Why Parents Should Choose an Independent, IB-World School for Their Children
Tampa Bay Business Journal
January 27, 2025
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. At Carrollwood Day School, we understand that parents are not just looking for a place where their children can learn but for an environment that supports their child’s academic, emotional and social development. Parents choose independent private schools like CDS because they provide a unique opportunity for children to thrive in a personalized, nurturing environment that prepares them for their future.
The National Association of Independent Schools recently identified four key areas parents look to when choosing an independent school for their children: replacing a school that isn’t working academically or socially for their child; fulfilling their child’s potential in a values-aligned community; seeking to develop a well-rounded person who will impact the world; and helping their talented child realize a plan for the future.
With the changing educational culture and market, parents have more options than ever for educating their children. When investing in education, parents want to be sure the school they choose exceeds their needs and expectations.
At Carrollwood Day School (CDS), we take pride in exceeding expectations through the full continuum implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. As an IB World School, CDS prepares students for academic success through a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, every student is encouraged to develop intellectual curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning. As an IB World School, we check all the boxes. We cultivate principled entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society by enriching the mind, strengthening the character and inspiring the passions of our community, so by the time our students graduate, they are prepared and inspired to better the world.
One of the key reasons parents choose independent schools is to provide their children with an environment where they can truly thrive and be equipped for success in life. At CDS, we embrace this vision by providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for college and a fulfilling future. Academically, we provide a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), bringing up our students in the IB mindset from preschool all the way to graduation. This challenging and globally recognized curriculum nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, inquiry, creativity, leadership and emotional intelligence, empowering students to excel both in and out of the classroom.
Whether they are conducting research in the sciences, exploring world history in-depth or debating global issues, our students are always engaging with content that encourages them to ask "why" and "how" in meaningful ways, preparing them for great success in life.
"In the public school system, my son struggled in an environment where teachers had limited resources. He was disengaged and not reaching his full potential, often expressing how much he disliked school. I felt his discouragement and grew increasingly concerned about his transition to middle school, both academically and socially. We had heard wonderful things about CDS and believed an independent school could provide the resources and nurturing environment our son needed. After experiencing a student-led tour and a shadow day, we felt confident that CDS was the right fit for our rising sixth grader. We were impressed by the confidence instilled in the students at CDS, the joy we felt as we walked the halls, and the diverse range of courses and extracurricular opportunities available. Watching him thrive in his first few months has validated our decision. He now loves school, his grades have improved significantly, and he’s found friends and passions both in and outside the classroom. Choosing CDS has truly been a transformative experience for our family," said one middle school parent.
Providing a nurturing and supportive educational community
Parents want their children to feel safe, supported, and valued in their educational environment. At CDS, our faculty and staff encourage self-advocacy and convey a sense of community. From the youngest students in our ECC to our senior class, we promote a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
We want to ensure that every student at CDS succeeds, no matter what that success looks like to them and their families. Our class sizes are small, allowing teachers to give personalized attention and get to know each child’s strengths, weaknesses and interests. Our academic counselors work with students from Kindergarten through 12th grade to help them navigate their academic paths and personal growth. Whether students are looking for advanced academic enrichment or need extra support, we provide tailored solutions to meet each child’s needs. We prioritize offering a rigorous academic curriculum while ensuring students maintain a healthy life balance. By fostering emotional intelligence and resilience, we help students develop the essential skills needed to navigate both academic challenges and the complexities of life.
Beyond academics, our school-wide events like homecoming, athletic programs in all divisions and experiential activities, including Duke of Edinburgh camping expeditions and Round Square international conferences, offer opportunities for students to bond, form friendships and develop a sense of belonging. The Beyond the Bell program, which includes after-school enrichment opportunities and Wednesday morning enrichment sessions, is just one example of how we create a vibrant, inclusive community where students can explore their interests and build lasting connections. Our parent and alumni networks are also an integral part of our school community, supporting our students’ journeys and staying involved long after graduation.
Fostering character development and well-roundedness
Character development is integral to the educational experience at CDS. We understand the importance of teaching students how to be responsible, ethical and compassionate individuals. At CDS, we embed these values in everything, from classroom discussions to community service projects.
Our commitment to developing strong character is reinforced by our involvement in the Round Square program, which fosters international-mindedness, leadership and service. Through community service projects, leadership opportunities, and global exchanges, students at CDS learn to think about the impact they have on others and the world around them. This program allows our students to develop a deep sense of social responsibility, empowering them to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Helping your child reach their greatest potential
As our students progress through the divisions, CDS is dedicated to fostering their unique talents and academic proclivities to prepare them for a successful college experience. Our International Baccalaureate curriculum is designed to help students develop their strengths, whether in the arts, sciences, athletics, entrepreneurship or leadership. Through challenging and engaging course work, professional faculty ensure that students not only excel academically while at CDS but also acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the demanding environments when they matriculate to the most prestigious universities.
Over the years, we have cultivated multiple pathways to graduation that align with each student’s interests, aptitudes and aspirations. With a 100% success rate in four-year college acceptances since our first graduating class in 2009, CDS provides a broad spectrum of opportunities for students to explore.
From eighth grade onward, our students and their families are supported in preparing for the college journey. Our experienced college counseling team guides students through the admissions process, helping students gain acceptance into some of the most competitive schools, both within Florida and across the nation and the world. With students gaining acceptance into prestigious institutions like Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania, and with many securing prestigious scholarships, we take pride in tailoring each student’s academic path to their abilities.
Exceeding expectations at every step
At Carrollwood Day School, we don’t just fulfill the essential roles parents seek in an independent school; we do far more. Since our founding in 1982, CDS has prided itself on being a community of learners, growing from a preschool into a premiere pre-K-12th grade destination independent school for parents and students seeking a program and community that is truly responsive to the needs of the future. With Patriot Pride, we are building a community of individuals prepared and inspired to make a positive impact on the world.
Deciding to invest in an independent, private college-preparatory school is one of the biggest and most important decisions families make. While there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all institution, CDS works hard to ensure once you make that decision, you are reminded every day why it was worth it. There is no substitute for the people and programs that make up a Patriot life.
Read more about who we are and our amazing community here. You can also read our article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal here.