Charlotte Preparatory School is a college preparatory, coeducational day school.
The school was founded in 1971 as Charlotte Montessori School, and it later moved to its current southeast Charlotte location in 1992.
With the addition of the Middle School, the name of the school was changed to Charlotte Preparatory School in 1998 to reflect our philosophy.
Charlotte Preparatory School fosters lifelong learning and provides an exemplary educational experience founded on academic excellence, positive character, and leadership development in a diverse, inclusive community.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 425 students
- Yearly Tuition: $19,100
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Charlotte Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1971
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
425 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Collared shirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,100
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade level
% on Financial Aid
15%
Admissions Director
Vicky Wilkison
Admissions Associate
Seher Khanna
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Community Service, Math Counts, Science Olympiad, Spanish, Student Council
Club or Organization:
Duke TIP, Photography
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Drama
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Various after school studios
Club or Organization:
Duke TIP, Photography
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Drama
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Various after school studios
School Notes
- Charlotte Prep sits on more than 13 acres and features three divisions: the Early School (ages 2 through 5), the Lower School (Kindergarten through 4th Grade) and the Middle School (5th through 8th Grade). With small classes and an optimum student-teacher ratio, Charlotte Prep provides an enriched curriculum presented in a supportive environment to ensure each student's individual success. The Middle school, which graduated its first 8th Grade class in 2002, graduates students who are highly recruited by area high schools and boarding schools.
- Charlotte Prep provides an encouraging, caring environment that nurtures the whole child. Our emphasis on academics creates students who are passionate learners. The school's unique personal growth programs create young leaders.
- More than 30 percent of the student body is comprised of diverse students, which is evident in each Charlotte Prep classroom. Faculty and students from all over the world are teaching and learning at Charlotte Prep. The school is motivated by a belief that in a global society, diverse classrooms are important to an elite education.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Charlotte Preparatory School cost?
Charlotte Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $19,100 for private students.
Does Charlotte Preparatory School offer a summer program?
Yes, Charlotte Preparatory School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Charlotte Preparatory School offer?
Charlotte Preparatory School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Charlotte Preparatory School's ranking?
Charlotte Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Charlotte Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Charlotte Preparatory School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Charlotte Preparatory School located?
Charlotte Preparatory School is located in the Stonehaven neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 2 other private schools located in Stonehaven.
School Reviews
5 3/10/2023
Charlotte Prep provides a nurturing, positive environment, a top-notch curriculum, and a place where your child is not just a number. Our daughter has thrived at Prep due to the outstanding, dedicated teachers who teach academic lessons plus lessons focused on social skills and leadership development. She has had the opportunity to take excellent classes that align with her interests (including STEM, Technology, Music, Drama, Spanish, and PE), and the school constantly offers new learning options. Prep offers small class sizes and a diverse and truly welcoming community. We toured so many private schools in Charlotte before making our choice, and there is nothing like Prep. Our daughter loves Prep so much that she skips to the front door of school each day. If you are looking for a place where your child can shine, look no further than this school.
5 9/3/2020
Great school , so glad my family discovered it on our search . Intimate, diverse setting with the focus truly on the children . My children have been to many schools and this one is by far their favorite . Teachers are very hands on and always available .
5 2/11/2020
My 2 sons spent a decade here before moving up to HS, and my younger son was a Charlotte Prep 'lifer' (attended from TK Montessori through 8th Grade graduation). There is no school in Charlotte that can match CPS for its student body diversity, and the K-8 students' academic successes, their amazing fine arts experiences, and the incredibly personal teacher-student relationships are equally unrivaled. Charlotte Prep is the 'gem' of Charlotte's private schools, just waiting to be discovered by discerning parents who want the best private educational experience for their kids, not the most 'popular' one.
5 2/11/2020
We have been at the school for 9 years and were going to go to a bigger K-12 private school. After doing a lot of tours, including one at Prep, we decided to stay at Prep. We are so happy with our decision. The kids in middle school here are the stars of the school. They are not influenced by high schoolers, but they get all the attention and they get to be the leaders. So the kids we met were all very mature & independent. Early and lower school have prepared our daughter to shine in middle school and she is thriving. Kids at Prep are encouraged at all levels to grow and challenge themselves in a nurturing environment. The student-teacher ratio is 8:1 and the school is 40% diverse. (2019/2020 numbers) We are very happy we stayed at Prep. We absolutely love our school and small community.
5 10/29/2016
We have been at Prep for several years. The school is supportive, rigorous, and welcoming. Here, your child is known by name and challenged to be the best every day. Meet the older kids and see what Prep can do.
5 2/26/2016
My family has been at Charlotte Prep for over four years now and we could not be happier. It is a great community with wonderful teachers. My kids are excelling and I see areas of need addressed immediately resulting in a visible improvement.
Endorse Charlotte Preparatory School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.