About Us

Founded in 1981 as an early childhood center, Carrollwood Day School has grown to include elementary, middle school and high school.  CDS enjoys a reputation for excellence in academics with an emphasis on character development enriched by a wealth of extra-curricular programs and clubs.

CDS is a not-for-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status, governed by a Board of Trustees.

Early Childhood Campus

The opening of Carrollwood Day School's Early Childhood Campus in 1981 was the very beginning of the CDS of today. It all began in a small storefront near its present location. The school was settled into its own building on Casey Road in 1984. The campus was designed to and continues to meet the needs of young children in all areas of development. In addition to spacious classrooms, children spend a large portion of their academic day in our 2,000 square foot exploratorium, which is comprised of interest centers designed to pique the minds of young children. Our students also benefit from playing outside on our huge, shady playground. Our playground was designed by Dr. Lou Bowers of USF who is well known for his involvement with the National Board for Playground Safety. We are honored to be staffed by our well educated, highly trained faculty and staff.

Bearss Avenue Campus

Carrollwood Day School's elementary and middle school moved to a new campus in January 2006.  Surrounded by mirrored lakes, a retreat center and wetland conservation, this beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for Carrollwood Day School to realize its vision to continue its tradition of excellence for students in elementary through high school.

CDS's new campus features a 92,000 square foot main structure that includes classrooms, resource rooms, science lab, spacious media center, and an auditorium that seats 1,800. In addition to a central computer lab for technology and writing instruction, every classroom is also equipped with computers and the middle school uses laptop carts in the classrooms.

Although this superb new facility provides improved classroom facilities, CDS maintains many of the traditions that help us appreciate the beautiful natural resources our new campus offers. Students still enjoy eating lunch outside under the trees every day and classes have the opportunity to move outdoors for discussions, reading, and other activities.

CDS Prep 

CDS Prep, Carrollwood Day School's college preparatory division, opened in August 2006. A separate area of the campus is home to CDS Prep. In addition to spacious classrooms and science labs, the high school complex includes a well-equipped weight and physical training facility, dance and art studios and the school spirit store. CDS Prep has a 1:1 computer program with all high school students owning their own MacBook.

Blueprint for the Future 

The third phase of renovations to the new campus is already underway. Plans are being developed to prepare for construction of a new gymnasium and additional classroom and common areas.