Taking our IB School International
Carrollwood 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 3 RS schools in Florida.
Simply said, Round Square is a world-class approach to character education. With Carrollwood Day School’s enduring commitment to “Education with Character” and our mission to cultivate principled global citizens, becoming a Round Square school is a natural fit for CDS. Round Square schools connect and collaborate to develop global competence, character, and confidence in students. This unique network of schools promotes six shared IDEALS of global citizenship: International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Awareness, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
Being a Round Square school has enabled CDS to provide increased authentic, experiential learning opportunities for our students through international student exchanges, work projects, student conferences, community service, and adventure activities with students from like-minded schools around the world in locations across the globe. In 2022-2023, CDS had Upper School and Middle School students travel to the UK. Our Upper School students also had the opportunity to go to Morocco with Round Square.
Round Square has also connected our faculty with a supportive international network of like-minded teachers that share their aspirations, challenges, opportunities, and successes and provide access to professional development opportunities both as workshop delegates and presenters, as well as the chance to visit – and learn from – other RS schools.
While CDS already has developed opportunities around similar principles, Round Square offers a whole school structure and rich collaborative experiences for students and faculty across all three divisions that advance these priorities through immersive and meaningful involvement.
Being a member of Round Square has given the students of this school unique experiences that have broadened their horizons and enriched their lives. They have gained new perspectives, developed skills, and formed bonds with people from different parts of the world. These experiences have not only contributed to their personal growth but have helped open the eyes, minds, and hearts of students here at CDS.
For more information about the Round Square program, contact Brad Hayes, our International Programs Coordinator, and Round Square representative.