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Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

United States, Tampa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $14,169 - 25,145
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 580
Type Co-educational
Opened 1968
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS is a private, independent elementary and middle school in Tampa offering the International Baccalaureate Programme for PreK3–8. The school runs two authorized IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PreK3–5) and the Middle Years Programme (6–8). The IB emphasises inquiry and international-mindedness, with culminating projects and the Learner Profile guiding student development. The campus sits lakeside with separate east (PreK3–4) and west (Middle School) buildings, and facilities include gymnasiums, a theatre, the Tomlin Family Application Lab, and STEAM labs, plus outdoor spaces, nature trails, and a gratitude garden. The curriculum also features a strong language component with Spanish in the Middle School. Extracurriculars include Odyssey of the Mind, a theatre program with Thespians, Lego Robotics, and a wide array of after-school clubs and summer CAMP IDS programs. The school has a history dating back to 1968 and maintains a long-standing commitment to experiential, child-centered learning today.

12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa, FL 33618

The Essentials

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS has 580 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Located in the Carrollwood neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. The address is 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa, FL 33618. The campus is split with the elementary office on the east side and the middle school on the west side of Orange Grove Drive. Access to the campus is via Dale Mabry Highway (Hudson Lane to Orange Grove Drive) or I-275 (Fletcher Avenue to Orange Grove Drive).

Stages
PreK3 through 8th grade; elementary and middle school; International Baccalaureate Programme.

Type
Private, independent elementary and middle school.

Additional learning support
The school has a Student Success Department.

School day structure
The academic school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. for supervised care. An Extended Day program is available until 5:45 p.m.

Bus service
Round-trip and one-way bus transportation is available to students in certain neighborhoods before and after school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The uniform dress code requires shirts with the Corbett Prep or Warriors logo Monday through Friday and solid-colored bottoms. A green polo shirt is required for off-campus activities, school performances, and special events.

Food Options
Corbett Prep has a lunch program prepared by a school chef. Students may bring lunch or order from the daily lunch program. Lunch options include meat and vegetarian choices as well as sandwiches and salads, with a daily hot lunch entree and a fruit or vegetable.

Governance and Ownership
Corbett Prep is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is a private, independent not-for-profit corporation (Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, Inc.).
Fees

Annual tuition at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS ranges from USD 14,169 to USD 25,145 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrollment Fees

- Application fee: USD 80 per applicant.
- Enrollment deposit: USD 1,000 non-refundable; this deposit is applied in full toward the student's tuition and is due with the signed enrollment contract.
- One-time capital assessment: New families pay a one-time per-family capital assessment of USD 1,000 for school and facility enhancement expenditures.

Tuition — annual rates (2026–27) and payment-plan detail

Annual tuition by year group (2026–27):

- PreKindergarten 3 (Half Day): USD 14,169.00.
- PreKindergarten 3 (Full Day): USD 18,190.00.
- PreKindergarten 4: USD 20,052.00.
- Kindergarten: USD 23,005.00.
- Grades 1–2: USD 23,005.00.
- Grades 3–4: USD 24,075.00.
- Grade 5: USD 24,075.00.
- Grades 6–8: USD 25,145.00.

Sibling discount:

- A USD 250 sibling discount is applied for each sibling.

Payment-plan structure and billing schedule (terms and computed installments):

- General: Families choose one of three plans. A USD 1,000 non-refundable deposit is due at contract signing (applies toward tuition); new families also pay the one-time USD 1,000 capital assessment.

- Plan A — Full Pay:
- Single full payment equal to the annual tuition amount, due on or before May 1. (Example: Grades 6–8 full annual tuition = USD 25,145.00 due May 1.)

- Plan B — Semi‑Annual Payments (finance fee applies):
- Two equal payments due on or before May 1 and December 1.
- A finance fee of USD 125 is added to the tuition total for families on Plan B; each semi‑annual installment equals (Annual Tuition + USD 125) divided by 2. (Examples below show the computed semi‑annual installment amounts.)
- PreK3 Half Day: (USD 14,169 + 125) / 2 = USD 7,147.00 per semi‑annual payment.
- PreK3 Full Day: (USD 18,190 + 125) / 2 = USD 9,157.50 per semi‑annual payment.
- PreK4: (USD 20,052 + 125) / 2 = USD 10,088.50 per semi‑annual payment.
- K / Grades 1–2: (USD 23,005 + 125) / 2 = USD 11,565.00 per semi‑annual payment.
- Grades 3–4 / Grade 5: (USD 24,075 + 125) / 2 = USD 12,100.00 per semi‑annual payment.
- Grades 6–8: (USD 25,145 + 125) / 2 = USD 12,635.00 per semi‑annual payment.

- Plan C — Monthly Payments (finance fee applies):
- Ten (10) monthly payments due on or before May 1 through March (the schedule skips the month of January).
- A finance fee of USD 275 is added to the tuition total for families on Plan C; each monthly installment equals (Annual Tuition + USD 275) divided by 10. (Examples below show the computed monthly installment amounts.)
- PreK3 Half Day: (USD 14,169 + 275) / 10 = USD 1,444.40 per month.
- PreK3 Full Day: (USD 18,190 + 275) / 10 = USD 1,846.50 per month.
- PreK4: (USD 20,052 + 275) / 10 = USD 2,032.70 per month.
- K / Grades 1–2: (USD 23,005 + 275) / 10 = USD 2,328.00 per month.
- Grades 3–4 / Grade 5: (USD 24,075 + 275) / 10 = USD 2,435.00 per month.
- Grades 6–8: (USD 25,145 + 275) / 10 = USD 2,542.00 per month.

Billing schedule and payment terms (summary)

- Deposit: USD 1,000 non-refundable due at contract signing and applied to tuition. New families also pay USD 1,000 capital assessment at enrollment.
- Plan A: Full payment due on or before May 1.
- Plan B: Semi‑annual payments due on or before May 1 and December 1; USD 125 finance fee for Plan B.
- Plan C: Ten monthly payments due on or before May 1 through March (skipping January); USD 275 finance fee for Plan C.
- Sibling discount: USD 250 per sibling applied to tuition.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS operates as an independent day school for PreK3 through Grade 8; there is no boarding program or boarding fees.

Other costs and fees (items billed separately)

- Lunch program: School lunch is available and ordered/purchased online through the school's Hot Lunch system (AHotLunch). Lunch pricing and session options are managed through that system.
- Extended Day (after‑school care) — standard school year rates and plans:
- By the day: USD 25 per day (USD 40 on half days).
- Daily (Annual Plan): USD 1,600.
- Daily (Trimester Plan): USD 625.
- Select days (annual): 4 days/week = USD 1,450; 3 days/week = USD 1,150; 2 days/week = USD 850; 1 day/week = USD 500.
- Late pick‑up fee: USD 20 per child for pick-ups after 5:45 p.m.
- After‑School Activities/Enrichment: Registration and participation are billed separately; individual activity fees vary by program.
- CAMP IDS (summer camp) costs and extras:
- CAMP IDS offers half- and full-day camps; individual camp session pricing varies by program and week.
- Pre‑purchased lunches for CAMP IDS are available at approximately USD 40 per week.
- Weekly round‑trip transportation for CAMP IDS is offered at USD 115 per camper; camp transportation registration is non‑refundable and non‑transferable.
- School‑year transportation: Round‑trip and one‑way bus routes are available for specified neighborhoods. Transportation is billed separately; payment may be offered on annual, semi‑annual, or monthly schedules (current per‑route rates are handled through the Parent Portal/transportation registration).
- Athletic/activity fees: Sport or activity participation fees (for example, an athletic fee per sport) may apply to support transportation, officials, and uniform maintenance; amounts vary by activity/season.
- Uniforms and dress‑code apparel:
- Students are required to wear Corbett Prep daily shirts and to have at least one green Corbett Prep polo for field trips and events.
- Dress‑code apparel (spirit store and required polos/outerwear) is available via the Corbett Prep Spirit Store and partner Educational Outfitters; families purchase these items separately. Prices vary by item and vendor.

Refund information and special refund notes

- Enrollment deposit: USD 1,000 enrollment deposit is non‑refundable.
- Application fee: USD 80 application fee is charged at application and is not credited to tuition; application fees are generally non‑refundable.
- State scholarship (FES‑EO / Step Up for Students) handling: For families participating in the state Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES‑EO/Step Up for Students), tuition arrangements for scholarship recipients are processed through the State program; when tuition is paid monthly or up front through the scholarship program, a refund is issued twice a year as administered through the program. Families must remain current on tuition to participate.
- CAMP IDS registration: CAMP IDS registration is non‑refundable and non‑transferable (camp registration terms apply).
- Payment‑processor convenience fees and refunds: Online payments made through the school's VCPay/Veracross payment system may include convenience or processing fees; those processing/convenience fees are non‑refundable per the payment‑processor policy and final refund authority rests with the school's business office.

Fee payment options and mechanics

- Tuition and invoice payments are made through VCPay (the Veracross payment portal) via the school Parent Portal. Families register for VCPay and may set up auto‑pay options there. Accepted payment methods through VCPay commonly include credit/debit cards and e‑check/ACH bank transfers; convenience fees for certain payment methods may apply. Families can view and manage invoices, enroll in AutoPay, and review payment history in the Parent Portal.

Directives for billing and set‑up (operational points)

- The USD 1,000 enrollment deposit is required with the signed enrollment contract and is applied to tuition.
- Choose a payment plan (Plan A, B, or C) when completing enrollment and register for VCPay/AutoPay in the Parent Portal to set up and schedule payments.
- Separate programs (Extended Day, After‑School Activities, CAMP IDS, transportation, lunches, spirit‑store purchases) require individual registration and payment and will appear as separate invoices.
Academics

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate Programme for PreK3–8. Corbett Prep runs two IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PreK3–5) and the Middle Years Programme (6–8), both authorized. The IB emphasises inquiry, conceptual learning, and international-mindedness, with a culminating project required for each programme. The IB Learner Profile guides the development of internationally minded, reflective learners. In Middle School, core academic classes include Spanish for three years, and the IB Middle Years Programme comprises eight subject groups: Language acquisition; Language and literature; Individuals and societies; Sciences; Mathematics; Arts; Physical and health education; Design.

Gifted and Talented
The educational program is designed to meet the learning needs of college-bound children of average to superior ability.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional wellbeing is central to student development and relates to academic performance. Corbett Prep uses The Four Pillars of Wellbeing (piloted in 2016) and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence's RULER program as foundations for classroom practice. The Four Pillars are Mindfulness, Community, Self Curiosity, and Contentment and Balance. Students learn tools to manage stress, understand their emotions, resolve conflicts and help others, with a wellbeing specialist and a Middle School student life coordinator available to support students and teachers. Jennifer Jones is Corbett Prep's wellbeing specialist and implementation director for the Contentment Foundation, and the Contentment Foundation resources and app are available to families.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Student Success Department advocates for students' learning needs and brings together existing sources of support while vetting new programs to benefit all students. The department formed in Fall 2021 and is led by Ashley Davis with Cris Ferrone as Middle School Student Success Director. It works directly with teachers and families to strengthen communication, augment classroom strategies, and ensure best educational practices for different learning styles. It may include finding extra help for certain subjects or offering enrichment opportunities to challenge students, with the team collaborating with classroom and resource teachers and parents to develop strategies to help students reach their fullest potential. Contact the Student Success Department at studentsuccess@corbettprep.com.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through The Four Pillars of Wellbeing and the Yale RULER program. A wellbeing specialist (Jennifer Jones) and a Middle School student life coordinator assist students and teachers in navigating adolescence and social interactions. Faculty study and practice wellness skills to support students, families and colleagues. The Contentment Foundation resources and app are integrated to support wellbeing, and teachers collaborate with the foundation to tailor the program.

Safeguarding
An Employee Ethics Policy requires reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the Florida Department of Children and Families, and to the Head of School for matters affecting health, safety or welfare. Signs about reporting child abuse and educator misconduct are posted in elementary and middle school offices, the Dean Dining Hall and the Pavilion.
Parent Experience

History
Corbett Prep began in 1968 as an independent, nonsectarian school founded by Marilyn Gatlin and Betty Anderson. They pursued a hands-on, child-centered program rooted in gifted education and aimed to nurture each learner's gifts. Growth led to relocation to the present-day campus; the Middle School opened in 2001 and PreK3 was added in 2005. In 2002 the school was renamed Independent Day School-Corbett Campus to honor Cornelia Corbett, and in 2012 it became Corbett Preparatory School of IDS to honor Cornelia and Dick Corbett. The school remains devoted to the founders' philosophy.

Community
Community Programs include CAMP IDS, the Community School of the Arts, and the Community School for Sports. The Parent-Faculty Association coordinates volunteering and raises funds through major events such as The Big Event and the Kids Classic golf tournament, and fosters social and community activities. Corbett Cares is a PFA led service initiative launched in 2022 that partners with organizations across Tampa Bay to provide service opportunities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Corbett Prep has a Parent-Faculty Association (PFA) that includes all parents and all faculty and staff. The PFA meets monthly and coordinates parent volunteers to support classroom and campus activities. The PFA runs major fundraisers during the school year, such as The Big Event and the annual Kids Classic golf tournament. It also organizes social gatherings on and off campus and supports community building and Corbett Cares. The PFA leads Corbett Cares, a service initiative launched in 2022 that connects families with service opportunities. PFA presidents can be contacted at PFApresident@corbettprep.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The lakeside Corbett Prep campus houses PreK3–4th grade on the east side of Orange Grove Drive and the Middle School on the west side. The campus includes gymnasiums, a theatre, the Tomlin Family Application Lab, and beautiful outdoor spaces for expanding the learning environment, including picnic tables and decks, benches and lawns, nature walks, and a gratitude garden.

Sports Facilities
Bellini Gymnasium (Middle School); Gatlin Hall (Elementary School); Buchanan Sports Field (Middle School).

Academic Facilities
Tomlin Family Application Lab; STEAM Application Lab; International Baccalaureate Programme; Elementary curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) along with music, art, drama/dance, Spanish, and physical education.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Odyssey of the Mind participants reach World Finals; Middle School Thespians perform in a theatre; Lego Robotics competitions; after-school clubs including fishing, canoeing, skateboarding, chess, and Zumba; CAMP IDS offers more than 100 half- and full-day camps each summer on the lakeside campus with recreation, arts, STEAM, and sports camps; electives and after-school activities, leadership opportunities, and a broad Fine Arts program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers electives and after-school programs that encourage students to explore their passions through enrichment and competition. Enrichment opportunities through electives and after-school programs have taken Odyssey of the Mind teams to the World Finals and showcased Middle School Thespians in theatre and performance. Elementary and Middle School students gain coding experience and problem solving in Lego Robotics competitions. Public speaking opportunities include class presentations, poetry coffeehouses and shows, helping students communicate their thoughts clearly and confidently.

Arts & Creative
The Fine Arts program encourages creativity, critical thinking, imagination and teamwork. Public speaking opportunities include class presentations, poetry coffees and stage performances, building confidence and communication skills in students. A thriving theatre program, including Middle School Thespians, contributes to a dynamic performing arts environment. Literature comes to life is embraced in early years, with PreK3 students presenting and developing stage presence.

Cultural & Language
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Programme. The PreK3–8th grade program is centered on the IB framework. Global Learning is featured within the academics section, signaling a focus on international-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies
After-school clubs offer a range of interests, including fishing, canoeing, skateboarding, chess and Zumba, along with Escape Room–style activities for problem solving and teamwork. Students can spend afternoons pursuing fun, skill-building hobbies and social activities with peers. The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity and personal growth beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
National Junior Honor Society members participate in leadership and service activities. Middle School students serve as community service volunteers and participate in fundraising and charitable initiatives. Students lead fundraising drives and engage in projects that benefit the school and local community.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are embedded in the student experience, including NHS membership, club presidents and school ambassadors. Public speaking and presentation skills are developed through regular class presentations and shows. Middle School students engage in leadership roles and reflect on personal strengths and teamwork throughout the year.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical education and an intramural program keep students active during the school day. A robust athletics program offers dozens of sports with multiple teams at different skill levels, including after-school options for younger students. Middle School athletes compete in local, regional and state events, building fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork. The Extended Day Program provides after-school care and opportunities for structured physical play and wellness activities.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught as a language offering at Corbett Prep. Spanish is a Specials subject for elementary students and is offered as a language acquisition option in the Middle Years Programme; Middle School students study Spanish year-round alongside Design and Physical Education. Corbett Prep is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme, with IB language acquisition integrated into the curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
Corbett Prep is a private, independent elementary and middle school for PreK3 - 8th grade in Tampa, Florida, offering the International Baccalaureate Programme. Applications are open for the 2027-28 school year.

1) Submit Inquiry Form. To request information, schedule a tour, or begin the application process, submit a short inquiry form so the admissions team can get to know you and your child. This initiates contact and helps determine next steps in the process.

2) Schedule an On-Campus or Virtual Tour. Arrange a personal tour with the admissions team. Contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@corbettprep.com or 813-961-3087 to set up a visit.

3) Complete the Application for Admissions. Access the Admissions portal to complete the application. Login details are emailed to the address used to inquire or start the application; check all email folders for setup instructions. The application requires a $80 fee; upload a recent photo of your child to help identify them quickly.

4) Submit Records and Forms. In the Admissions portal, submit required items directly to the Office of Admissions. This includes the Authorization to Release Student Records form (to send records from the current school), Teacher Recommendations (two for K-5, one for English and one other for 6th-8th), birth certificate, and health/immunization forms.

5) Schedule Your Child's Visit and Assessment. After submission of the application and records, a friendly visit with a brief assessment is arranged. PreK3–PreK4 receive a 10–15 minute informal readiness screening; K–1st grade have a 15–20 minute assessment; 2nd–5th grade have a 20‑minute assessment with a writing prompt; Middle School involves a two‑hour morning visit with a brief assessment and writing sample.

6) Check Your Application Status. Track progress in the Admissions Portal to ensure all materials have been received. Reach out to the Office of Admissions if there are questions during the process.

Scholarships
Endowment Scholarship Fund: This endowment increases opportunities for students and families in need. Through the generosity of donors, the fund helps ensure a diverse learning community and makes it possible for mission-appropriate candidates to attend regardless of financial constraints. State Scholarship Information: The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) program, run through Step Up for Students, participates with Corbett Prep to benefit families. Participation in the FES-EO Scholarship can begin for rising kindergarten families. Tuition is paid monthly or upfront with a biannual refund; the program is fully state-administered and external to the school. The school reserves the right to withdraw from the program if sustainability is affected.

Waitlist
In the event of a waiting pool situation, admissions decisions are made on the basis of applicants' relative qualifications rather than dates of application. After February 1, students are admitted at all grade levels on a space-available basis. Siblings receive preference in admissions decisions.
School Events
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