Academic Transition and Student Success

a first-of-its-kind model within our regional independent school landscape.

One of our most distinctive innovations is the creation of the Office of Academic Transition and Student Success (ATSS)

Led by Founding Director Isa Stokes and Student Success Program Coordinator Nick Davis, the Office of Academic Transition and Student Success (ATSS) at Charlotte Latin School is dedicated to empowering students new to independent school environments — particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds — with the tools, strategies, and relationships they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our office supports students through a comprehensive suite of programs that address key areas of development, from executive functioning and academic coaching to cultural identity, community belonging, and leadership formation. This model is not just a collection of programs — it’s a blueprint for culture-shifting systems of support that align with our strategic vision of cultivating purpose and belonging. Embedded parent and caregiver touchpoints ensure that families are active partners in this journey, making the work sustainable and deeply personal.

The ATSS Office exists to ensure that every student — especially those navigating new educational environments — has access to meaningful support, intentional programming, and transformative learning opportunities.s. Through proactive transition experiences, academic coaching, and inclusive community-building efforts, we equip students to succeed at Charlotte Latin and lead with confidence wherever their path takes them. Isa Stokes
Director

ATSS Signature Programs

Latin Launch: Summer Transition Experience

The Latin Launch Summer Transition Experience is a multi-week program offered in June, July, and August, designed to prepare new Middle and Upper School students for a successful entry into Charlotte Latin. This experience encompasses:

Academic Preparedness: Study skills, reading and writing strategies, and math readiness.

Leadership Development: Goal-setting, student-athlete expectations, and leadership identity.

Community Integration: Orientation to Charlotte Latin’s culture, technology platforms (e.g., Google Classroom), and peer-to-peer connections.

Cultural Awareness: Building bridges of belonging through identity-affirming and inclusive practices.

ATSS Year-Long Modular Program

ATSS Year-long Modular Program
This ten-month curriculum supports new students throughout the academic year with structured support in academic, social, and emotional growth. Monthly modules are designed to build critical competencies that position students for success at Latin and beyond:

August – August Purpose & Belonging: Establishing identity and connection within the school community.

September – Goal Setting & Time Management: Developing SMART goals and executive functioning strategies.

October – Self-Advocacy: Equipping students to access resources and seek academic support.

November/December – SEL & Wellness: Enhancing emotional awareness and wellness habits.

January – Mid-Year Reflection: Evaluating progress and realigning goals using LEGEND Planners.

February – Self-Regulation: Strengthening study habits and behavior self-monitoring.

March – Mental Health & Self-Care: Reinforcing coping strategies and mindfulness.

April – Resilience & Affirmation: Celebrating perseverance, identity, and personal growth.

May – Celebration of Success: Showcasing student growth and academic accomplishments through awards and recognition events.

Peerlink: Upper School New Student Mentorship Experience

Peerlink is Charlotte Latin School’s peer mentorship program designed to help new Upper School students successfully transition into the Latin community. Through a partnership between the Student Admissions Board (SAB) and the Office of Academic Transition and Student Success (ATSS), Peerlink ensures every new student is supported, connected, and prepared for success.

What We Do:
Each new Upper School student is paired with a trained SAB peer mentor. Mentors provide consistent guidance through biweekly check-ins and monthly engagement activities focused on academics, leadership, and community connection. A ten-month transition plan guides progress, with ongoing support from ATSS staff. Mentors receive training in leadership and transition support, ensuring quality guidance for mentees.

Who We Serve:
Newly enrolled Upper School students (Grades 9–12), with a special focus on those joining from nontraditional feeder schools or underrepresented backgrounds.

Our Goals:

Ensure 100% of new students are matched with a mentor within their first month. Foster belonging, with 80% reporting a strong sense of connection by midyear.
Provide meaningful leadership opportunities for SAB members.
Strengthen student engagement, retention, and academic success.

Timeline & Milestones:
Launch: August 2025
Mentor Training: August
Student-Mentor Match Day: September
Mid-Year Evaluation: January
Year-End Celebration: May

Why It Matters:
Peerlink is more than mentorship — it’s a community commitment to ensure new students thrive academically, socially, and personally, while building leadership among Latin’s student mentors.

Affinity Group Programming: Brotherhood & Belonging

Affinity Group Programming: Brotherhood & Belonging
Aligned with Charlotte Latin’s Strategic Plan Goal 4.3, our affinity programming provides culturally responsive spaces for historically underrepresented boys in Grades 3–12. These experiences promote belonging, confidence, and cultural identity through mentorship, dialogue, and leadership development.

Lower School (Grades 3–5): Voices – Brotherhood & Identity
February–May sessions designed to foster brotherhood, celebrate heritage, and explore identity through storytelling, creative projects, and guest mentorship.

Middle School: The Boys’ Room
A safe space focused on belonging, leadership, self-advocacy, and emotional awareness, supported through a structured curriculum and adult mentorship.

Upper School: Leadership & Legacy
Future expansion will include leadership training, mentorship of younger students, and college and career readiness preparation for Upper School students.

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