins with a strong foundation of curiosity and exploration. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), our youngest learners engage in inquiry-based experiences that encourage them to ask questions, think critically, and develop a love for learning. Our dedicated teachers nurture each child’s strengths while fostering collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By blending core academics with hands-on learning opportunities, students are empowered to build confidence and a sense of wonder that prepares them for future success, both in the classroom and beyond.
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Middle School
Middle Academic excellence
In the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Carrollwood Day School, academic excellence is elevated through an interdisciplinary approach that challenges students to make meaningful connections between subjects and the world around them. Grounded in the International Baccalaureate philosophy, the MYP nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Students develop essential skills such as research, communication, and collaboration while tackling real-world problems in a supportive and engaging environment. Through rigorous academics, project-based learning, and personal growth opportunities, middle schoolers emerge as confident, principled learners prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
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Upper School
Upper Academic excellence
In the Upper School at Carrollwood Day School, academic excellence is enhanced through a comprehensive and rigorous approach that spans the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), offering students a seamless educational journey. The MYP challenges students to make connections between disciplines and apply their learning to real-world contexts, while the DP years provide a deeper level of inquiry and specialization. Rooted in the International Baccalaureate philosophy, the curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Students develop essential skills in research, communication, and collaboration as they tackle complex issues and prepare for future academic and career pursuits. Through advanced coursework, project-based learning, and leadership opportunities, Upper School students emerge as confident, principled, and innovative thinkers, ready to thrive in a dynamic global society and ready to further their education at the collegiate level.
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Arts Lower
Lower The Arts at CDS
In the Lower School at Carrollwood Day School, the arts play a vital role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic disciplines, including Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre. In Visual Arts, they experiment with different mediums to develop their artistic skills and imagination. Music classes introduce students to the basics of rhythm, melody, and vocal expression, often incorporating instruments and song into their learning. Theatre encourages creative storytelling and performance, helping students build communication and collaboration skills. These arts programs provide a well-rounded foundation for students, inspiring a love for the arts while enhancing their cognitive and emotional development.
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Arts Middle
Middle The Arts at CDS
In the Middle School at Carrollwood Day School, the arts offer students a creative outlet and opportunities for self-expression while developing essential skills in collaboration and performance.
Students can explore Visual Arts, where they create in both 2D and 3D mediums, expanding their artistic abilities and imagination. Music classes allow students to develop their musical skills, with options to participate in band, guitar, or orchestra, while Theatre and Musical Theatre offer a chance to grow as performers, learning the fundamentals of acting and stage presence. Dance and Digital Art (7th & 8th grades) further encourage creative expression and technical skills. These arts courses enrich the Middle School experience, promoting both personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
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Arts Upper
Upper The Arts at CDS
In the Upper School at Carrollwood Day School, the arts provide students with the opportunity to deepen their creative skills and pursue their passions in Visual and Performing Arts. Students can choose from a variety of courses, including Visual Arts (2D and 3D), Digital Media Creation, and Photography, where they develop both technical and artistic proficiency.
In Theatre and Musical Theatre, students explore acting, stagecraft, and performance, while Music courses offer specialized instruction in guitar, strings, piano, and concert band. The DP program extends artistic learning in Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, and Music, allowing students to refine their talents and prepare for future artistic endeavors.
These courses not only enhance students' creativity but also foster critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in the arts and beyond.
Performing Arts Lower
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Performing ArtsThe performing arts program at Carrollwood Day School fosters creativity, confidence, and self-expression from age two through Upper School. Students explore theatre through foundational learning, advanced techniques, and opportunities to perform and compete. Highlights include the Elementary showcase, Patriot Playhouse productions open to the Tampa Bay community, and prestigious opportunities like the Junior and International Thespian Troupes. At every level, CDS empowers students to shine on stage and beyond. |
Performing Arts Middle
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Performing ArtsThe performing arts program at Carrollwood Day School fosters creativity, confidence, and self-expression from age two through Upper School. Students explore theatre through foundational learning, advanced techniques, and opportunities to perform and compete. Highlights include the Elementary showcase, Patriot Playhouse productions open to the Tampa Bay community, and prestigious opportunities like the Junior and International Thespian Troupes. At every level, CDS empowers students to shine on stage and beyond. |
Performing Arts Upper
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Performing ArtsThe performing arts program at Carrollwood Day School fosters creativity, confidence, and self-expression from age two through Upper School. Students explore theatre through foundational learning, advanced techniques, and opportunities to perform and compete. Highlights include the Elementary showcase, Patriot Playhouse productions open to the Tampa Bay community, and prestigious opportunities like the Junior and International Thespian Troupes. At every level, CDS empowers students to shine on stage and beyond. |
Music Upper
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MusicThe music program at CDS fosters creativity, discipline, and a passion for music. From early music exploration in the ECC to advanced performance opportunities in Upper School, students develop their musical talents through band, choir, and individual studies. With numerous concerts and showcases, CDS provides students with the chance to perform, collaborate, and grow as musicians in a supportive and inspiring environment. |
Music Middle
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MusicThe music program at CDS fosters creativity, discipline, and a passion for music. From early music exploration in the ECC to advanced performance opportunities in Upper School, students develop their musical talents through band, choir, and individual studies. With numerous concerts and showcases, CDS provides students with the chance to perform, collaborate, and grow as musicians in a supportive and inspiring environment. |
Music Lower
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MusicThe music program at CDS fosters creativity, discipline, and a passion for music. From early music exploration in the ECC to advanced performance opportunities in Upper School, students develop their musical talents through band, choir, and individual studies. With numerous concerts and showcases, CDS provides students with the chance to perform, collaborate, and grow as musicians in a supportive and inspiring environment. |
Visual Arts Upper
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Visual ArtsThe Visual Arts program at Carrollwood Day School nurtures imagination and individuality across all grade levels, starting with preschool at the Early Childhood Campus CDS is proud of its exceptional IB Visual Arts program, with results consistently exceeding the world average, and graduates who have gone on to attend prestigious art schools around the world. |
Visual Arts Middle
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Visual ArtsThe Visual Arts program at Carrollwood Day School nurtures imagination and individuality across all grade levels, starting with preschool at the Early Childhood Campus CDS is proud of its exceptional IB Visual Arts program, with results consistently exceeding the world average, and graduates who have gone on to attend prestigious art schools around the world. |
Visual Arts Lower
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Visual ArtsThe Visual Arts program at Carrollwood Day School nurtures imagination and individuality across all grade levels, starting with preschool at the Early Childhood Campus CDS is proud of its exceptional IB Visual Arts program, with results consistently exceeding the world average, and graduates who have gone on to attend prestigious art schools around the world. |
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Athletics Lower School
Lower Athletics at CDS
In the Lower School at Carrollwood Day School, athletics play an important role in promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students participate in a variety of age-appropriate sports and physical activities that focus on developing coordination, strength, and an understanding of the fundamentals of movement.
The athletics program encourages students to be active, engage in friendly competition, and build positive relationships with their peers. Through activities such as soccer, basketball, running, and more, students learn the value of discipline, cooperation, and healthy living. These experiences not only help students develop physical skills but also foster confidence and a lifelong love of physical activity.
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Athletics Middle School
Middle Athletics at CDS
In the Middle School at Carrollwood Day School, athletics provide students with opportunities to develop their physical skills, work as a team, and build confidence through sports. The program emphasizes the importance of fitness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship, with students participating in a variety of team and individual sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross-country, and track.
Middle School athletes focus on improving their skills, learning game strategies, and fostering a strong sense of cooperation and responsibility. The athletics program supports both competitive and recreational participation, ensuring that students of all abilities can enjoy and benefit from physical activity while promoting leadership, discipline, and a commitment to health.
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Athletics Upper School
Upper Athletics at CDS
In the Upper School at Carrollwood Day School, athletics are an integral part of student life, offering a wide range of opportunities for personal growth, physical fitness, and teamwork. There are 20 varsity sports teams students can choose from. Students participate in competitive sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross-country, track, and more while developing advanced skills, strategies, and a strong sense of sportsmanship.
The athletics program emphasizes leadership, discipline, and mental toughness, as students learn to balance academics with athletic commitment. With a focus on both individual and team success, the program encourages athletes to reach their full potential while fostering a sense of community and school pride. Students are also given opportunities to compete at various levels, from regional to state competitions, further enhancing their athletic experience.
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Beyond the Bell
Beyond the Bell
Being a CDS Patriot means your day doesn't end with the last bell. From after-school enrichments and Power Hour to community service, Round Square adventures, and Duke of Edinburgh outdoor experiences, the journey of growth and discovery continues.
At CDS, learning and playing don’t stop when the school day ends—our enrichment programs ignite curiosity, creativity, and growth, ensuring every student thrives beyond the bell.
Community Service
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Community ServiceCommunity service at Carrollwood Day School begins with our youngest students in the Lower School, where they engage in age-appropriate activities that foster empathy and the joy of helping others. As students progress, service becomes a central theme, woven into class trips and collaborative projects. In Middle School, 8th-grade students participate in the Community Project Fair as part of the IB curriculum, where they explore meaningful ways to make an impact. In the Upper School, service takes on greater depth through the IB Programme, with requirements that challenge students to address real-world issues and make meaningful contributions to their communities. |
Duke of Edinburgh
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Duke of EdinburghThe Duke of Edinburgh Award at Carrollwood Day School offers students a unique opportunity to develop skills, leadership, and resilience through a globally recognized program. Students engage in a series of challenges across four key areas—volunteering, physical activity, skill development, and an adventurous journey. This program fosters personal growth, responsibility, and teamwork, empowering students to become well-rounded global citizens ready to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. |
Aftercare
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AftercareCDS offers comprehensive aftercare and enrichment programs designed to engage students beyond the classroom. Every Wednesday morning for Power Hour, our faculty and staff dedicate the first hour to curriculum development, continuing education, and other professional growth opportunities. |
Round Square
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Round SquareCarrollwood Day School was accepted as a Round Square Candidate School in 2022, becoming part of a vibrant, international network of 230 schools in 50 countries across six continents that connect and collaborate to offer experiences that develop global understanding. As a member of Round Square, CDS is now part of a unique network of schools that promotes six shared IDEALS of global citizenship: International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Awareness, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. CDS is the 21st Round Square school in the United States and is one of only three Round Square schools in Florida. |
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Philanthropy
Philanthropy at CDS
We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of the philanthropic community that has become an integral part of Carrollwood Day School's legacy. Our school continues to thrive and grow because of the enduring support of parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, who have laid a strong foundation upon which we build every day. Your contributions enable us to fulfill our mission and expand our vision for the future. Whether you’re volunteering at the Fall Festival, serving on the Gala committee, or donating during our Day of Giving, your involvement helps preserve the culture of volunteerism and philanthropy that defines CDS.
As an IB World School, we cultivate principled entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society by enriching the mind, strengthening the character, and inspiring the passions of our community.
| Carrollwood Day School is a private, independent K-12 school located in Tampa, Florida, offering a rigorous and well-rounded education. As the only school on the west coast of Florida to provide the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), CDS prepares students for success in an interconnected world. |
With a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community engagement, CDS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and leadership opportunities, to ensure students grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. |
Discover so much more...
Based on your selections, here is a glimpse of your interests at Carrollwood Day School.