Community Day School

Community Day School Community Day School offers a rigorous, project-based academic program recognizing the unique gifts of each child.

We offer a safe, nurturing, and diverse learning environment welcoming all students from 14 months old through 8th grade.

This week’s Staff Spotlight features Intervention Specialist Nicole Anselmo, who returned to the CDS family this year, b...
09/06/2026

This week’s Staff Spotlight features Intervention Specialist Nicole Anselmo, who returned to the CDS family this year, bringing a strong background in individualized instruction and supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Originally from Rhode Island, Mrs. Anselmo earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhode Island College and holds a Florida professional teaching certificate as well as an American Montessori Society (AMS) credential. She is currently completing her master’s degree in educational leadership at Florida Gulf Coast University, which includes the K–12 Educational Leadership Level I Administrator Certificate.

Mrs. Anselmo brings years of experience in classroom teaching, academic tutoring, and educational leadership. She also lived in Switzerland, where she worked at an international school supporting students with diverse learning needs. These experiences have shaped her approach to building on each child’s strengths while providing targeted support for growth.

“The early years are an important foundation for a child’s academic success and confidence. By identifying learning needs early and providing targeted support, we can help students build the skills and independence they need to succeed. Effective intervention means meeting students where they are, recognizing their strengths, and adapting instruction to how they learn best. Most importantly, I want students to see themselves as capable learners and feel confident in their abilities.”


Outside of school, Mrs. Anselmo enjoys spending time in nature with her two sons, especially kayaking through the mangroves and exploring together. She also enjoys practicing French, traveling, and cheering on her children in their sports.

Learning was served by the slice during Fine Motor Friday! Our kindergartners transformed their classroom into a pizzeri...
09/04/2026

Learning was served by the slice during Fine Motor Friday! Our kindergartners transformed their classroom into a pizzeria, cutting out toppings, coloring sauce, and arranging each ingredient to create their own one-of-a-kind pizzas. Along the way, they strengthened hand muscles, practiced hand-eye coordination, and built confidence using classroom tools and materials.

Making waves in the Atelier! Our early childhood artists explored gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing...
09/02/2026

Making waves in the Atelier! Our early childhood artists explored gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing. As they painted and pressed fish forms onto paper, students discovered how texture and detail could be captured in colorful, one-of-a-kind prints, bringing art, culture, and hands-on discovery together.

What a way to sound in the season!Hosted in partnership with Chabad Lubavitch Of Sarasota, our 6th Annual Community Shof...
08/30/2026

What a way to sound in the season!

Hosted in partnership with Chabad Lubavitch Of Sarasota, our 6th Annual Community Shofar Factory packed the CDS sanctuary with families of all faiths ready to learn, create and have some hands-on fun.

The afternoon began with songs, laughter and an interactive look at the animals whose horns can become shofars. Then,
participants of all ages selected, sanded and shellacked their own unique horns before learning to sound tekiah, shevarim and t’ruah. Soon, the unmistakable sounds of Rosh Hashanah were echoing across campus!

It was a horn-raising afternoon of tradition, connection and community!

What a way to sound in the season!Hosted in partnership with Chabad Lubavitch Of Sarasota & Manatee Counties, our 6th An...
08/30/2026

What a way to sound in the season!

Hosted in partnership with Chabad Lubavitch Of Sarasota & Manatee Counties, our 6th Annual Community Shofar Factory packed the CDS sanctuary with families of all faiths ready to learn, create and have some hands-on fun.

The afternoon began with songs, laughter and an interactive look at the animals whose horns can become shofars. Then,
participants of all ages selected, sanded and shellacked their own unique horns before learning to sound tekiah, shevarim and t’ruah. Soon, the unmistakable sounds of Rosh Hashanah were echoing across campus!

It was a horn-raising afternoon of tradition, connection and community!

One of our most cherished CDS traditions is beginning a new school year together around the table. Tonight, families fro...
08/28/2026

One of our most cherished CDS traditions is beginning a new school year together around the table. Tonight, families from across our community gathered for our annual Back-to-School Potluck Shabbat, lighting the candles, breaking bread with challah, sharing favorite dishes, singing, reflecting, and celebrating the year ahead.

This special evening offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the community around us. Families of all faiths and backgrounds came together to experience meaningful traditions, build connections, and celebrate the values that unite us. With a record turnout of over 200 individuals, there is something especially meaningful about starting the year this way, surrounded by good food, familiar traditions, new friendships, and the warmth of our CDS community.

Imagination and wonder are at the heart of our early childhood classrooms. Through playful, hands-on experiences, our yo...
08/27/2026

Imagination and wonder are at the heart of our early childhood classrooms. Through playful, hands-on experiences, our youngest learners are encouraged to create, experiment, investigate, and bring their ideas to life.

Whether using shaving cream and noodles to make pretend donuts, painting colorful car tracks before racing toy vehicles across them, or designing artwork inspired by beloved storybooks like Where the Wild Things Are, children build skills while having fun.

Curiosity extends into science as students make predictions, test their theories, and observe the results of sink-or-float challenges. Along the way, they strengthen problem-solving abilities, make meaningful connections, and gain confidence trying something new.

At CDS, these joyful moments spark discovery, deepen understanding, and nurture a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

What happens when shapes and colors come together in a space designed for artistic exploration? Art comes to life!In Mr....
08/26/2026

What happens when shapes and colors come together in a space designed for artistic exploration? Art comes to life!

In Mr. Lucky’s art studio, students have the freedom and space to experiment, take creative risks, and bring their ideas to life. They explored organic and geometric shapes, combining them into colorful compositions filled with movement, pattern, and personality. Bold black outlines made each shape stand out and brought their finished pieces together.

The result? A vibrant collection of artwork that shows how the right environment can inspire meaningful learning and self-expression.

As we continue highlighting the new teachers and staff joining CDS this year, we’re excited to introduce our new second-...
08/23/2026

As we continue highlighting the new teachers and staff joining CDS this year, we’re excited to introduce our new second-grade teacher, Mrs. Brittany Gieseke!

While Mrs. Gieseke is new to our full-time faculty, she is already a familiar face at CDS. For the past four years, she has been part of our school family as a substitute teacher while her children attended our preschool.

Mrs. Gieseke brings 12 years of teaching experience spanning second through eighth grade, including teaching English in China. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida, with a minor in Gifted Education, and holds ESL certification and a Reading Endorsement.

“What makes CDS so special is that each child is truly seen as an individual. I love the focus on the whole child and the way students are encouraged to be curious, find their voice, and grow in ways that are meaningful to them. There is also such a strong sense of community and kindness throughout the school.”

Fourth graders stepped into the school year with a Book Tasting, exploring a variety of genres, authors, and topics in s...
08/21/2026

Fourth graders stepped into the school year with a Book Tasting, exploring a variety of genres, authors, and topics in search of their next great read. With Book Tasting Menus in hand, students previewed covers, synopses, and opening pages while thinking critically about what draws them into a book.

The experience sparked thoughtful conversations as students compared reactions, exchanged recommendations, and discovered new possibilities for their reading lives. They wrapped up by creating personalized “Must Reads” bookmarks, turning their first impressions into a collection of books they are eager to explore throughout the year.

Address

4335 Wilkinson Road
Sarasota, FL
34233

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+19415522770

Website

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