Academics at Carrollwood Day School | IB Curriculum, Rigorous Education, and Student Excellence

Home
Academics

[custom-breadcrumbs]

A`c`ademics

Carrollwood Day School's unique academic program is based on the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate curricula with a continuum of instruction from preschool through Grade 12. All IB programmes are learner-centered and inquiry-based.

Students are prepared to be functionally multilingual and informed with a world perspective in history, literature, geography, mathematics and the sciences. The program culminates with the IB Diploma, recognized by colleges and universities around the world, often with advanced standing.

A Guide to Academics at CDS

One of my main goals in the middle school is to prepare students for high school. One of the things I really like about middle school is that we embrace failure because that's where we learn and build.

Jason Ault | Middle School Design Tech Teacher

International Baccalaureate Program (IB)

`A World-Class Education for Global Thinkers ages 3 - 12th grade`

Carrollwood Day School is proud to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). These globally recognized programs foster critical thinking, curiosity, and a passion for learning, preparing students to excel academically and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Discover IB at CDS

Lower School

`ECC - Toddlers through Kindergarten Elementary - 1st through 5th Grade`

Carrollwood Day School began as a preschool with a group of small children who asked big questions. Since 1982, that has not changed. Our early childhood program is still about asking big questions and nurturing a small child's curiosity and confidence. CDS Lower School focuses on the whole child.

Kindergarten is a pivotal year for students as they prepare for the elementary school level. CDS students can take their preschool learning experiences and, under the guidance of skillful teachers, begin to create the formal foundation for success in school and life. Through the framework of the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) elementary students develop skills vital to becoming skillful and knowledgeable, self-directed, self-motivated, and self-confident. In the Lower School, we seek to develop caring and well-prepared citizens of tomorrow's world.

Discover CDS Lower School

Middle School

`6th - 8th Grades`

In the IB 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 school students emerge as confident, principled learners prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Discover CDS Middle School

Upper School

`9th - 12th Grades`

In the Upper School at Carrollwood Day School, academic excellence is enhanced through a comprehensive and rigorous approach that spans the IB 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.

Discover CDS Upper School

Middle School Student in the classroom

Lower School student raising hand

Middle School student conducting a science experiment

Upper School students with project

Dis`c`over US! Apply now..

As you explore the many opportunities Carrollwood Day School offers students and families, please know that the `Department of Admissions` is here to help in any way we can.

Discover Admissions

Book a visit or schedule a call with a member of our admissions team and discover what it means to have Patriot Pride!

Academic Fa`c`ts

Scroll for more

Kindergarten students smiling in front of the building

100%

of students beginning in Kindergarten take a foreign language

At Carrollwood Day School, every student, starting in Kindergarten, is immersed in foreign language learning. This early exposure to language helps build a strong foundation in communication skills, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. As students progress through each grade level, they continue to develop their language proficiency, with options in Spanish and French, ensuring they are prepared to engage with the world in a meaningful way.

College counseling advisor speaking to upper school students

4

college counseling associates dedicated to ensure freshman through seniors are supported throughout the college process

The CDS college counseling department works closely with students and families to help them explore college options, refine their academic and extracurricular profiles, prepare for standardized testing, and craft compelling applications. With personalized attention and expertise, the college counseling team ensures that each student is equipped with the tools and confidence to make informed decisions about their future

100

of all curriculum-based trips are included in the CDS tuition

At Carrollwood Day School, all curriculum-based trips are included in the tuition, offering students enriching, hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom. These trips are designed to enhance academic content and provide real-world connections to what students are studying. For example, 6th graders visit the Kennedy Space Center to explore Earth science, 8th graders travel to Washington, D.C. to experience U.S. history firsthand, and 10th graders journey to Boston to dive deeper into American history and culture. These immersive experiences are integral to the CDS educational philosophy, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and engaging education.

The IB curriculum is widely respected by college admissions officers because it challenges students with a rigorous, globally-minded education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of diverse perspectives. IB graduates are well-prepared for the demands of higher education and beyond.

College Admissions Associate

Academics at Carrollwood Day School | IB Curriculum, Rigorous Education, and Student Excellence