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Lower School

At Carrollwood Day School, our Lower School provides a dynamic and nurturing environment that fosters a love of learning and curiosity in our youngest students. The Early Childhood Campus (ECC), serving toddlers through Kindergarten, and our Elementary program, encompassing 1st through 5th grades, both follow the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
 

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As the foundational stage of the IB continuum, the PYP encourages inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global awareness. Through hands-on, engaging experiences, students develop essential skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. The ECC focuses on creating a safe, stimulating environment where our youngest learners build confidence and explore their world with wonder. As students progress through the Elementary grades, they deepen their understanding of core subjects while making meaningful connections to real-world concepts.

At CDS, our Lower School prepares students for a seamless transition to the next stages of their educational journey while instilling a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.

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PYP

Toddlers to 5th Grade

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Carrollwood Day School fosters curiosity and a love of learning in students from toddlers to grade 5. Through inquiry-based learning and a transdisciplinary approach, the PYP develops critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills while nurturing a global perspective. It lays the foundation for lifelong learning and principled leadership.

Lower School Specials

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Specialized Programs

Carrollwood Day School’s Lower School offers a rich array of specialized programs designed to enhance student learning and creativity. Students engage in art, Design Technology/Maker Lab, and music, where they explore their artistic abilities and innovative thinking. The library fosters a love for reading and research, while physical education encourages physical fitness and teamwork. Spanish language instruction introduces students to a global perspective, building foundational language skills. These programs complement the core curriculum, providing a well-rounded educational experience that nurtures each child’s unique talents.

ECC students hugging or sharing
Education with Character

At Carrollwood Day School, the Education with Character program in Lower School focuses on nurturing both academic and personal growth. Through guidance and mentorship, students learn important values such as respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity. Teachers and staff create a supportive environment where character development is integrated into daily lessons and activities. This holistic approach helps students build strong social-emotional skills, fostering a positive and inclusive community where they can thrive academically and personally.

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Early Childhood

Carrollwood Day School began as a preschool with a group of small children who asked big questions. In more than 40 years, that has not changed. Our Early Childhood program is still about asking big questions and nurturing a small child's curiosity and confidence. 

One thing that has changed is our backyard.  It has become much larger. It is global, which is why beginning with our Early Childhood program, our curriculum builds on the framework of the International Baccalaureate programmes. Beginning in Preschool we introduce our students to inquiry-based learning as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).  It is the first step in an international education that begins in early childhood and lasts a lifetime.

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Elementary

The Primary Years Programme in Elementary grades at Carrollwood Day School focuses on the idea that students’ learning is based on experiences and prior knowledge.  Therefore, structured inquiry is the most common method used in the classroom.  Teachers structure learning experiences that ignite curiosity and have students search for knowledge and understanding. Students learn from local, national, and international examples and resources.

Carrollwood Day School is proud to have been the first school on the west coast of Florida to offer the PYP experience to our preschool and elementary students. We invite you to take a couple of minutes to see firsthand how the programme sets up life-long learning for the youngest members of our community.

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