Built by Belief: The Impact of Philanthropy at CDS
From a neighborhood preschool in 1982 to a leading IB school in Tampa Bay,
Carrollwood Day School continues to grow because of a community that believes in what is possible.
By Felicia Allard Smith, Chief Advancement Officer
Carrollwood Day School has always been built by people willing to believe in what is possible.
This is not just a standard line we share in leadership presentations. That belief has guided CDS from its earliest days, shaping the decisions, ideas, and people who have carried the school forward. In 1982, when our story began as a modest preschool in a neighborhood shopping center, a handful of visionary parents, teachers, and administrators dared to dream. Their vision of a school rooted in inquiry, critical thinking, and global learning launched a nearly 45-year journey, transforming CDS into one of the preeminent International Baccalaureate schools in Tampa Bay.
As French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry famously wrote, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” At CDS, our plan is powered by philanthropy.
Recently, more than 50 members of our Annual Giving Committee gathered for their monthly meeting. These dedicated volunteers do not simply support our mission; they fuel it with their time, talent, and treasure. Watching their passion, it becomes clear that they carry the exact same spirit as the founding families of 1982. A deep understanding that philanthropy is what transforms a strong school into an extraordinary community.
Today, CDS is experiencing unprecedented momentum. With record enrollment, exceptional faculty, ambitious students, engaged families, and accomplished alumni, our school is vibrant with achievement. Across all divisions, Patriots are excelling academically, embracing entrepreneurship and innovation, engaging with the world, performing on stage, competing at the highest levels in athletics, and building the character and confidence to lead.
When you look at the tangible impact of donor support over the past year alone, you see the heart and purpose behind every dollar.
- Investing in Our Educators: Donor generosity funded faculty retention bonuses and transformational professional development, honoring the teachers who inspire our students every day.
- Expanding Programming: Philanthropy launched the Entrepreneurship Institute, deepened global experiences, and funded international teacher exchanges.
- Building Community & Safety: We enhanced campus security, elevated our arts and athletics with the installation of new turf, bleachers, lighting, and sound. When we invest in our infrastructure, we aren't just laying turf; we are creating a stadium where our scholar-athletes build resilience, team unity, and moral courage under Friday night lights.
- Securing our Future: We established three new endowed funds dedicated to long-term faculty excellence, entrepreneurship, and student opportunities, ensuring the Patriot Nation remains strong for generations to come.
Every gift, regardless of size, becomes part of the story of our school. Philanthropy is the spark that ignites our faculty, empowers our students, and keeps the dream alive.
Just like those first families in 1982, we remain committed to a shared dream: to be the destination school for students, families, and educators inspired to leave their mark on the world. I feel incredibly honored to work alongside the community that believes in what CDS is today and what we are destined to become.
For more information on philanthropic opportunities at Carrollwood Day School, please click HERE.