For more than 50 years, Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, a fully accredited, nonsectarian school, has balanced a dynamic, nurturing, and safe learning environment with high academic standards and expectations to develop a positive approach to life and learning. Corbett Prep is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) at all grade levels, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in PreK3 through 5th grade and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in grades 6 through 8. Corbett Prep is a National Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award School. Corbett Prep faculty are endorsed in gifted education through a master's-level partnership grant with the University of South Florida. Teachers put children first, attending to each child as both an individual and as a member of a collaborative learning community.
At Corbett Prep, the ultimate goal is to combine: joy with challenge, stimulating and inspiring lessons with productivity and results, and a strong work ethic focused on excellence with ethical conduct that emphasizes dignity and respect for all. Corbett Prep is a model school of best teaching practices that has hosted more than 7,000 visitors who have come to observe and learn from teachers who employ the most current, brain-based research to accelerate the learning process.
At Corbett Prep, students develop the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork skills that are imperative for success in the 21st century.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 578 students
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1968
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2004
Student Body
Total Students
578 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
16 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Corbett Prep shirt required ~ many options from which to choose
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
For current tuition information, please check the school\'s website: www.corbettprep.com
Summer Program Cost Notes
CAMP IDS is open to the Tampa Bay community. For camp information and costs please visit www.corbettprep.com
Admissions Director
Karen Vaughan
Admissions Associate
Marla LeBlanc
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
35 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Computer Programming, Computers, Debate, French, Garden Club, Little Fiesta Spanish, Photography, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, All State Chorus Prep, Art, Ballet, Band, Dance- Acro, Drama, etc., Guitar, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Piano, Tap, The One Act (drama), Thespians, Violin, Voice
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Developmental Tennis, Fishing and Canoeing, Flag Football, Gymnastics and Tumbling, Matball
Chess Club, Computer Programming, Computers, Debate, French, Garden Club, Little Fiesta Spanish, Photography, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, All State Chorus Prep, Art, Ballet, Band, Dance- Acro, Drama, etc., Guitar, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Piano, Tap, The One Act (drama), Thespians, Violin, Voice
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Developmental Tennis, Fishing and Canoeing, Flag Football, Gymnastics and Tumbling, Matball
School Notes
- CorbettPreparatory School of IDSwas founded in 1968 and isdedicated to stimulating childrens' natural intellectual curiosity, supporting their emotional well-being, and encouraging their strength of character.The faculty consists of highly skilled teachers who consistently study to bring the best practices of education to life in the classroom.Teachers use interactive teaching techniques such as cooperative learning, multiple intelligences, gifted learning strategies, and integrated curriculum to promote involvement in all aspects of student life.State-of-the-art technology is an integral part of learning in PreK3 through 8th grade.Along with exciting sports and robust performing arts curriculum, programs are designed to tap into students' multiple intelligences.Dedicated to educational excellence, Corbett Prep has taken a leadership role in addressing the need for progressive teacher training by extending its exemplary staff development program to interested outside educators.Corbett Prep's book It's All About Kids: Every Child Deserves a Teacher of the Year describes how the school combines the best in academics with social, emotional, and physical well being.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Corbett Preparatory School of IDS often compared to?
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS is often viewed alongside schools like Carrollwood Day School by visitors of our site.
Does Corbett Preparatory School of IDS offer a summer program?
Yes, Corbett Preparatory School of IDS offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Corbett Preparatory School of IDS offer?
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Corbett Preparatory School of IDS's ranking?
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Corbett Preparatory School of IDS?
The application deadline for Corbett Preparatory School of IDS is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Corbett Preparatory School of IDS located?
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS is located in the Carrollwood neighborhood of Tampa, FL. There are 1 other private schools located in Carrollwood.
School Reviews
5 7/3/2018
I have been a parent at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS (formerly Independent Day School) since 2012. Being a career-long educator myself, I knew exactly what tenets I was looking for in a school for my children and I knew the type of environment the school would need to organicly emit in order for me to seriously consider my children being there. From the moment that I first stepped onto Corbett's campus, I knew that this was a special school. There are so many positives that completely prepare the students for higher learning and for life in general. My oldest graduated from Corbett last year and has moved onto high school. She was fully prepared for the transition to high school because of her experience at Corbett from 4th grade through 8th grade. Her study habits were honed and sharpened. Her global view was intensified and broadened. Her appreciation for new learning was immensely impacted. She became an all-around, well-rounded student through her experience at Corbett and it has directly led to her success in her first year of high school.My two youngest children are also having a superb educational experience at Corbett. Their teachers have been wonderful from year to year. Their experience has been top-notch and it has only made me wish that I had brought my oldest to Corbett earlier than I did.Corbett is the most well-rounded school that I have ever seen in my career. The whole child is truly taught, appreciated and cared for at Corbett. I truly can recommend Corbett both as a parent and as an educator. If you are looking for the best possible, most well-rounded education for your child(ren), you need look no further than Corbett.
5 7/3/2018
My son started at Corbett Prep in PreK4, and I love seeing how he has developed into a thoughtful, confident, imaginative student in the past 5 years. Corbett Prep provides students with a well-rounded education that embraces hands-on learning and values the arts and sciences. The accepting and supportive nature of teachers and students makes it a safe place for students to try new things and pursue their passions. Students grow comfortable working in teams, asking questions and speaking before crowds - all skills they need to succeed in the working world. Innovative, out-of-the-box lessons make every student an active participant in his or her learning and often spark interests that carry outside the classroom as well. We love it here!
5 7/3/2018
The biggest thing you notice when you walk into classrooms at Corbett Prep is how happy and engaged the students are in their lessons. They may be moving around the room, working outside or talking in teams, but all of the students are involved in what they are learning. This is because the teachers understand brain research for how children learn (and that not all students learn the same way), and they plan creative lessons that capture students' attention and make them active participants in their education.
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