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.

    Important Dates

    Early School & Kindergarten 

    • Priority application deadline: January 2
    • CAIS testing (kindergarten) and teacher recommendations: February 1
    • Admission decision notification: February 26 at 4:00 p.m.
    • Enrollment contract return deadline: March 5 at 12:00 p.m.

    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: April 16 at 12:00 p.m.
      Step 1: Application

      Apply Online
      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 early school through Kindergarten and January 15 for 1st through 8th grade.

      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
      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 and school registrar (for grades 1-8). This will trigger automatic emails requesting recommendations/transcripts via an online form. Please ask teachers to be on the lookout for these emails. 

      Recommendations are due to Prep directly from teachers by February 1 for Montessori through Kindergarten.

      Teacher recommendations and transcripts for applicants to grades 1-8 are due February 26.

      Step 3: Assessment

      All applicants for Montessori Kindergarten/Kindergartent through 8th grade will follow the Charlotte Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) applicant screening process outlined below. External testing is not required before Montessori Kindergarten.

      WPPSI/WISC testing should be administered by CAIS pyschologists. Psychologists and other testing instructions are listed in the 2027-2028 CAIS brochure. Appointments can be scheduled after Labor Day.

      Testing requirements:

      • Montessori Kindergarten/Kindergarten: WPPSI-IV due by February 1
      • 1st Grade: WPPSI-IV due by February 26
      • Grades 2–4: WISC-V due by February 26
      • Grades 5–8: ISEE (register for testing here) due by February 26
      Step 4: Campus Visit

      Early School Montessori Applicants:
      We will schedule a brief Meet and Greet visit 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. Applications received after the Round 1 deadline will be scheduled for a visit as slots become available.

      Grade 1-8 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, to prevent unnecessary absences from the applicant’s current school. Out of town applicants will be invited to visit virtually. 

      Step 5: 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