Carrollwood Day School Photo #5 - Carrollwood Day School offers a competitive athletic program for students of all skill levels. Our athletes and coaches understand the importance of representing our school well. The focus is on excellent sportsmanship, teamwork, and the development of competitive teams and individuals. CDS athletic teams regularly qualify to compete in post-season competition.

Carrollwood Day School

previous
Carrollwood Day School Photo #1 - CDS' early childhood program builds on the children`s natural curiosity. Our teachers cultivate in them the desire and understanding necessary to continue to seek and use knowledge in an ever-changing world. Our children learn new information through their desire to problem solve and to delve further into their world.
next
Carrollwood Day School Photo #1 - CDS' early childhood program builds on the children`s natural curiosity. Our teachers cultivate in them the desire and understanding necessary to continue to seek and use knowledge in an ever-changing world. Our children learn new information through their desire to problem solve and to delve further into their world.
Carrollwood Day School Photo #2 - Science is a core part of the curriculum beginning in preschool. Students in the IB Diploma Programme (grades 11 and 12) select a two-year course in chemistry, physics, or biology. In addition to learning scientific methods and research skills through practical experimental work, these courses raise awareness of the social, moral economic, and environmental implications of using science and technology.
Carrollwood Day School Photo #3 - Technology is embedded in the curriculum at all levels enabling students to learn the skills they will need to succeed in a digital world. In addition to computer labs, classrooms share laptop carts in grades 1 - 5, and the middle and upper school have a one-to-one laptop program.
Carrollwood Day School Photo #4 - Elementary students learn about beat, rhythm, and pitch through the singing of songs, movement, and the playing of instruments. Younger students begin with rhythm instruments and in third-grade students learn to play the soprano recorder. Students create grade-level curriculum-related shows that are performed in front of the elementary school and parents and there are full school performances each year.
Carrollwood Day School Photo #5 - Carrollwood Day School's MakerLab provides many opportunities for our students to create, design, and explore. Every day students can be heard sharing their exciting STEEM experiences in the MakerLab. Through trial and error, they are learning that they are creative young inventors and problem solvers. They are gaining essential skills that will use as the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Carrollwood Day School Photo #6 - Carrollwood Day School offers a competitive athletic program for students of all skill levels. Our athletes and coaches understand the importance of representing our school well. The focus is on excellent sportsmanship, teamwork, and the development of competitive teams and individuals. CDS athletic teams regularly qualify to compete in post-season competition.
Carrollwood Day School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in preschool through 5th grade the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in grades 6 through 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students in grades 11 and 12.
CDS was the first school in Florida authorized by the prestigious International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the full continuum of IB programming and the sixth school in the United States to achieve this distinction.
CDS is a community of discovery and learning, empowering individuals to make a difference, developing and refining skills needed to be constructive citizens in an ever-changing world.
Carrollwood Day School stands out as a leader in its mission to educate the whole child.
In recognition of its academic excellence, CDS was selected as a 2004 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education and in 2017, the school was awarded the prestigious distinction of National School of Character for the second time. CDS emphasizes performance and moral character and believes that intelligence must operate within the context of high moral standards.
CDS stresses the importance of building an ethical learning community in its quest for academic excellence and develops the values and principles that will define its students as the future leaders of a global society.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 1,235 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $23,000
  • Acceptance rate: 78%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Carrollwood Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1982
Summer School Offered
Yes
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2004

Student Body

Total Students
1,235 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Carrollwood Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
48%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
2 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
IB DP Biology 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Biology 12 [SL/HL], IB DP Chemistry 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Chemistry 12 [SL/HL], IB DP Computer Science 11 [SL / HL], IB DP Computer Science 12 [SL / HL], IB DP English 11 [SL/HL], IB DP English 12 [SL/HL], IB DP English B 11 [SL], IB DP English B 12 [SL], IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies 11 [SL], IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies 12 [SL], IB DP French 11 [SL], IB DP French 11 ab initio [SL], IB DP French 12 [SL], IB DP French 12 ab initio [SL], IB DP Global Politics 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Global Politics 12 [SL/HL], IB DP History 11 [SL/HL], IB DP History 12 [SL/HL], IB DP Math 11 [HL], IB DP Math 11 [SL], IB DP Math 12 [HL], IB DP Math 12 [SL], IB DP Math Studies 11 [SL], IB DP Math Studies 12 [SL], IB DP Music 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Music 12 [SL/HL], IB DP Physics 11 [SL], IB DP Physics 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Physics 12 [SL], IB DP Physics 12 [SL], IB DP Psychology 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Psychology 12 [SL/HL], IB DP Spanish 11 [HL], IB DP Spanish 11 [SL], IB DP Spanish 11 ab initio [SL], IB DP Spanish 12 [SL], IB DP Spanish 12 ab initio [SL], IB DP Spanish A 12 [SL], IB DP Theatre Arts 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Theatre Arts 12 [SL/HL], IB DP Theory of Knowledge 11, IB DP Theory of Knowledge 12, IB DP Visual Arts 11 [SL/HL], IB DP Visual Arts 12 [SL/HL]
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
School uniforms for kindergarten - grade 12

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
2023-2024 Tuition:Preschool tuition ranges from $10,500 to $16,220. Kindergarten tuition is $17,750. Grades 1 - 5 tuition is $21,100. Middle School tuition is $23,900. High School tuition is $27,000
Acceptance Rate
78%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Dawn Schweitzer
Admissions Associate
Michelle Cáceres

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
51 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
20/20 Club (Middle School), 3D Design and Printing Club (Middle School), Action Club / Student Council (Elementary), AV Club, Book Club (Middle School), CDS Ambassadors, Chess, Computer Programming, Dance Committee, Diversity Club, Drama Club, Environmental Clubs (High School & Middle School), Film Aficionado (Middle School), Forensics, French National Honor Society, Girls Coding Club (Middle School), Guitar Ensemble (Middle School), History Club, Human Rights Club, Instrumental Music Lessons, International Club (Middle School), Intramural Sports (Elementary), Jr. Thespian Troupe, Junior Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, Math Club (Middle School), Middle School French Honor Society, Model United Nations, Mu Alpha Theta, National Beta Club (Middle School), National Honor Society, National Jr. Beta Club, Patriot Society (Middle School Leadership Club), Pep Squad (Elementary), Robotics Club, SADD, Spanish Club, Spanish National Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica), STEM Club (Middle School), Strategy Games, String Ensemble (Middle School), Student Advisory Board, Student Athletic Board, Student Council (Middle School), Student Government (High School), The International Thespian Society, Toastmasters International, Writing / Newspaper Club (Middle School), Year Book Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Creative Writing Club, French Club

School Notes

  • CDS was founded in 1981 and currently serves students from two-years-old through high school on two campuses in north Tampa.
  • Preschool and kindergarten students attend our Early Childhood Campus at 12606 Casey Road.
  • First grade through high school classes are located at CDS's upper campus located at 1515 W. Bearss Avenue.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Carrollwood Day School cost?
Carrollwood Day School's tuition is approximately $23,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Carrollwood Day School?
The acceptance rate of Carrollwood Day School is 78%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
What sports does Carrollwood Day School offer?
Carrollwood Day School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Equestrian, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Carrollwood Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Florida for most sports offered.
What is Carrollwood Day School's ranking?
Carrollwood Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Carrollwood Day School?
The application deadline for Carrollwood Day School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

Endorse Carrollwood Day School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 1,235 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $23,000
  • Acceptance rate: 78%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Tampa, FL is $10,834 for elementary schools and $11,685 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Tampa, FL is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links