Stories

Charlotte Prep’s high school placement process is designed to empower students to discover the best fit for their next chapter—and 8th grader Collins G. embraced that opportunity with both focus and passion. After months of preparation, Collins was accepted into all four of the competitive schools she applied to: Charlotte Country Day School, Charlotte Latin School, Cannon School, and Providence Day School.

In the end, Collins chose Providence Day School, a decision grounded in academic curiosity and personal reflection. “Each school gave off a unique vibe,” she shared. “I paid close attention to whether I thought I would feel comfortable in that community. In addition to concrete facts and other criteria, it came down to a gut feeling about PD.” Among the features that stood out to her were Providence Day’s robust English program, the opportunity to pursue their Global Studies Diploma, and the option to continue learning German—all aspects that aligned with her interests.

Collins’ success in the application process was not just about the end result, but also about how well-prepared she felt along the way. “Charlotte Prep assisted me when applying to schools by providing in-depth preparation for the ISEE test and the admissions interviews,” she said. Through school research, mock interviews with faculty, and consistent encouragement, Collins gained the confidence to speak authentically and ask meaningful questions during her school visits.

Her mother echoed that sentiment: “The placement team was an invaluable partner through the entire high school selection process. They were readily available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help alleviate our concerns. Our family is deeply appreciative of the support we received to make the process as smooth and painless as possible.”

But academic success is only part of Collins’ story. Outside of the classroom, she has distinguished herself in the world of freestyle kayaking—a demanding and dynamic sport that combines technical skill, creativity, and fearlessness. Collins began paddling at the age of six and took up freestyle kayaking at 11. This past summer, she spent three weeks on Canada’s Ottawa River at a kayaking and leadership training camp. When she returned, she threw herself into preparation for the USA Team Trials—and her hard work paid off. In August, Collins earned a coveted spot on the U.S. Junior Women’s Team. She will represent the United States at the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships in Germany this summer.

We can’t wait to cheer her on—both in the classroom at Providence Day and on the world stage in Germany!