Carrollwood Day School Launches the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Begins Search for Founding Director

Carrollwood Day School (CDS) is excited to announce the launch of the Institute for Entrepreneurship, an innovative program designed to instill entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This groundbreaking initiative reinforces CDS’s dedication to preparing students for success in today’s dynamic, interconnected world.

Entrepreneurial thinking at CDS is more than just a skill set—it’s a mindset. It’s about recognizing challenges as opportunities and taking action to create meaningful change. Through the Institute, CDS students will engage in hands-on learning, mentorship experiences, and signature programs in business, medicine, technology, service, and sustainability. These opportunities are made possible through partnerships within the CDS community and the broader Tampa Bay area.

“We are thrilled to launch this transformative initiative,” said Sara Rubinstein, Head of School. “Our goal is to inspire and equip students with the skills, creativity, and mindset to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. This reflects our dedication to innovation, experiential learning, and the values of the International Baccalaureate program.”

The Institute for Entrepreneurship advances the school’s mission to cultivate entrepreneurial thinkers who are prepared to lead in a global society. It embodies the CDS philosophy that leadership requires active participation in learning, not passive absorption of information. Through the school’s rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, students will apply their knowledge and skills to tackle the pressing challenges of their generation—whether standing out in a competitive field or contributing to environmental sustainability.

Focus Areas of the Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Institute will center around four key pillars to empower students:

  • Program Development and Curriculum Integration: Incorporating entrepreneurial and experiential learning opportunities into the K-12 curriculum to promote hands-on, project-based learning.
  • Student Engagement: Creating co-curricular programs such as the Patriot Pitch, startup incubators, business plan workshops, and sustainability projects.
  • Partnership Building: Collaborating with local businesses, universities, non-profits, and entrepreneurs to offer mentorship and real-world experiences.
  • Faculty Collaboration: Providing professional development workshops and fostering interdisciplinary projects to integrate entrepreneurial thinking across all subjects.

CDS students have already excelled in transformative opportunities across sustainability, business, public policy, and international education. The Institute will build on these successes by introducing initiatives such as micro-credentials, job shadowing, and leadership programs.

“Entrepreneurial thinking is a vital skill in today’s ever-changing world,” said Tim Walsh, Assistant Head of School for Academics. “Through the Institute for Entrepreneurship, we are doubling down on our commitment to providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster innovation and prepare them to lead with confidence and creativity.”

Community Engagement and Leadership Opportunities

The Institute for Entrepreneurship will foster strong community connections through:

  • Innovation Fairs
  • Entrepreneurial Showcases
  • Guest Speaker Series

By collaborating with local businesses and organizations, the Institute aims to extend its influence beyond the CDS campus, creating a meaningful impact throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Leadership and Vision

The Director of Entrepreneurship will play a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s vision. This individual will:

  • Develop and oversee the entrepreneurial curriculum.
  • Facilitate connections across grade levels and ensure resources are accessible to all students.
  • Build partnerships for internship and mentoring opportunities at the local, national, and global levels.
  • Collaborate with key school leaders to coordinate programs aligned with the Institute’s mission.

Looking Ahead

CDS invites families, alumni, and community partners to celebrate the launch of the Institute for Entrepreneurship, a visionary initiative that highlights the school’s leadership in providing a world-class education.

For more information about the Institute and the new Director position, please contact Tim Walsh at twalsh@carrollwooddayschool.org.

Carrollwood Day School continues to inspire students to better the world—one entrepreneurial thinker at a time.

Head to our Careers Page to learn more about this position and others!