Carolina Day School

I've been a student at this school since Pre-K (I'm now a senior,) and I'm so thankful that my parents were able to send me here. Every school has its flaws, and I'll admit that CDS is a little too obsessed with keeping a good image and that some people are snooty. However, if a student is willing, CDS also provides a fantastic education. I feel much more prepared for college than many of my peers at other nearby schools. I love all my teachers and actually enjoy going to class. Furthermore, CDS is a great school for strengthening writing skills and also for promoting service in the community. In the upper school, there is a strong feeling of trust. People leave their iPhones and laptops sitting out without fear of them being stolen. Teachers take your word for the truth, and the honor code upholds integrity. I'll admit that some groups of students are better than others, and you always run the risk that your kid will be in a small class with some not-so-nice kids (especially in middle school.) But mean kids are easy to avoid, and there are plenty of nice ones to befriend. Bottom line: CDS is a great place for people who like to learn.

CDS is a fantastic school. Our kids are in the upper school now and we have had wonderful enriching experiences! Teachers and administrators are realistic and solid. Theater program amazing. Spirts and clubs great!
--Submitted by a parent

Never consider this school for your child, I had the worst experience ever, I will never let my child stay there for 1 more second
--Submitted by a parent

This school is nothing more than rude kids, non welcoming teacher. Worst experience ever. I hope we never send our child there.
--Submitted by a parent

Key School at Carolina Day has been one of our most difficult experiences. Buyer be ware.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have been enrolled at Carolina Day School for the past 11 years. We have had an amazing experience at CDS. My children have had the usual ups and downs of 'growing-up" but we have had great support from every teacher and administrator along the way. As my children have transitioned into the Upper School, I continue to be grateful for the excellent preparation they receive as they progress from one division to another. My children are thriving and becoming people I feel very proud of, in large part thanks to CDS and the caring faculty and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Our three children graduated from CDS - the youngest in 2009. One question other parents often ask about is our kids'preparation for college. Each of our kids chose academically challenging schools - Williams College, NYU - Tisch School of the Arts and Yale. I had real concerns about their ability to handle these challenges. I didn't need to be worried - the incredible faculty at CDS made sure they were more than ready. Our kids knew how to study and organize their time. They placed out of many freshmen classes and entered on a sophomore level. They were asked to tutor other students in writing skills and they have each excelled in their chosen fields. Even better - all three have had or are having fun and have been incredibly happy with their choice of a college.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two boys who have been at CDS since Pre-K. Their education has been exceptional, not only academically, but by learning to be good citizens, stewards of our planet, and responsible adults. Now my youngest is getting ready to transition to the Middle School. Since we have already done this once with his older brother, I am confident that the turbulent middle school years will be met with understanding and compassion, from an excellent faculty and staff who have so much experience with middle school children, and with challenge of strong academics, provided for both the individual and team effort. I must also say that these teachers KNOW my child. When my son was struggling, emails were exchanged & meetings set up to come up with a plan to keep him on track. He finished the year with straight A's after working with his teacher to make it happen.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been thrilled with the education my daughter has received at Carolina Day School. She started in the public school system, but was working so hard to stay with the class. We requested testing through the public school and with the results they said they would have to wait until she FAILED in 3rd or 4th grade in order to help her. We immediately looked at the Key School at CDS and have never looked back. Now my daughter is a rising Freshman and will transition to the Upper School. We feel she is well prepared to attend the Upper School and are pleased with the special programs they have in place for kids with learning differences. We are confident she will be successful, because the teachers are dedicated to helping her achieve to her highest potential. I am so glad we found Carolina Day!
--Submitted by a parent

My son started at Carolina Day as a pre-schooler and loved it. At the beginnig of first grade he was diagnosed with dsylexia and moved to the Key School. Wow - this has changed his life and ours. The transition was very smooth and my son's reading has improved beyond my hopes. He now says "I am a reader!" I don't see how anyone can consider Carolina Day School not welcoming to all types of kids and families when they developed the Key School specifically to meet the needs of students with learning differences. The teachers are caring and great at what they do, they are there because they love what they do. I hope my sons stays at Carolina Day through high school.
--Submitted by a parent