Application Process

We believe in the unique possibility and potential of every child who applies to Charlotte Prep.

The Admissions Committee considers many factors when evaluating an applicant, including the required application components and, beyond that, what it would be like to welcome a particular family into our community. We seek families who will support and uphold the mission of the school and students who are best suited for our program and who we believe will contribute positively to our community.

Charlotte Prep’s online application process is designed to be clear and simple. Once you create an online account, a comprehensive checklist and directions ensure that you don’t miss a deadline or forget to submit important paperwork. A step-by-step application summary can be found below.

Step 1: Application	Application Complete and submit an online application (including the $100 non-refundable application fee). Click here to access our online Admissions Portal. For Round 1 consideration, please submit applications by December 31 for Montessori through Kindergarten and January 15 for 1st through 8th grade.
Step 2: Recs & Transcripts	Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts As part of your application form, you have the opportunity to enter names and emails for your children’s teachers. This will trigger an automatic email to the teachers requesting their feedback via an online form. Please inform the teachers to be on the lookout for these emails. Teacher recommendations are due back to Charlotte Prep directly from the teachers by January 15 for Montessori through Kindergarten and February 28th for grades 1 through 8. Applicants to 1st-8th grades also complete and submit the Transcript Release Form to their current school while completing the online application. The current school must return the student’s complete transcripts directly to Charlotte Prep by February 28th.
Step 3: Assessment	External Academic Assessment Pre-Primary, Primary and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) There is no external testing required for Montessori Early School applications. However, a member of our admissions team will connect with you to schedule a classroom visit after your application is submitted. Kindergarten and 1st Grade Applicants must schedule with a CAIS school psychologist to take the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) as part of the Charlotte Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) applicant screening process. Parents will be asked to sign a validity form indicating the applicant has not been tested (or coached) within the calendar year by the psychologist administering the test. Please refer to the CAIS brochure for specific details about this process. Grades 2-4 Applicants must schedule with a CAIS school psychologist to take the WISC V as part of the Charlotte Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) applicant screening process. Parents will be asked to sign a validity form indicating the applicant has not been tested (or coached) within the calendar year by the psychologist administering the test. Please refer to the CAIS brochure for specific details about this process. Grades 5-8 Applicants take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), which consists of verbal and quantitative ability tests, mathematics and reading comprehension achievement tests, and a written essay. The ISEE is given in a group setting or can be scheduled in an individual setting at home. In special circumstances, it can also be administered one-on-one by contacting the Admissions Office.
Step 4: Campus Visit	Campus Visit Undoubtedly the most important piece of the admissions process is getting to know your student. Applicants will be invited for virtual or in-person visits so we can get to know each other. Details for these visits will be shared via email either immediately upon submission of the application, or shortly after. Visits are typically conducted starting in January. Early School Montessori Applicants: A brief Meet and Greet visit will be scheduled for your student. During this time the teacher will work with the applicant and present some lessons using Montessori materials. Visits usually last about 20-30 minutes. Kindergarten Applicants (Applying by the Round 1 Deadline): Your rising Kindergartener will be invited to a Kindergarten Play Day. Details will be shared by the admissions team well in advance. Applications received after the Round 1 deadline will be scheduled for a visit as slots become available. 1st Through 8th-Grade Applicants: Applicants residing in or visiting the Charlotte area may be invited to an on-campus experience. Invitations may be subject to the results of academic assessments, thereby preventing unnecessary absences from the applicant’s current school. Out of town applicants will be invited to visit virtually.
Step 5: Acceptance	Invitation of Acceptance Charlotte Prep will email the results of the admissions process. Details about how to enroll online will be provided at that time. Montessori through Kindergarten: Round 1 Notifications Sent - February 28 at 4:00 p.m. via email Enrollment Contracts Due (Early School & Kindergarten) - March 7 by 12:00 p.m. Grades 1 - 8: Round 1 Notifications Sent - March 28 at 4:00 p.m. via email Enrollment Contracts Due - April 4 by 12:00 p.m.

“The application process was surprisingly easy and the Admissions team was absolutely wonderful. They made our family feel welcome at every turn and answered all of our crazy questions with patience and care.”

-Early School parent

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