Stories

My name is Brandon, and I’m an eighth-grade lifer here at Charlotte Prep. I’ve been a student here for ten years, which makes Charlotte Prep not only a place where I've learned but also where I’ve grown up. At Prep, I’ve had the unique opportunity to grow alongside my classmates and mature academically, personally, and in character. What I’ve experienced is a school that intentionally helps us become confident learners, strong individuals, and caring members of a community.

Because Charlotte Prep is a small school, the teachers get to know all of us not just by name, but by our personalities, strengths, and challenges. This creates an environment where we feel seen, supported, and valued. 

At Charlotte Prep, growth happens in several ways. Even as small children, we begin to learn how to accept and embrace our cultural differences. We learn to be curious and are taught that our diverse backgrounds are something to be proud of. For example, throughout early and lower school, family members came into our classrooms to teach us about the holidays they celebrate.

We carry this openness with us as we grow. When we feel comfortable being ourselves, we are more willing to participate and take academic risks. As we move through the grades, expectations increase, critical thinking deepens, and we learn how to manage responsibility and independence. We also develop character and life skills, like our four pillars of respect, integrity, perseverance, and courage, as well as other crucial skills such as responsibility, leadership, and cooperation. 

As we get older, we are given more opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in enrichment activities, and become more involved in the school community. A notable example of this is the BUDEE mentorship program at Charlotte Prep that connects students across divisions. I was surprised to learn my BUDEE shared similar interests with me, and I deeply enjoy participating in activities with and serving as a role model for him. Now, several years later, it always brightens my day when I see him in the hallway.

In middle school the academic environment is more rigorous, but the close relationships with teachers continue. In fifth grade, if I was having a hard time or a bad day, Mrs. McGovern would invite me to join her for lunch. I felt free to talk about my feelings, and I always felt better after my time with her.

The teachers at Prep care about us and what we need to become the best version of ourselves. They learn about our strengths and our interests and adapt how they teach, making sure each student is challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow. For example, I am a history enthusiast and love reading about geopolitics and foreign relations. Because of my deep interest and dedication to the subject, mentorship from Mr. Kennard, our middle school social studies teacher, has given me many wonderful opportunities for leadership as well as character and academic growth. Thanks to Mr. Kennard, I have participated in numerous leadership activities and committees and have had several special opportunities, like moderating and acting as chair for beginner committees in Model United Nations.

This year, Mrs. Stargell and Mr. Kennard recommended that I take part in Harvard's Future Changemakers program. This is a global leadership program led by current Harvard students, designed to equip younger generations with the skills to create a positive impact in the world. Because of my experiences at Prep, I was able to think critically, contribute confidently to discussions, and connect with peers my age from around the world to find solutions to problems in our communities. 

To conclude, Charlotte Prep is a place where we as students are truly known, supported, and challenged to grow. Through a strong sense of belonging, meaningful relationships with teachers, and a community that values each student as an individual, Charlotte Prep creates an environment where we can feel confident to learn and develop into our best selves. As I prepare to graduate, I feel academically ready, equipped with life skills, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.