Carrollwood Day School

My children went to the lower campus and it was awful. They don't teach them anything. All they focus on play. The administration is into theory and not the reality of children.
--Submitted by a parent

To a sheltered few, this is a good school. Coming from other school options, one may agree that the curriculum and rigor is average. Teachers are too caring and tend to coddle the students. This does not allow for independent learning and this school raises a lot of complainers. It is unbelievable how many students complain to administration. In turn, the curriculum becomes extremely watered down to appease the lower minded students. This school will not become the elite school that it wants to be because of the current staff and administration. These students do not work hard and if pushed, will complain immediately. This causes the teachers to dumb-down the curriculum and therefore, the school is absolutely no different than the A and B rated public schools. I will be leaving with both of my children after this year. I found the experience to be very disappointing. The character education that is offered here is for show only. The students are very disrespectful behind your back. They steal items from the open lockers and they bully the teachers rather than the students. Use caution if you want a true IB education. Many students end up certificate or have poor pass rates.
--Submitted by a parent

Pleased with the HS program -- excellent environment, love the character focus. Student body not all that diverse, but quality of teachers, curriculum, and environment far surpasses local public high schools. My daughter went to Sickles for her freshman year after going to a superior IB Middle Years school in London, and the difference was incredible. Carrollwood isn't on par with the UK school, but it is constantly improving, and is the closest to the UK experience we could get in Tampa. IB program was a major plus. As this school grows and expands, I think it will become the best education option (for those that can afford it) in Tampa.
--Submitted by a parent

All the people who have doubted this school. I have gone to this school for 9 years and every year, seems to bring out something new. The teachers are helpful and the students show a lot of character. Before going to the CDS high school, I visited Jesuit high school and Hillsborough, but found CDS to be the most pleasing. The faculty really cares about the students and the school itself is magnificent.

I have known CDS for 3 years. What's great about this school is 1. The teachers really do want you to do good and offer free help sessions for any subject. 2. PE is mandatory every day for middle schoolers (to get the active" in your child's life) 3. great campus and staff 4. Great bully control- not one bully is on campus,and if there is one, they would be reported to the principal. 5. The math from middle school to high school is divided into 3 levels: integrated math (low math) algebra 1-eighth grade /pre algebra-7th grade ( middle math/average level) algebra 1 honors-8th grade/ pre alg. honors-7th grade (honors courses)
--Submitted by a parent

Carrollwood Day School is filled with caring teachers, supportive staff, and engaged parents. CDS Prep prepares students for their continued education with a rigorous curriculum. CDS sets the standard for both performance and moral character from early childhood through graduation.
--Submitted by a parent

There is nothing special about the school, the high school has a long way to go to meet other public and private schools standards in education. It is definately having a rocky start. Not worthed the money you spend.
--Submitted by a parent

Carrollwood Day School is the best school in the country. I have lived in Connecticut, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, Utah and California and have participated in some of the top school programs in each of these locations. CDS has the perfect recipe which includes a 'real' character education program, small classes, amazing and caring staff, teachers as well as parents, and a certified International Baccalaureate program from pre-school through high school (only a handful in the country offer this). People recognize the great character of our students in the school, on the playing fields and in the communtity. Throughout my son's seven years at this school, there has always been a caring nurturing family environment that seems to motivate and bring out only the best in each student no matter what the background or social standing. This school has become a part of our lives and we will continue to support it as well as stay connected with it after graduation. There must be something pretty fabulous about a school when the students return to teach here and the grandchildren as well as the children of the staff are part of the population.
--Submitted by a parent

Great character education and International Baccalaureate program. It is a wonderful place to have your children grow up.
--Submitted by a parent

CDS has great teachers, it has an IB program and it is a has great families. But the IB program at CDS Prep is very progressive and not at all up to the standards of other IB programs. CDS Prep thus far has provided no true preparation for college. The rules are a moving target it all depends on which parent is in complaining. The high school is new and definitely having a rocky start. There has been a revolving door with the teaching staff. They have a long way to go to measure up to the lower campuses standards let alone even come close to Tampa Prep or Berkley. They are not in the same league.
--Submitted by a parent