Carrollwood Day School

The school's motto is "Education with Character," and its mission is to cultivate principled, entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society. It aims to enrich the mind, strengthen character, and inspire the passions of the community. The school is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community that prepares students to better the world.

The school offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The curriculum spans from preschool through grade 12 and includes core subjects such as history, literature, geography, mathematics, and the sciences. Every student, beginning in Kindergarten, is immersed in foreign language learning, with options in Spanish and French. The Upper School also offers a non-IB college preparatory path and specialized programs in innovation, entrepreneurship, and engineering.

Graduates of the school matriculate to top-tier institutions, including Ivy League universities. The school is a member of the Cum Laude Society, and students consistently achieve results in the IB Visual Arts program that exceed the world average. The school maintains a retention rate of over 96% and has reached full enrollment.

The school provides a college counseling department with four dedicated associates who support students from freshman through senior year. This team assists with college exploration, profile refinement, standardized testing preparation, and the application process. Additionally, the school offers student support services to ensure students are equipped for their educational journey.

The admissions process is individualized and personal, designed to help families determine if the school is the right fit. Prospective families are encouraged to attend fall admissions events, such as the VIP Series at the Bearss Avenue Campus or Open Houses at the Early Childhood Campus, or to schedule a personal tour. Applicants must submit an online application, teacher recommendation forms (for PreK 4 through grade 8), two years of report cards, and standardized test scores (for grades 1-11). Additionally, students in grades 9-11 must submit two teacher recommendations, and all applicants are required to register for the SSAT. The school maintains a need-blind admissions policy.

The school operates on an annual cycle with admissions applications opening on November 1st. The deadline for financial aid applications is January 15th for first-round consideration. Admissions events, including Open Houses and the VIP Series, are hosted during the fall semester.

The school operates across two campuses: the Early Childhood Campus and the Bearss Avenue Campus. Facilities include the Center for Innovation, which supports the school's focus on engineering and technology. Athletic facilities support a wide range of sports, and the school provides dedicated spaces for visual and performing arts, including music and theatre.

The school offers a variety of activities beyond the classroom, including after-school enrichment programs and "Power Hour." Students may participate in community service initiatives, the Duke of Edinburgh Award program, and Round Square adventures. The school also hosts TEDx at Carrollwood Day School and provides opportunities for students to engage in the Entrepreneurship Institute.