Independent Day School - Corbett Campus

This school is very disappointing. Amazing teachers (they really try so hard) great academics and such. Compassion is NOT on the syllabus. I've never seen so many ruthless, heartless children. In my experiance kids that hurt others learn it from their parents and there is definatley a sense of entitlement and arrogance among many of the other parents. There is a very serious bullying problem that is not being addressed.It's almost like they want to hide it. Its sad really, The teachers are amazing. It's a shame they are being wasted on only the ones that can afford it. Academics mean nothing when a child isn't taught to have a heart for others
--Submitted by a parent

Finding Independent Day School made our move to Tampa the very best thing to happen to our two children. Our oldest has already moved on to high school and had a fantastic year. I credit the very talented IDS teachers with his success and positive outlook on how he handles all the challenges of high school. I'm glad we still have one child at IDS. The blend and balance of activities in the curriculum has our youngest eager to go to school each day. I love this place.
--Submitted by a parent

Independent Day School is a wonderful place with a warm learning environment. Most of the teachers received their gifted endorsement last year. Despite this, I do not feel that my child is challenged academically. The school should do more to work with those students that are capable of working above their grade level.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. Everyone has gone above and beyond to help my grandchild. I would rate this school with 5 stars!

This is the third year that our grandchild is at IDS. IDS was picked originally because of the numerous graduates of the school that we had met and been very impressed with. The parents wanted this wonderful child to get a well rounded education and understand that todays world requires not only a great education but also acceptance and understanding of differences. We have been more than happy that we have received even more than we had anticipated in PreK-3 and 4. This year is at it's start and we are a little concerned with what appears to be a shift from the happy , welcoming and nurturing, environment that we have previously experienced in the classroom to a more rigid less welcoming attitude from the teachers. Obviously if this had been what the child's parents had wanted they would have enrolled her at another school that offered a rigid environment in which every child is forced to fit fit into a circle even when they are not.. However it is the beginning of the school year and we have tremendous hope that IDS hasn't taken what the few disgruntled parents have written to heart t and are attempting to turn this wonderful school into that which many of us have run from.

IDS is more than a pretty campus, it is an environment that puts our children first. My children love to go to school and the IDS techniques really work for my children, they are flourishing. I love that the focus is on both the right and left side of the brain. As a parent, it makes my day easier to know that they are not just in an environment where they are learning, they are being nourished. If you are looking for a great school, don't take my word for it, take a tour or come sit in on some classes.
--Submitted by a parent

After searching many of the local schools I was very pleased to find IDS. Its nice to see a place that works to be the best. I was skeptical that it was to good to be true as well but after asking to sit through the teacher trainings and making it to the classes (for more than just the tour) I found a school that wants the best for their kids. I am sad to see the other report and wish them and their new school the best. For my well rounded son its a great place with good teachers and leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so happy that we pulled our children from IDS. They are actually learning and not spending all day in specials or in a chaotic classroom. Teachers are not allowed to be honest with parents about difficulties. We were lucky to have 3 hours of math a week and science only happened 1 hour a week -and that was a good week! There was no guided reading for our children on a consistent basis, no spelling lessons, no vocabulary, and no social studies. This school works really hard to sell its program and convince others it is the best out there. Many(over two dozen families ) left last year and after the new year has started we are finding how the rest of the schools in Tampa are actually doing what needs to be done for our children. I am sure the next post will say that the school is the best thing that happened to their family. And in response to the last post about what school doesn't have behavioral issues: of course every school has them, but IDS doesn't handle the issues. It may take a year or two, but anyone who is at IDS will see - my advice would be to don't rely on first impressions. And, there's a reason why the school is still accepting students for this year.

My son went to public school for kindergarten and he had a great experience there, but the school didn't have a sense of community and had very few specials because of budget cuts. My husband and I did't want our son going to an elementary school that had 10 kindergarten classes! We switched to IDS for 1st grade and our son flourished. IDS is a happy place and we witnessed our son's growth on so many levels. My son has several students in his class that are foreign and their parents are on assignment in the US. The class diversity is awesome. Non-traditional schools are not for everyone or every parent, but we love IDS. There isn't such a thing as a perfect school, but this school strives to continually make themselves better. For the poster that said this school has students with behavioral issues- every school has some! I bet the public schools deal with a lot more students with "issues" .
--Submitted by a parent

I was attracted to this school last year for my 4-year-old because it offers the International Baccalaureate program for primary students. It was a fabulous year. His reading and writing skills are taking off and he loves to go to school. We are so excited about the new year. Teachers here really understand how to support gifted kids.
--Submitted by a parent