Fostering leadership
through character education
Leadership development is a cornerstone of the Charlotte Prep experience. Our commitment to growing tomorrow’s leaders begins in the Early School and continues in a planned and purposeful way through Lower and Middle School. Our Four Pillars of Leadership—Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, and Courage—are woven into every aspect of the educational experience.
Prep’s Honor Code
Each individual is responsible for his or her conduct, and should actively promote honesty and integrity. Students at Charlotte Preparatory School respect the personal and property rights of others and the school learning environment. They demonstrate honor by always acting honestly, responsibly, and ethically.
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Early School Leaders
Students as young as two years old are given daily opportunities to serve as leaders in their Montessori classrooms. Students learn independence and gain self-confidence through the curriculum as well as by serving as the Leader of the Day.
In Early School, Montessori lessons include grace and courtesy, instilling in even our youngest students an understanding of how to treat one another.
Teachers also work with children on the developmental understanding of one’s own feelings, as well as the feelings of others.
Lower School Leaders
All Lower School students engage in planned character education and social skills lessons to support their development as leaders, as well as authentic leadership development experiences built-in throughout the school year.
Inherent in the Lower School’s workshop-style instructional model are opportunities for students to try out new leadership skills and demonstrate the qualities of a good leader in authentic ways.
Outside the classroom, students put learning into action in drama productions, after-school studios, and personal endeavors in the community.
Middle School Leaders
As part of the Middle School leadership curriculum, students learn about presenting oneself, including interview skills such as shaking hands properly, appropriate dress, eye contact, and asking thoughtful questions.
This leadership development culminates at our annual High School Fair, at which local and regional independent day and boarding schools visit our campus to meet with our 8th-Grade class.
These skills set our students apart as mature and poised adolescents and prepare them for futures bright with opportunity.
Our Signature Leadership Program
A beloved tradition at Charlotte Prep is the BUDEE (Be Understanding, Dedicated, Empathetic, and Engaged) mentorship program, which matches TK students from the Early School with 3rd Graders and each of the other Lower School students with a Middle School buddy who serves as a role model to the youngster. Students—older and younger—experience leadership in action as they meet for community service, character education, and teamwork exercises. We encourage students to expand their social perspective as they learn about the needs of both our local and global communities and the impact that we can have no matter one’s age or abilities.
