The Middle School, the culmination of Prep’s intentionally-designed educational program, is well proven to provide students with the requisite tools for success in and out of the classroom
and beyond Prep
Our school structure is based on research identified as the model most supportive of this age group’s success. To reach their potential, young adolescents do best in a small, nurturing environment in which they are truly known by their teachers as unique individuals. We believe our Middle School is the optimal size—large enough to field an array of opportunities but small enough to foster a nurturing environment for every individual.
Charlotte Prep’s model empowers students to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing space where they are able to take risks and discover their strengths.
Our students stay children—just as they developmentally should be—as they develop appropriate maturity. The results are clear and remarkable. Our students leave our care extremely well prepared to succeed in high school.
Parents of Charlotte Prep students can be confident that upon graduation their child will be well-prepared for whatever path they choose.
Curriculum Highlights
Our sequence introduces students to concepts at developmentally appropriate times and then reinforces and extends that knowledge over time in a spiraling manner.
Reading and writing are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Our standard math curriculum is a full year ahead of learning at most other schools.
Our students master emerging technologies that are transforming our world.
We offer Spanish as our foreign language for grades K-8. Middle School students take Spanish as a core class, developing the confidence and skills they will need to succeed in high school Spanish.
Our integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program reaches every classroom.
Students benefit from tangible opportunities to learn characteristics of leadership and exemplify good character.
Students learn how to present themselves, speak confidently in public, and thrice in an increasingly complex, global society.
Students participate in our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, emphasizing flexibility and responsibility.
Our robust arts and athletics programs provide a well-rounded experience for all students.
Starts in 5th Grade
As a PreK-8th Grade school, having our 5th Grade students as part of our Middle School makes sense. They are developmentally ready for more responsibility and learn at an early age how a rotation schedule works, how to be more responsible, and rise to the challenge of being a part of our leaders in Middle School. They are able to participate in school team sports and serve as a Middle School BUDEE to our younger students.
Leaders of the School
As part of the Middle School leadership curriculum, students learn about presenting themselves, including interview skills such as shaking hands properly, appropriate dress, eye contact, and asking thoughtful questions.
Middle School students are looked up to on our campus. They understand the younger students are observing them and they are key role models in building and nurturing the kind culture Charlotte Prep has created. These life skills set our students apart as mature and poised adolescents and prepare them for futures bright with opportunity.
Intentional High School Placement Process
We believe by 8th Grade students and parents understand best what the best-fit high school experience looks like. From the first day of the student’s 8th Grade year, the high school placement process begins. Every student and their family meets with a team of teachers and administrators to prepare for the process. Each fall, representatives from prestigious local and regional day and boarding schools come to our campus to recruit our students, knowing that our graduates will enrich their student bodies. In some cases, transcripts are hand delivered to local schools. Our dedication, relationship with high schools, and preparation lead to a successful end result. Every year, we place our students in their best-fit high school.
Their success in high school solidifies our belief in the value of the work we do and our intentional process of matching each of our students to their best-fit educational setting.
Learn More
Our graduates have attended the following schools:
CHARLOTTE-AREA INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
British International School of Charlotte
Cannon School
Carmel Christian School
Charlotte Catholic High School
Charlotte Christian School
Charlotte Country Day School
Charlotte Lab School
Covenant Day School
Gaston Day School
Providence Day School
Trinity Christian Prep
United Faith Christian Academy
BOARDING SCHOOLS
American Hebrew Academy
Asheville School
Baylor School
Chatham Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall
Christ School
Greenbrier Academy
Interlochen Arts Academy
McCallie School
Mercersburg Academy
The Peddie School
Riverside Military Academy
St. Andrew’s School
Suffield Academy
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Woodberry Forest School
Ardrey Kell High School
Central Academy of Technology and Arts
Cuthbertson High School
East Mecklenburg High School
Hickory Ridge High School
Independence High School
Marvin Ridge High School
Myers Park High School
Northwest School of the Arts
Olympic Community of Schools
Providence High School
Queen’s Grant High School Union Academy
South Mecklenburg High School
Union Academy
Weddington High School
West Mecklenburg High School
American School in London - England
Campolindo High School - California
Carlisle School - Virginia
Christian-von-Dohm Gymnasium - Germany South
Georgetown Day School - Washington, DC
The Gregory School - Arizona
International Community School in London - England
Portland High School - Maine
Sidwell Friends School - Washington, DC
South Carolina Governors School for the Arts
University in Madrid
Washington-Lee High School - Virginia
Wesleyan School - Georgia
COLLEGE DESTINATIONS
Charlotte Prep alumni also go on to attend some of the most excellent colleges and universities in the nation and beyond.
“When my older daughter was going into seventh grade, I considered a move to one of the big three, and then it occurred to me that in those bigger schools, the high schoolers are the stars. That’s where they put all their money and attention. I didn’t want middle school to be forgotten.”
–Middle School parent
Resources
Jessica Stargell has devoted her career to middle schoolers; this age is her passion. Prior to joining Prep, Jessica served for 7 years as the middle school director at St. Michael’s Episcopal School, a K-8 independent school in Richmond, Virginia. Previously, she taught middle school science, social studies, and English at public and independent schools in Virginia. She has also led curricular development and training for public schools in Virginia and Louisiana. Jessica has an MS in middle school education and a BS in interdisciplinary studies, both from Old Dominion University.