WE
AREinquirers entrepreneurs collegeready
MISSION Our
At Carrollwood Day School, we cultivate entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society by enriching the mind, strengthening character, and inspiring the passions of our community.
onal Baccalaureate school on o extend their curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, we build a community that is prepared and inspired to better the world.
Our
VISION
Campus.
CDS wins its first State Championship thanks to volleyball!
World Class International
World Class International
Baccalaureate Curriculum
Baccalaureate Curriculum
Our International Baccalaureate school provides students with:
A globally recognized education
Enhanced critical thinking skills
Intercultural understanding
Academic rigor
Preparedness for life in an ever-changing world
Opportunities for creativity and inquiry
Cultivation of Cultivation of Entrepreneurial Thinkers Entrepreneurial Thinkers
CDS embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that:
Nurtures students' natural abilities
Inspires curiosity
Encourages innovation
Fosters effective communication
Empowers students to become thoughtful leaders
Develops perseverance
Global Citizenship Through Global Citizenship Through Round Square International Round Square International
Our affiliation with Round Square International produces:
Rich multicultural experiences
Exchange opportunities
Global competency
Faculty that collaborates with educators
worldwide
Cultural awareness
Excellence in Character Excellence in Character
We are committed to:
Cultivating strong character
Balancing academic rigor and extracurricular activities
Being open-minded risk-takers
Exploring diverse perspectives
Instilling strong core values
Encouraging students to be meaningful participants in their communities and the world
The IB Programme is an internationally recognized educational framework that progresses from preschool through 12th grade, developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and compassionate students who are prepared to thrive and make a positive impact in a global society.
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP)
MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP)
DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (DP)
SIXTH THROUGH TENTH GRADE ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH GRADE AGE THREE THROUGH FIFTH GRADE
Young learners are nurtured.
Students become compassionate, engaged participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
Curiosity is cultivated and creativity is encouraged.
Natural abilities are explored, sparking exploration and inspiring a deeper connection with the surrounding world.
Practical connections are made between their studies and the real world.
Confidence is built by managing their own learning.
Students are empowered for growth in further studies and throughout life.
Diploma is respected by leading universities across the globe.
Students have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge.
Graduates have flourished physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically, and are prepared for success within our community and across the globe.
Rising CDS juniors should select one of the three graduation pathways below that align with their competitive best fit for college admissions. Choice should be based on personal interests, academic aptitude, and college ambitions.
CDS + IB FULL DIPLOMA CDS + COURSE CANDIDATE CDS GRADUATE
MOST RIGOROUS MORE RIGOROUS RIGOROUS
Six IBDP Courses, IB Core Requirements + IB exams
Same six subjects for two years, limited flexibility in course selection
IB exams in all six subjects (3 Higher Level, 3 Standard Level)
Award of IB Diploma and 100+ service hours entitles student to receive top tier of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
Possible college credit, depending on university, for IB exam scores
Combination of IBDP Courses and CDS Honors Courses
Option to sit for select IB exams and may receive college credit (CDS final exam for any subject not testing)
IB Core not required which allows for more flexibility in course selection
GPA, SAT/ACT test scores & service hours determine Florida Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility
Limited IBDP Courses and CDS Honors Courses
IB exams not required
CDS final exams required
IB Core not required which allows for more flexibility in course selection
GPA, SAT/ACT test scores & service hours determine Florida Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility
The EVOLUTION ATHLETICS
At Carrollwood Day School, we are dedicated to fostering good health and active lifestyles as integral components of student development. Our athletics program, like our arts program, emphasizes the importance of progression. Students develop their athletic abilities and understanding of sports over time, while enjoying a supportive and inclusive environment.
AT CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL of LOWER SCHOOL: INTRODUCING AND EXPLORING
Athletics play a crucial role in a lower school student’s development by introducing fundamental motor skills and basic sports concepts in an engaging and enjoyable manner. The f i on making physical activity fun, fostering teamwork, illing good sportsmanship. By the time our students ementary school they have the opportunity to join the a er of n
MIDDLE SCHOOL: DEVELOPING AND COLLABORATING
In middle school athletics, students start to engage in competitive play, building upon the fundamental skills they’ve developed and learning the nuances of competitive sports. The Middle School Athletic Department offers 19 competitive sports, giving students the chance to focus on and showcase their skills while expanding on elements of strategy and discipline.
UPPER SCHOOL: MASTERING AND COMPETING
In upper school athletics, students are immersed in advanced skill development and high-level competition, backed by specialized training and expert coaching. By joining one of our 20 varsity sports teams, students have the opportunity to compete in prestigious events and achieve remarkable success, as exemplified by our 2024 State Champion Girls Indoor Volleyball and Boys Soccer teams.
T H E J O U R N E Y O F A R T S A T C D S
The performing, visual, and musical arts are essential in education for nurturing creativity, fostering a spirit of inquiry, and encouraging emotional expression. At CDS, our arts programs are designed to be both comprehensive and progressive. We employ innovative teaching methods, offer a diverse range of courses, and provide enriching cultural experiences to cultivate students' artistic talents and support their growth.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CAMPUS: SETTING THE STAGE FOR ARTISTIC SUCCESS
Our youngest learners are encouraged to express themselves and experiment with various art materials and techniques, fostering creativity, encouraging critical thinking, and developing problem-solving skills.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
DEVELOPING AN INTEREST FOR THE ARTS
Students explore the fundamentals of music, art, and theatre, developing a greater appreciation as they refine their skills through school-wide events and performances.
THE PATRIOT PLAYHOUSE: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM AND WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
In 2022, Carrollwood Day School opened its theater doors to the community, thanks to our committed Middle School Theatre teacher, Julie Nelson. Students from CDS and all over Tampa Bay have the opportunity to perform in three full theatrical productions a year. Our focus on inspiring the passions of our community is paralleled through the work of the Patriot Playhouse.
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
DEVELOPING TECHNIQUE AND EXPRESSION
Middle school students participate in more structured, technique-focused classes in the arts, music, and theatre, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, band, orchestra, guitar, acting, and technical design.
UPPER SCHOOL:
MASTERING AND SHOWCASING TALENT
Upper school students develop advanced techniques and personal growth through specialized courses, as well as opportunities for exhibitions, performances, and competitions.
& round square
Carrollwood Day School's affiliation with Round Square is a significant aspect of its educational framework, connecting students and staff with a diverse global network spanning over 50 countries on six continents. Through this partnership, students and staff at CDS have access to a wide range of international opportunities. Last school year, Patriots journeyed across Europe, Africa, and Asia, gaining valuable insight into different cultures and practices.
Faculty Experiences
Upper SchoolStudents InternationalCollegeinIasi,Romania
on
University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Brown University Bryant University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University But
ity Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University of America Centre College Chapman University Clark Atlanta
Clark University Clarkson University Clemson University Colby College Colgate University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross Colora
Mines Colorado State University (Fort Collins) Connecticut College Cornell University Dartmouth College Davidson College DePaul University Den
ity Drew University Drexel University Duke University Duquesne University East Carolina University Eckerd College Elon University Embry-Riddle
autical University Emerson College Emory University Fairfield University Fashion Institute of Technology Flagler College Florida Agricultural and
l University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Institute of Technology Florida International University Florida Polytech
y Florida Southern College Florida State University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Furman University George Mason Universit
CLASS OF 2024Highlights
Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Gonzaga University Hamilton College High Poin
y Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Howard University I.E. University of Madrid Indiana University (Bloomington) Iona Univers
100%
4
ege Jacksonville University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Kenyon College King’s College London (UK) Lafayette College L College Lehigh University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University (Chicago) Loyola University (Baltimore) Loyola
admitted to a 4-year college or university since our first Upper School graduating class in 2009
students were named National Merit Finalists in the 2023-24 school year
sity (New Orleans) Lynn University Marquette University Marshall University Maryland Institute College of Art McGill University (Canada) Mercer
ty Merrimack College Miami University (Ohio) Michigan State University Middlebury College Mississippi State University Montana State University
99%
College Mount Holyoke College Muhlenberg College New College of Florida New Jersey Institute of Technology New York University North Caro
ersity Northeastern University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Oglethorpe University Ohio University Oxford College at Em
1 of 15 schools in the U.S. to earn Cum Laude Society membership and be an International Baccalaureate (IB) qualified institution
admitted to at least one Phi Beta Kappa institution, the highest collegiate honor society consisting of 290 schools in the U.S.
versity Pennsylvania State University (University Park) Pepperdine University Princeton University Providence College Purdue University Quinnipi
versity Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Rice University Ringling College of Art and Design Rochester Institute of Technology
35%
lliams University Rollins College Rutgers University (New Brunswick) SUNY (Buffalo) Sacred Heart University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Lou Samford University San Diego State University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design Seattle University Seton Hall Univers
The University of the South Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Spelman College St. John’s University St. Lawrence University Stanf
of the 2024 senior class utilized Early Decision I or II, a new school record
ty Stetson University Stevens Institute of Technology Stony Brook University Syracuse University Temple University Texas A&M University Texas
University The American University of Paris (France) The College of William and Mary The College of Wooster The New School (New York) The O
18
versity Towson University Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University Union College United States Air Forc
90% of the class of 2024 applied to at least one out of state school 48% of students from the class of 2024 are attending an out-of-state college or university
United States Military Academy (West Point) United States Naval Academy University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham University
University of Arkansas University of Birmingham (UK) University of California (Berkeley) University of California (Irvine) University of California (Lo
seniors from the class of 2024 are participating in NCAA/NAIA division 1, 2 or 3 athletics (baseball, football, women’s swimming, women’s volleyball, & women’s soccer)
niversity of California (San Diego) University of California (Santa Barbara) University of California (Santa Cruz) University of Central Florida Unive
cago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado (Boulder) University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver University of (UK) University of Florida University of Georgia University of Glasgow (UK) University of Hartford University of Houston University of Iowa Univers as University of Kentucky University of Leeds (UK) University of Liverpool (UK) University of Louisville University of Manchester (UK) University of College Park) University of Massachusetts (Amherst) University of Memphis University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota (T
AT CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL
Michelle Cáceres
Director of LS Admissions & Strategic Planning mcaceres@cdspatriots.org
Dawn Schweitzer
Director of MS/US Admissions & Financial Aid dschweitzer@cdspatriots.org
Charlotte Benziger Assistant Director of Admissions cbenziger@cdspatriots.org
Vianca Danner
Admissions Associate for MS/US vdanner@cdspatriots.org
Jes Nugent
Admissions Associate for LS jnugent@cdspatriots.org
Rachel Paggio Admissions Assistant rpaggio@cdspatriots.org