Carrollwood Day School: A Welcoming Community for International Educators

Carrollwood Day School (CDS), a premier private school in Tampa, Florida, offers educators the opportunity to join a close-knit community where faculty, staff, students, and parents build lasting connections, often for years and even generations. As the school explains:

With 96% faculty/staff retention and 95% student retention, people genuinely love walking through our doors every day.

As a highly ranked International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, CDS provides a rigorous, inquiry-based academic continuum that develops critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. The school operates across two nearby campuses in North Tampa: the Early Childhood Campus on Casey Road and the main Bearss Avenue Campus, which features state-of-the-art academic, athletic, and fine arts facilities.

Guided by its motto, “Education with Character,” CDS combines strong college-preparatory academics with robust athletics, engaging extracurriculars, and a distinctive focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. The school is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students can develop leadership skills, pursue their passions, and grow into ethical, lifelong learners prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world.

For international educators considering a move to Florida, Tampa Bay offers an appealing combination of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and a high quality of life. With beautiful beaches, abundant nature, a lively food and arts scene, and convenient day-to-day amenities, the area provides plenty to explore while offering an easy transition for those new to the region.

CDS has also designed its campuses with both community building and effective teaching in mind. Flexible furniture, dedicated quiet zones for staff, and fully integrated technology create spaces that support educators throughout the school day. CDS adds:

We want teachers to feel like they have a space that supports them during their planning time, not just when they are in front of students.

With a strong foundation in the International Baccalaureate Programme from age 2 through Grade 12, CDS connects its academic program with a range of experiential learning opportunities. The school is authorized by the IB Organization and accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. It currently enrolls 1,270 students, 98% of whom are from the U.S. While its current teaching staff consists of U.S. citizens, dual citizens, or permanent residents, CDS plans to sponsor J-1 work visas for teachers from other countries beginning in the 2027–28 school year.

The school’s Entrepreneurship Institute gives students opportunities to develop their own business ventures, take part in pitch competitions, participate in internships, and connect with a broad network of industry mentors. CDS’s participation in the Round Square organization further expands global opportunities for faculty, staff, and students, including international travel and the school’s first Round Square conference.

Beyond the classroom, students can choose from a wide range of athletics, arts programs, and clubs, with Upper School students even encouraged to launch clubs based on their individual interests.

CDS hires experienced, certified single teachers and will consider teaching couples, including couples with a non-teaching partner. There is no age limit in the U.S. for certified teachers to obtain a work visa, and candidates do not need to hold an academic degree in the subject they will teach.

The overseas teaching benefits package includes a moving allowance and a tuition benefit of 65% for the first two years for each accepted and enrolled child, increasing to 75% in subsequent years. Local health insurance, including life, dental, and long-term disability coverage, is provided, with employees paying a percentage. Local employment opportunities are also available for non-teaching partners. As CDS remarks:

Moving abroad for a teaching role is a big step, and our team goes out of their way to support new hires. We have a collaborative, down-to-earth culture here where everyone has a real voice in shaping programs and atmosphere from day one.

For more information about Carrollwood Day School, educators can access our profile on the Search Associates database. New candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.

Please note: The information provided is accurate as of the date published and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the school profile.