Community Day School

Terrific preschool. Great COVID safety procedures. We moved here from NYC during COVID and learned about CDS through WOM and online. The curriculum is fantastic, the teachers and staff (Miss Patty and Linda!) are experienced and dedicated, and the facilities are great. We especially love the Reggio Emilia curriculum for the little ones (our son is 3) that has lots of play-based learning. We love the outdoor areas: the garden, the chickens, playgrounds, big green space, race track, bikes, etc. This school is providing a top level quality education that is challenging (in a good way) but fun. It rivals many of the top preschools programs in NYC. One major plus is that the administration is well organized, and it is easy to make payments/understand costs. Important to note: we are not Jewish and feel that we integrated well; it is truly a school for everyone and I love the diversity--very relevant today. Highly recommend.

I cannot say enough about the education my children have received at Community Day School! I find myself falling in love with the school, the teachers and faculty, the classroom culture, the unique curriculum that keeps learning fun, the outdoor garden space and emphasis on project-based learning and the school families who are a part of this school many times over. From the warm, inviting environment, to their emphasis on inclusion and embracing the differences in each student, to the sincere LOVE and passion EVERY teacher brings to their classrooms every day - Community Day School is truly a gem. My kids started at 15 months old and have been running into school every day since. Look no further - this school has it all!

When we relocated to Sarasota, I didn't think that private school was something our family would need. Sarasota County is known for its amazing school district and top-rated schools. We searched for a home that was in an "A" school district and thought we were set. But even with all our planning - public school just didn't pan out as we had hoped. It was hard to access the right programs and the right teachers to meet the needs of our children - especially entering the school system in the middle of the school year. We came across Community Day School in our search to find a school that met the needs of our entire family. We knew we were in the right spot the second we stepped through the door. The classrooms were engaging, the faculty were kind and focused on welcoming our children into the space. The project-based learning is unmatched and provides a learning environment for all the students to find entry into the task at hand. In public school, my children were placed in a box. At Community Day School, they are the ones drawing their own lines around whatever shape it is they are growing into. Community Day is committed to the values of being a global citizen, and projects that into level of their educational experience. My favorite - how they meet my children at their grade level in each academic area. My children's favorite - the chickens!

I believe every child should have an identity and not just a name associated with a test score or grade but an understanding of who they are and how they flourish. Community Day School recognizes the significance of distinguishing each student and how to provide for their ability to thrive. Through respect, guidance and both group and one-on-one instruction, CDS is carving the path for young learners to be confident in society and in their personal endeavors. In my own experience I have seen a transition in my children (2nd grade and 8th grade) since starting at CDS. They are happier, more energized and have an eagerness to learn and ask questions. Their learning has excelled through the project-based learning environment, the individual curriculum pace and their accountability as part of the school and environment. They realize their opinion does matter and unifying with their peers in a non-judgmental, open forum gives them a voice and the aptitude to hear others with an open mind. Our past education experience has encompassed public, charter, virtual and gifted programs. I can say with utmost clarity that CDS has exceeded my expectations of providing a safe, high achieving, supportive and genuine caring enrichment center for the well-being of my children and our family. From the organic garden with chickens, the variety of sports, clubs and activities and taking learning to the next level by expanding the thought into a real-life situation, CDS is the essence by which the child blossoms. Each person at CDS completes the community and works together in creating a forum where students feel important and included. I have no doubt that placing my son and daughter at Community Day School is impacting their future and providing them with the ability to achieve goals, prosper in society and flourish both individually and in a community with confidence and equality.

Our 5th-grader started at CDS as a kindergartner and has had a wonderful learning experience over the last 6+ years. CDS is making a positive difference with our child in many ways. Among them is the individual focus we receive based on the specific needs and desires of our child. Our child did not attend pre-school so the start to school was rough to say the least. The CDS teachers and staff worked diligently with us to smooth the transition into an advanced learning environment. More recently, given a sports interest, our child is able to pursue his sports passion and dreams with the full support of the school. We have found the project-based curriculum combined with flexibility to allow students to study at their level in various courses simple amazing! In terms of teachers, staff and school administration, CDS is the best we could hope for our child. CDS is unique and has outstanding, dedicated people creating an integrated learning experience while instilling the community values and behaviors expected in future leaders. Highly recommend you consider this school!Negin Kaufman

As we enter the final half of our last year with a child at CDS our hearts are full with love for this wonderful learning environment our children have attended since the age of 2. This schools teachers, admin, and staff are like an extension of your family. They care about and know each student not just by name but who they are as an individual and that sense of self is nurtured from the youngest to the oldest students. A very low student teacher ratio lets them help each child develop their strengths and nurture their needs. CDS is the only true project based learning school in this area. Children of all ages learn to work together from a concept through to the final objective. Being a top performer is wonderful but Ivy League colleges and workforces today are are looking beyond that to see if people have the ability to work with others cohesively. On top of the education style that produces a love of learning you have things like the Organic Garden that is run by the students and where they learn about science, math, language arts and more while studying how plants grow from the smallest student to more complex educational experiences with the older students. For a small school there are many sports children are encouraged to participate in and so many wonderful after school activities. Bigger is not better when it comes to school size. A small school gives your child almost an individualized education. If your student needs to be challenged more they know, if they are struggling they know. Our oldest is now a Freshman in college and her younger years formed her into the successful well rounded student and person she is today. Our youngest will walk the graduation stage this year ready to take on a new school for her high school experience. Both grew much like the seeds of the organic garden from a tiny blossom to a strong hearty plant. They have not had to conform to "fit in" anywhere, they have been encouraged to be who they are with a strong sense of self and a love of learning at Community Day School is a special school like no other in this area.

From the moment you walk in the door, you feel that it is a safe and loving place to be - where all the teachers know all the students - not just by name, but for the individuals that they are. We are so grateful to this amazing school community!

Amazing school, dedicated teachers and staff, personalized attention to help each student reach their highest potential. Very highly recommended!

We are in a very unique position of being able to compare and contrast our experience at CDS with a gifted public charter school. Our child attended public school from 2-5 grade. This school is ranked as #1 in the state of FL and 6th in the country. We have been part of the CDS family since June 2016 and started 6th grade in August 2016. CDS has offered our child a WHOLE person education / experience from Day 1. The small environment has allowed CDS to KNOW our family. "D" is challenged academically as well as personally. We were concerned that he would be too advanced coming from a gifted school. This has NEVER been a concern. CDS took the time to analyze his skill set and placed him in the classes which were appropriate for him. He is happy yet challenged and more importantly PROUD of his work. We cannot say enough about our experience. This school has changed our lives. We are a happy family...he is accountable for his work....and holds himself accountable. He does this because CDS molds the mindset that the student (NOT the parent) is accountable for their responsibilities!! We are so very thankful to be apart of this family.

There's simply no other school like it! I don't know who loves Community Day School more -- our kids or us! It makes me wish we could go to school again. The teachers and staff are so warm, and authentically care about the kids. It's obvious that they are passionate about their work, and the kids' success and well-being. It's really like having a big family here, and nothing falls in between the cracks. Our family loves the Project-Based-Learning philosophy... We all have "ants in our pants," and enjoy experiential learning so much more than the traditional old way of learning. Isn't that what real life is like after all? We appreciate our kids being exposed to leadership skills, the arts, and cutting-edge technology from a very young age as well as respect for the environment. Mostly, we appreciate that the kids learn to be kind, and compassionate human-beings. I can't say enough about our school. Thank you, CDS!!!