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Charlotte Country Day School

United States, Charlotte

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $24,515 - 34,075
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1745
Type Co-educational
Opened 1941
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Spanish, Latin
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Charlotte Country Day School is an independent co-educational day school serving JK–12 on two Charlotte campuses, Cannon and Bissell. The program combines the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in the Upper School with Advanced Placement courses, while Lower and Middle Schools offer a broad, inquiry-based curriculum. In the Lower School, two full-time teachers per class deliver science, design, physical education, and modern languages (French and Spanish), plus music, art, drama, and a library, with social-emotional learning and DEIB integrated. Middle School (grades 5–8) offers Latin and a 1:1 iPad program. The Upper School emphasizes an integrated curriculum, rotating seven-day schedule, advisory, and international studies with global travel. Standout facilities include the Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics (eight biology/chemistry/physics/engineering labs), Hance Fine Arts Center (3-D studio, Blackbox theater, galleries), Gorelick Theater, and a 330-acre Farm. Notable programs include Master Classes, Science Research, and World Leaders, plus community service and externships.

1440 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226

The Essentials

Charlotte Country Day School has 1,745 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 1440 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226, United States. The campus serves grades JK–12 across Cannon Campus and Bissell Campus in the Charlotte area. Bus transportation is available throughout Charlotte with routes serving the Charlotte Country Club area and Myers Park/Cornwell Center, and there is a campus shuttle between Cannon Campus and Bissell Campus.

Stages
Grades JK-12

Type
independent co-educational school

Additional learning support
The Educational Resource Program (ERP) assists students in JK–12 with individualized support and resources. The ERP provides literacy and math tutoring, speech-language and occupational screenings/therapy, and accommodations and executive-function coaching.

School day structure
Junior Kindergarten: 8:00 am–1:15 pm; Kindergarten: 8:00 am–2:00 pm; Grades 1–2: 8:00 am–2:50 pm; Grades 3–4: 8:00 am–3:05 pm; Grades 5–8: 8:00 am–3:10 pm; Grades 9–12: 8:00 am–3:15 pm.

Bus service
Country Day offers bus transportation to locations throughout Charlotte. A morning and afternoon shuttle service operates between Cannon Campus and Bissell Campus. Neighborhood routes include Charlotte Country Club and Myers Park/Cornwell Center, and a Campus Shuttle Service runs between campuses; fees and schedules are published on the bus information pages.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a dress code requiring neat, clean, and modest attire. Tops must cover the midsection; no spaghetti straps, sleepwear, or clothing with offensive logos; clothing must be opaque. PE Uniforms are required and can be purchased from the BucsShop.

Food Options
The school has healthy dining options provided by Aladdin Food Management Services. Students may bring lunch or purchase in the dining hall; ID cards are scanned and monthly statements are sent to parents. Dining Hall Hours: Lower School 10:45 am–12:30 pm; Middle School 10:45 am–12:30 pm; Upper School 7:30–9:30 am (breakfast) and 11:00 am–1:10 pm (lunch).

Governance and Ownership
The school is an independent, co-educational school serving grades JK–12.
Fees

Annual tuition at Charlotte Country Day School ranges from USD 24,515 to USD 34,075 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- A non‑refundable application fee of USD 100 is required with each student application.
- Families applying for need‑based financial aid through the school's partner (Clarity) pay a USD 65 fee when submitting the Clarity application.

Tuition fees (annual and per‑term / per‑month detail) — 2026–27 rates
- Junior Kindergarten: Annual USD 24,515. Per installment (2‑payment plan): USD 12,257.50. Monthly (10‑month plan): USD 2,451.50.
- Kindergarten: Annual USD 25,725. Per installment (2‑payment plan): USD 12,862.50. Monthly (10‑month plan): USD 2,572.50.
- Grades 1–4: Annual USD 30,375. Per installment (2‑payment plan): USD 15,187.50. Monthly (10‑month plan): USD 3,037.50.
- Grades 5–8: Annual USD 32,700. Per installment (2‑payment plan): USD 16,350.00. Monthly (10‑month plan): USD 3,270.00.
- Grades 9–12: Annual USD 34,075. Per installment (2‑payment plan): USD 17,037.50. Monthly (10‑month plan): USD 3,407.50.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- An enrollment deposit equal to 10% of the student's tuition is required at the time of enrollment; this deposit is credited against the total tuition due.
- Remaining tuition may be paid by one of three options: 1) full payment by July 15; 2) two equal installments (due in July and January); or 3) a 10‑month payment plan established with an automatic bank draft.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school is an independent day school serving grades JK–12.

Other costs and recurring fees
- Estimates for additional, grade‑level expenses (outside tuition): Lower School: USD 100–200; Middle School: USD 200–400; Upper School: USD 200–700. These estimates include items such as textbooks, supplies, consolidated activity fees, and athletic/sports fees.
- Optional services available at additional cost include before‑ and after‑school transportation, extended‑day programs, enrichment programs, and tutoring; pricing for these services is separate and billed in addition to tuition.
- Uniforms, PE apparel, and spiritwear are sold through the school's official store (BucsShop); costs vary by item and are billed separately from tuition.

Refund information (applicable items)
- The enrollment deposit is credited toward the total tuition due. Families applying for financial aid pay a reduced deposit that is refundable if the financial aid award is not substantial enough to enable the child to attend. No further general refund policy is listed here.

Fee payment mechanisms and practical notes
- The school's published payment arrangements specifically include a 10‑month plan set up with an automatic bank draft (ACH). Payment timing options are: full payment by July 15, two equal installments (July and January), or the 10‑month automatic bank draft plan.

(Use these figures when preparing family cost estimates and billing schedules; quoted amounts are stated in USD.)
Academics

Charlotte Country Day School teaches IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Grades JK-12 are offered across Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Lower School has two full-time instructional teachers in each classroom and a curriculum that includes science, design lab, physical education, and modern languages (French and Spanish), along with music, art, drama, and a library. Social-emotional learning and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are integrated, and the Educational Resource Program (ERP) provides targeted support for learners across all grades. Middle School (grades 5–8) resides on its own campus and offers an integrated curriculum with language options (French, Spanish, and Latin), travel and study exchanges, and a 1:1 iPad program for grades 5–8. Upper School (grades 9–12) features a diverse, integrated curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program; the Belk Upper School Learning Center supports research, and students follow a rotating seven-day schedule with an advisory. International Studies and global travel programs are embedded in the Upper School experience.

Student Teacher Ratio
8:1 average student/faculty ratio.

Exam Results
AP: In spring, 533 AP exams were administered across 24 courses, and 113 students qualified as AP Scholars, including 44 Scholars with Distinction, 27 Scholars with Honor, and 42 Scholars. IB: The Class of 2025 IB Diploma Program posted an 89% passing rate. Global Seal of Biliteracy: recipients include Chinese (Akansha Swamy, Zachary Lu), French (Penelope Cole), and Spanish (Lily Giardi, Anna Torstrick, Mary Owen, Reagan Harris).

Higher Education Progression
Country Day provides College Counseling; the Class of 2025 was accepted to 177 colleges and universities across 23 states and France, with the group enrolling at 69 institutions; students submitted 1,130 applications to 217 colleges and received more than $12.7 million in scholarships.

Gifted and Talented
Advanced coursework is available through Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs; the Upper School offers AP and IB pathways for highly capable students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school teaches social-emotional concepts and skills in the Lower School. Social-emotional concepts and skills are intentionally taught, practiced, and reinforced throughout every school day. Students learn tools and strategies that help support them personally and socially, and teachers work to help them apply these inside and outside of the classroom. Our social-emotional curriculum builds on itself over the years so that children continue to hone their skills as they grow and develop. SEL strands include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and personal decision making.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has an Educational Resource Program (ERP) to help address students' learning needs, primarily related to literacy and math skills. The ERP staff assists through one-on-one tutoring. The ERP staff provides screenings for speech-language needs. The ERP staff provides screenings for occupational therapy needs. The ERP staff provides screenings for learning differences. The ERP program is designed to support students with diverse learning needs as part of the Lower School program.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has a full-time English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The ESL program supports English language learners and international students. The International Studies program provides a global framework through sister school exchanges and a broad travel program for Middle and Upper School students. Country Day's language offerings include modern languages such as French and Spanish (Lower School). The faculty speaks multiple languages, with 20 languages spoken by our faculty and more than 100 faculty members speaking a second language at the conversational level or higher.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides counseling and mentoring through advisory programs as part of Student Life. The Lower School has two counselors who provide group instruction, classroom support, short-term individual and/or family counseling if needed, and referrals to outside experts when appropriate. Counselors work with teachers to reinforce our social-emotional learning strands. Wellness resources and events support students in managing stress, including mindfulness, coping skills, art therapy, yoga, self-care, and balance. The wellness framework is described as Rooted in Wellness, guiding balanced, meaningful, and healthy education.

Safeguarding
The school knows and respects each child's cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and behavioral needs and responds appropriately to those needs. The school keeps parents informed of progress and communicates concerns at the earliest appropriate time. The school enforces established standards of student behavior in a fair, firm, compassionate, and educationally sound manner. The school sustains an inclusive, diverse community that expects respect for the dignity and worth of every individual. The school respects confidentiality and privacy in communications and invites parents to share personal, religious, cultural, or medical information to serve the child best.
Parent Experience

History
Country Day was founded in 1941. Opened its doors with 18 students. The school has a long legacy of firsts among Charlotte region independent schools, including groundbreaking programs and progressive ideas. Two campuses offer a distinctive and innovative learning environment. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and a comprehensive International Studies Program.

Community
Meet our community: students, faculty, and alumni are making a difference. Student Thought Leaders Lula Barber '25, Benjamin Farnham '25, and Olivia Graves '25 are featured among our student thought leaders. Affinity groups serve parents and students in grades 1-12. Our two campuses and state-of-the-art facilities support a dynamic learning environment.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates on two campuses: Cannon Campus and Bissell Campus. The Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics provides eight dedicated labs for biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and advanced math. The Hance Fine Arts Center includes a 3-D art studio, Blackbox theater, exhibit gallery, photo studio, music practice rooms, and more. Gorelick Family Theater seats about 400 and hosts more than 70 productions each year. The Lower School Fine Arts Center houses the Gorelick Family Theater, two child-scaled art studios, ceramics studio, piano studios, a dance room, a music classroom, and the Dalton Gallery.

Sports Facilities
The two campuses feature a comprehensive athletics infrastructure. The Klein Aquatic Center on Cannon Campus is a 30,000-square-foot facility with an eight-lane, 25-yard competition pool and a five-lane warm-up pool, with ample spectator seating. The Harris Performance Gym provides space for volleyball, basketball, and wrestling, with seating for over 1,200 spectators. Belk Stadium is the largest outdoor competition venue, with a full-size natural grass field, an eight-lane track with event areas, and bleacher seating for 2,500. Bruton Smith Athletic Center includes three full-size basketball/volleyball courts, an elevated track, a weight room, and the O'Leary Sports Medicine Center. There are 11 natural grass playing fields and eight tennis courts across campus.

Academic Facilities
Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics provides eight dedicated lab spaces for biology, chemistry, physics, engineering inquiry and design, and advanced math. Pell Hall houses Upper School classrooms, primarily English and History, and Freshman Seminar. Hance Fine Arts Center includes a 3-D art studio, Blackbox theater, exhibit gallery, photography studio with two darkrooms, ceramics/3-D studio, a dance room, a music suite, and a computer graphics classroom. Dougherty Library offers access to more than 10,000 books and digital materials.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Gorelick Family Theater seats about 400 and is the main performance venue for JK–12, hosting more than 70 productions each year. The Lower School Fine Arts Center houses the Gorelick Family Theater, two child-sized art studios, ceramics studio, piano studios for instruction, a dance room, a music classroom, and the Dalton Gallery used to exhibit art from all divisions. Sklut Center at the Middle School campus includes music and visual arts classes, the guidance office, and the dining hall. Dowd Science Building features large lab-lecture spaces to support the Middle School's hands-on science program. The Community Garden & Green House extends science, language classes, and Garden Club beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Master Classes for Upper School students with renowned artists including the cast of Hamilton and performers such as Christy Altomare, Gil Shaham, and Ray Chen. Science Research engages science-minded seniors in ongoing, novel work started at Berkely Labs to create a physical model of the polypeptide chain. These experiences connect classroom learning to real-world inquiry and professional practice.

Arts & Creative
Master Classes for Upper School students pair them with professional artists, including the cast of Hamilton. Participants engage in high-level workshops with these performers, exploring performance, music, and theatre. These experiences broaden students' artistic practice and exposure to professional standards.

Cultural & Language
World Leaders connects Middle and Upper School students with dignitaries and leaders from countries around the world. Students regularly meet and engage with these international figures in organized settings. This exposure addresses international affairs and diverse perspectives.

Community & Service
The school prepares students to be engaged citizens and to understand the impact of their actions within a community. Every division participates in service, including Upper School's Community Service Day, Lower School making cards for veterans, and Run for Good. There are more than 20 service-learning partnerships, including Goodwill Industries, ourBridge, The Learning Collaborative, Friendship Trays, and Loaves and Fishes. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves as a flagship program with juniors and seniors mentoring Rama Road Elementary School students.

Leadership & Professional
Senior Externship is a one-day mentoring experience exposing seniors to a variety of professions. Since 2017, the program has partnered with more than 175 local employers across 20+ industries. Through job shadowing and mentorship, students explore potential career paths and gain perspective on who they are and who they may become. Many hosts are Country Day parents, alumni, and friends who generously share their time, expertise, and professional insight.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Our Farm is a 330-acre outdoor learning lab for students in JK-12 located in Weddington, NC, creating a living classroom. Lower School students hatch trout eggs in partnership with Trout Unlimited to restock North Carolina streams. Every April, the Upper School hosts the Special Olympics Mecklenburg County Spring Games, with students serving as buddies, timekeepers, and event assistants. Outdoor learning and service activities contribute to student wellbeing and engagement.
Languages

Language Provision
French and Spanish are exposed in JK through first grade. In second grade, students choose one target language with the goal of achieving Novice Low proficiency by the end of fourth grade. In the Upper School, Modern & Classical Languages include Chinese, French, Spanish, and Latin, with several courses conducted in the target language and IB options for Chinese and French.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses target-language instruction in foreign-language courses; some classes are conducted entirely in the target language, including IB Chinese (Mandarin) and IB French Higher Level. Other language courses, such as Spanish, are conducted predominantly in Spanish.

Immersion Programs
Language immersion opportunities exist through the International Studies program and Global Experiences. Beginning in middle school, students participate in travel experiences and exchanges that include language immersion experiences around the world.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Start your journey. Submit an Inquiry Form to let us know you're interested. Create your Admissions Portal account to access a personalized checklist. Schedule a campus visit through the portal to learn more about Country Day. Step 2: Submit an online application. Complete the online application through the Admissions Portal. The checklist guides you through required forms, documents, and next steps. Deadlines for the 2027–28 school year include JK/K on January 2, 2027, and Grades 1–12 on January 15, 2027. Step 3: Complete an entrance test. Entrance tests help ensure the best placement for each student. JK–4 may use local screening assessments arranged with a psychologist. Grades 5–12 take the ISEE, and international applicants are asked to take the TOEFL. Step 4: Meet with a faculty member. Each applicant meets with a grade-appropriate member of the faculty to discuss academic readiness, interests, and character. The meeting also gives the student a chance to learn more about Country Day and assess fit. The interview helps the school understand the student's strengths and how they would contribute to the community. Step 5: Provide supporting materials. Submit teacher recommendations and academic records as required for your grade level through the Admissions Portal. Additional materials may be requested as part of the process. This step ensures the school has a complete view of the applicant's academic background. Step 6: Follow your progress. The Admissions Portal is the central resource for dates, deadlines, and next steps. Check it regularly for updates and to track your status. If you have questions, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@charlottecountryday.org. 2026–27 Important Dates & Deadlines include October 14, 2026 JK/K Admissions Open House; November 5, 2026 Grades 9–12 Admissions Open House; January 2, 2027 JK/K Application Deadline; January 15, 2027 Grades 1–12 Application Deadline; February 1, 2027 JK/K All Application Materials Due; February 6, 2027 Grades 5–12 Admissions ISEE Testing Day; February 26, 2027 JK/K Admissions Decision Notifications; March 5, 2027 JK/K Admissions Responses Due; April 9, 2027 Grades 1–12 Admissions Decision Notifications; April 16, 2027 Grades 1–12 Admissions Responses Due.

Scholarships
Country Day provides financial aid and endowed scholarships. Financial aid is available to qualified families and is determined through Clarity; about 20% of students receive financial aid, with roughly $9.4 million in aid awarded annually. The school has a variety of endowed scholarships awarded based on financial need as determined through the School and Clarity. A full list of scholarship offerings is provided through the financial aid process. Important dates for financial aid include November 1 for current families and January 15 for prospective families. An enrollment deposit is required and there are multiple payment options for tuition.
School Events
The school has not added events
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