The evidence is clear: The skills that will distinguish tomorrow's graduates are no longer defined solely by what they know, but by how they think, create, collaborate, adapt, and find purpose.
The World Economic Forum reports that creative thinking, curiosity, resilience, collaboration, leadership, and technological literacy now rank among the world's most valued workforce capabilities because nearly 40% of today's job skills are expected to change by 2030. While AI and data skills are the fastest-growing technical competencies, employers consistently rank transferable human capabilities among the most valuable long-term skills.
An integrated curriculum in technology, innovation, design, and entrepreneurship is not an enrichment program—it is a strategic response to preparing students for a future where durable human capabilities become their greatest competitive advantage.
The TIDE program at CCES prepares students not simply to succeed in a changing world, but to shape it.
The world needs more
TIDE Mindsets
Curiosity
Approach learning with wonder,
empathy, openness, and depthCollaboration
Collaborate with purpose, navigate
uncertainty, and lead with respect
Creativity
Imagine what is possible, iterate with
courage, and persist through challenges
Meaning
Pursue innovation that matters and has
meaning beyond oneself
Dynamic Spaces
Opening fall 2027, the new 22,000-square-foot TIDE building will connect to the existing Upper School through an elevated bridge and include:
- Five classrooms, two TIDE learning labs, one outdoor learning space and multiple breakout rooms
- Collaboration rooms where technology, design, and business innovation intersect
- Flexible spaces that accommodate small and large group gatherings, and promote immersive, hands-on learning experiences
- Central conference room that can serve as a primary meeting hub
- Monumental Learning Stair for class meetings, presentations and guest lectures
- Gallery space to display student designs and projects
- Grab & Go Cafe offering additional lunch and snack options
TIDE News & Stories
The foundation of TIDE at CCES rests on the four pillars of Curiosity, Collaboration, Creativity, and Meaning, and identifies three primary cornerstones through which we will develop the TIDE Mindset in our students: Innovative Learning Curricula that is integrated into our everyday teaching, Signature Learning Experiences that are experiential in nature for various student cohorts, and Focused Learning Pathways through which students may pursue TIDE courses and experiences more deeply and intentionally over time.
In large part due to our partnership with the Hill Institute, seven CCES students attended a weeklong Innovation Academy in June 2026. In advance of the camp, students were divided into groups to develop a business concept that would address a meaningful problem; they then spent the week of Innovation Academy working with industry experts to refine and present their concepts to investors. Students engaged with a variety of mentors across Greenville, including the Michelin Innovation Lab, EY, NextGen, Kim Lahey & Killough Law Firm, Wonder, 9/8 Central Studios, and Venture South.
In support of TIDE programming, the Edward E. Ford Foundation awarded CCES a grant to bring in five or more professional experts-in-residence, TIDE Pros, in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 academic years. The TIDE team is working to identify a variety of individuals who might provide deep engagement with our students and high value to the overall TIDE program at CCES.
The CCES Wetlands Lab gives students the opportunity to get out of their text books and step into a thriving ecological habitat right here on campus. Hands-on learning experiences foster a greater sense of connection and responsibility to the natural world and inspire them to be stewards of our environment.
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