Admissions Philosophy and Policies
The Charlotte Latin School admissions policies are established to support the School’s mission: to encourage individual development and civility in our students by inspiring them to learn, by encouraging them to serve others, and by offering them many growth-promoting opportunities.
From Kindergarten through twelfth grade, our admissions process is designed to seek prospective students with a variety of interests, talents, and experiences, who will contribute to both the strength and energy of our School environment. Additionally, we seek applicants who will add to Latin’s ethnic, religious, and socio-economic diversity. Family commitment to supporting the educational and moral growth of our students is an integral part of the life of Charlotte Latin School.
Charlotte Latin School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid policies, employment practices, or other School-administered programs.
KINDERGARTEN students will be selected through a process that includes a review of teacher recommendations, admissions testing, and an observation in a Charlotte Latin School classroom. Additionally, the School may observe the child in his or her preschool classroom.
Students applying for GRADES 1 – 5 will be selected through a process that includes a review of previous school performance, teacher recommendations, admissions testing, and a classroom visit.
Students applying for GRADES 6 – 12 will be selected through a process that includes a review of previous school performance, teacher recommendations, admissions testing, a classroom visit, and an interview. Applications for grade 12 are accepted only if the family is moving from out-of-town.
If testing and school records do not provide a clear assessment of the student’s ability to be successful at Charlotte Latin School, the School may request additional information beyond the routine admissions data, such as detailed educational, psychological, or medical evaluations.
Acceptance of a child does not imply that the School will assume the responsibility for all the special needs of, or program accommodations for, the child where such constitute a modification or alteration of the School’s program.
Kindergarten Admissions Guidelines
Charlotte Latin School Kindergarten applicants should be five years old by August 31 and should be enrolled in a four-year-old preschool program.
Transitional Kindergarten
Charlotte Latin School has one Transitional Kindergarten class of 16 to 18 children. Students whose fifth birthday occurs between April 1 and October 15 may be recommended for this class if the evaluation for admission indicates the need for a bridge year. The Transitional Kindergarten program allows the student time for developmental growth in all areas. For more information about Latin’s TK program, please click here.
Additional Considerations
Charlotte Latin is a school that both challenges and nurtures its students. Our primary admissions goal is to determine if a child can and will be successful at Latin. Once that is determined, courtesy will be given to qualified siblings of existing students and children of former Charlotte Latin students.
Waiting Pool
After a grade level is filled, the School will maintain a waiting applicant pool. Students in this pool will not be ranked. If an opening occurs, the School will review the files of all applicants for that grade and make a decision based on the guidelines stated above.
