As we reflect on the first half of the 2024-2025 academic year, the theme of cultivating a community of inquirers is becoming more than just a concept for our students; it’s taking shape in classrooms, hallways, and beyond the school gates. At Carrollwood Day School, inquiry is an ongoing commitment to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking at every level of our community. From our youngest learners at the Early Childhood Campus to our senior class preparing for graduation, the journey of inquiry guides us toward new possibilities, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. In the classroom, students embark on projects that challenge them to think beyond the surface. Whether conducting scientific experiments, unraveling historical mysteries, or tackling real-world issues, they are learning to ask insightful questions and work collaboratively to find answers. This year, we’ve seen students take charge of their learning with projects that extend beyond the traditional curriculum. Fifth-grade classes explored what it must have been like to immigrate from Europe to the U.S. with an Ellis Island Simulation. Avery Wallace ‘26 has turned her middle school community service project into a campus-wide initiative, establishing a culture of environmental sustainability at Carrollwood Day School through the implementation of recycling and composting programs. These experiential learning opportunities give students the tools to connect classroom learning to the world around them while nurturing their innate curiosity.
As a school, we are not just focused on what our students can learn, but on how they learn. Inquiry-based learning fosters independent thinking and empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey. The inquiry process, asking questions, exploring different perspectives, and reflecting on their findings, becomes integral to their growth as thinkers and problem solvers and prepares them for the wide world ahead.
The excitement extends beyond the students. Our faculty and staff continue to embrace the spirit of inquiry through professional development opportunities, where they too are expanding their knowledge and refining their teaching methods. This year opportunities abound, from CDS hosting teachers from Kenya, Japan, Rwanda, Spain, and Switzerland, to staff collaborating at a forum in Canada on ways to effectively market Round Square within the school community. With each opportunity, we are strengthening our ability to not only lead students on this journey of discovery but to position ourselves as leaders in the IB Independent School arena.
Looking ahead, the rest of the school year promises even more opportunities to further integrate inquiry into our daily lives. Students will continue to explore new realms of knowledge through special events, guest speakers, field trips, and global exchanges to the Caribbean, South America, and Europe that will surely broaden their horizons. They will participate in interdisciplinary projects that break down the walls between subjects, allowing them to approach problems from multiple angles and work together to create innovative solutions. We are excited to continue nurturing the spirit of inquiry at Carrollwood Day School. By cultivating curious minds, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a love of learning, we are preparing our students to be lifelong inquirers, ready to make a positive difference.
If you'd like to read more about how our CDS community nurtures their sense of inquiry, you can read the Spring 2025 issue of The Talon HERE.