A young boy reads a book.

 

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 priority consideration, please submit applications by January 2 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 to Prep directly from teachers by February 1 for Montessori through Kindergarten.

Teacher recommendations and transcripts for applicants to 1st-8th grade are due February 26th.

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

Complete testing with a Charlotte Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) school psychologist to take the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) as part of the 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. Testing must be complete by February 1 for Kindergarten and February 26 for 1st grade.

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. Testing must be complete by February 26 for 2nd - 4th grade.

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. 

Step 4: Campus Visit

Campus Visit

Undoubtedly, the most important part 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 December.

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 Kindergarten student 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: Decisions

Admissions Decisions

Charlotte Prep will send admissions decisions via email. Details about how to enroll online will be provided at that time.

Montessori through Kindergarten:

  • Priority round notifications sent - February 26 at 4:00 p.m. via email
  • Enrollment contracts are due on March 5 at 12:00 p.m.

Grades 1 - 8:

  • Priority round notifications sent - April 9 at 4:00 p.m. via email
  • Enrollment contracts are due on April 16 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

Start Your Application

important dates

 

Montessori Pre-Primary through Kindergarten 

  • Priority application deadline: January 2
  • CAIS testing (kindergarten) and teacher recommendations: February 15
  • Admission decision notification: February 26 at 4:00 p.m.
  • Enrollment contract return deadline: Noon on March 5

Grade Levels by Age

  • Age 2 by August 1 for Montessori Pre-Primary
  • Age 3 by August 1 for Montessori Primary 
  • Age 4 by August 1 for Montessori Transitional Kindergarten
  • Age 5 by August 1 for Montessori Kindergarten or Traditional Kindergarten

Grades 1-8

  • Priority application deadline: January 15
  • Supporting materials due (teacher recommendations, testing, and transcripts): February 26
  • Admission decision notification: April 9 at 4:00 p.m.
  • Enrollment contract return deadline: Noon on April 16