Teachers guide students through a challenging curriculum supported by developmentally appropriate activities and multi-sensory teaching methods.
Students are encouraged to discover their individual strengths, explore their God-given talents and, through the school’s flexible and sequential learning program, strive for academic success.
CMDS is accredited by AdvanceEd, and is a member of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools, Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, and Southern Association of Independent Schools.
Explore the cmds curriculum strategy and design
STEAM Initiative
As part of our schoolwide STEAM initiative, CMDS is proud to introduce our newly renovated Makerspace—an exciting addition to our existing E-Lab. Connected by a shared hallway, these two spaces will work together to form a central hub of innovation and hands-on learning. The E-Lab continues to serve as our technology-rich design studio, housing tools like robotics kits, coding platforms, circuits, 3D printers, and a laser cutter. The adjacent Makerspace builds on this foundation by offering a collaborative space for students to plan, prototype, build, and test their ideas using both high-tech and low-tech tools. Every class in the school—from 2K through 6th grade—will have access to this shared space, which will be led by our Director of STEAM and E-Lab teacher, Haley Dunavant. Importantly, the Makerspace includes a dedicated woodshop, where students will safely learn to use real tools like mini miter saws, hand drills, clamps, sanding blocks, and precision screwdrivers. With support and supervision, students gain confidence using these tools to bring their ideas to life—building not just projects, but also independence, creativity, and craftsmanship. The Makerspace also serves as a natural extension of our Discovery Lab program for 2K–SK students, ensuring a seamless progression of creative exploration and design thinking throughout their years at CMDS.
At CMDS, we believe STEAM education should be woven into every academic subject—not taught in isolation. Through a project-based learning approach, students explore real-world challenges and create thoughtful, hands-on solutions. For example, first graders design and build a model of the Oval Office for their Presidents’ Day program, while third graders partner with the Memphis Zoo to design animal enrichment toys. These types of interdisciplinary projects are not limited to one class or grade level; instead, they are made possible through our shared Makerspace and supported by the design and engineering principles taught in the E-Lab. By combining creativity with critical thinking and giving students access to both digital tools and physical materials, we equip them with the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to thrive in the classroom—and beyond.
Technology
At CMDS, we intentionally teach students how to use technology effectively and responsibly, beginning as early as 2K. As students progress, they build foundational skills in digital citizenship, keyboarding, and coding. Beginning in lower school, students receive explicit instruction in Google Workspace tools—such as Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drive—through focused lessons in some of their Encore classes. These skills are then consistently reinforced and applied across subjects, ensuring that students can confidently organize, collaborate, and communicate in any classroom. Students also receive 1:1 devices to support their learning: younger students are assigned iPads, while older students use Google Chromebooks. All devices remain at school and are integrated into daily instruction. This structured and schoolwide approach provides a consistent foundation in technology expectations and prepares students to navigate future academic and professional environments with ease.
Student Support Learning Support
Learning Support is designed to give academic support to students through work in a small group setting for a portion of the day. Our Learning Support teachers also give periodic learning support in the students’ regular classrooms as needed. Students are admitted to the program based on performance observations, teacher referrals and diagnostic testing. The Learning Support program promotes success through a combination of small group work in a separate setting, as well as individual assistance in the regular classroom.
Student Support Kudzu
The KUDZU program is designed for high-achieving students in second through sixth grade who need further academic challenges at an accelerated pace. Entrance into the program is based on exceptional classroom performance, work ethic, grades, and standardized test scores. KUDZU follows a multidisciplinary curriculum built around thematic units that are based on student interests and teacher recommendations. Students are challenged through a variety of teaching strategies, including manipulatives, learning centers, cooperative groups, thematic units, games, visual/dramatic arts, guest speakers, field trips and technology research.
Through active learning strategies, students develop their skills in math, language arts, leadership, social skills, creativity, technology, independent thinking, reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. KUDZU students are challenged to reach their greatest academic potential.
