Elementary Academics | Carrollwood Day School Lower School

Photo of Elementary Students

[custom-breadcrumbs]

Academics at the Elementary School 

At the Carrollwood Day School Elementary Campus, students in Grades 1 through 5 build upon the strong foundation established in early childhood, growing as curious, capable, and compassionate learners. Guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), the elementary curriculum integrates academic rigor with inquiry-based learning to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and global awareness.

Our approach nurtures the whole child, supporting academic growth while fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and character. Students benefit from programs like Conscious Discipline and Responsive Classroom, which promote a safe and respectful learning environment.

Specialist classes in Spanish, music, art, physical education, library, and technology enrich the core curriculum and allow students to explore and express their individual talents. With a strong emphasis on leadership, community, and personal growth, CDS elementary students emerge as confident thinkers who are ready to take on new challenges and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

EXPLORE MORE

In this Section

Elementary Parent Testimonial

Carrollwood Day School's Primary Years Programme has truly transformed my child's learning experience. The focus on inquiry and exploration has ignited a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. It's amazing to see my child confidently ask questions, think critically, and make connections to the world around them. The collaborative environment between teachers and specialists has helped my child grow both academically and personally, and we are excited to continue this journey at CDS!

CDS Elementary Parent

Elementary Teacher Testimonial

Teaching in Carrollwood Day School's Primary Years Programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The emphasis on inquiry-based learning allows me to guide students as they discover their own passions and deepen their understanding of the world. Watching them take ownership of their learning and seeing their curiosity grow each day is truly inspiring. The collaboration with my fellow teachers and specialists ensures that every student’s learning experience is rich, dynamic, and meaningful.

Maddie Craft, 3rd Grade Teacher

Academics at the Elementary Level 

The Primary Years Programme (PYP), at Carrollwood Day School sparks curiosity and empowers young learners to discover and explore the world around them. With inquiry-based learning at its core, students are encouraged to investigate, question, and reflect on local and global examples.


As the first school on the West Coast of Florida to offer PYP, we create an environment where lifelong learning begins in our preschool and elementary classrooms. Teachers collaborate with specialists in arts, technology, physical education, and more to deliver rich, challenging experiences that go beyond traditional subjects.

Our PYP curriculum includes:

  • Language Arts: Collaborative Classroom, Handwriting Without Tears
  • Mathematics: Dimensions
  • Social Studies & Science: IB Units of Inquiry
  • Additional Enrichment: Art, Maker Lab, Music, Library, PE, Spanish, Computers

A highlight of the PYP is the Exhibition, where 5th graders dive into a long-term inquiry project that addresses real-world issues, developing skills like research, organization, and critical thinking. They also identify ways to take positive action, sharing their insights with the community as they prepare to transition to the Middle Years Programme.


At CDS, we’re setting the stage for our youngest learners to become curious, informed, and engaged global citizens!

Elementary student raising their hand

Discover so much more...

Based on your selections, here's a glimpse of what your day at Carrollwood Day School could look like: