Earned the highest curriculum score in Tampa. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and school-readiness preparation.
Best K-Ready
Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Tampa. This reflects pre-literacy, pre-math, and school-readiness preparation.
Best Extracurriculars
Earned the highest extracurricular score in Tampa. Covers enrichment — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and more.
Full Ranking Detail
childcarepreschool
Carrollwood Day School (Early Childhood Campus) on Casey Rd in Tampa is an IB World School with full Primary Years Programme accreditation beginning at the toddler level—one of only two such programs in Florida—and brings rigorous oversight through FCIS and SACS certification. The center's established curriculum incorporates HighScope, Conscious Discipline, and Responsive Classroom frameworks alongside specialized instruction in music, Spanish, technology, and STEEM, with small class sizes (roughly 13:1 ratio) and two National School of Character awards reflecting its pedagogical depth. Operating since 1998 with a capacity of 225 and full-day care from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, it serves toddlers through kindergarten. However, recent DCF inspections flagged three violations within twelve months (July 2025 through March 2026), and multiple parent reviews report unresponsiveness to bullying complaints and administrative favoritism, with one complaint alleging a parent was barred from campus for raising safety concerns; prospective families should conduct careful in-person due diligence.
Safety6.0
Curriculum9.0
Art / Music8.0
Kindergarten readiness9.0
Teacher quality7.0
Compassion6.0
Management5.0
Culture7.0
Class sizes7.0
Extracurriculars9.0
What parents say
“Carrollwood Day School has been an amazing experience for our family. The World IB program offers rigorous academics, paired with character development, and a global community. The administration, teachers, and staff are outstanding.”
“The school environment can be very passive aggressive...The school slogan is 'where caring is common' and there is nothing further from the reality of it.”
“Parents are too scared to stand up to administration because of their image.”
“It has been a safe and vibrant learning community with talented and caring teachers, administrators and support personnel.”
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) integrated with core subjects, along with HighScope, Conscious Discipline, and Responsive Classroom to develop executive functioning, self-discipline, and effective communication.
Programs & activities: Specialized classes in music, Spanish, technology, library, and physical education with emphasis on exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences.
What sets it apart: Serves students from toddlers through kindergarten in a warm and engaging environment designed to foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Best Curriculum
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Carrollwood Day School (Early Childhood Campus) -->
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Curriculum</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest curriculum score in Tampa. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and school-readiness preparation.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best K-Ready
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Carrollwood Day School (Early Childhood Campus) -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/tampa/carrollwood-day-school-early-childhood-campus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-kinder.jpg" alt="Best K-Ready - Carrollwood Day School (Early Childhood Campus) - Tampa, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best K-Ready</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Tampa. This reflects pre-literacy, pre-math, and school-readiness preparation.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Extracurriculars
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Carrollwood Day School (Early Childhood Campus) -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/tampa/carrollwood-day-school-early-childhood-campus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-extra.jpg" alt="Best Extracurriculars - Carrollwood Day School (Early Childhood Campus) - Tampa, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Extracurriculars</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest extracurricular score in Tampa. Covers enrichment — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and more.</span>
</span>
</a>
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
