Charlotte Country Day School
CCDSSecular, Founded 1941
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
Charlotte Country Day School is an independent, co-educational institution serving students in grades JK–12. It is a forward-thinking school grounded in tradition, focused on preparing students for the future through a rigorous academic and holistic experience.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to developing the full potential of every student, aiming to shape confident, healthy, and well-rounded adults. It emphasizes lifelong learning, hands-on experiences, and individualized attention within a caring, inclusive community. The school's motto is "Fortitudine Ac Pietate," meaning "With Courage and Reverence."
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from Junior Kindergarten through grade 12. The Upper School provides an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and a wide range of courses in English, mathematics, sciences, history, social studies, modern and classical languages, fine arts, and technology. The Middle School features a tailored curriculum designed for transitional years, including single-gender math classes and dedicated science labs. The Lower School focuses on foundational learning with an emphasis on hands-on problem-solving and digital literacy.
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for college and purposeful lives, with an average of $14.7 million in scholarships awarded annually to graduating seniors. The school maintains a 98 percent five-year average reenrollment rate.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an Educational Resource Program to support students. Additionally, the school maintains a dedicated Office of Diversity Planning and divisional DEIB teams to foster an inclusive environment, supported by school counselors in each division.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Charlotte Country Day School offer?
- Charlotte Country Day School offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Charlotte Country Day School?
- Annual tuition at Charlotte Country Day School is $24.5K–$34.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Charlotte Country Day School teach?
- Charlotte Country Day School enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is Charlotte Country Day School a day or boarding school?
- Charlotte Country Day School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Charlotte Country Day School hold?
- Charlotte Country Day School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Charlotte Country Day School co-educational?
- Charlotte Country Day School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Charlotte Country Day School located?
- Charlotte Country Day School is an international school in Charlotte, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Kindergarten | 4–4 | $24.5K |
| Kindergarten | 5–5 | $25.7K |
| Grades 1–4 | 6–9 | $30.4K |
| Grades 5–8 | 10–13 | $32.7K |
| Grades 9–12 | 14–18 | $34.1K |
Other fees(3)
| Deposit· 10% of tuition is required at the time of enrollment, credited to the total tuition due. | — |
|---|---|
| Application fee· Financial aid application fee via Clarity. | $65 |
| Materials· Estimated additional expenses (textbooks, supplies, activity fees, athletic fees): Lower School $100-$200, Middle School $200-$400, Upper School $200-$700. | — |
Admissions
The school maintains a selective admissions process for grades JK–12. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule a visit to explore the campuses and meet the admissions team. Financial aid is available to support socioeconomic diversity, with applications processed through a third-party partner, Clarity.
Calendar
The academic year typically begins in mid-August. The calendar includes standard holidays such as Labor Day and Yom Kippur, as well as designated faculty professional days. Summer programs are also available, concluding in late July.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates on two campuses in Charlotte, NC, covering approximately 117 acres. The Cannon Campus houses the Lower School (JK–4) and Upper School (9–12), featuring the John and Claudia Belk Upper School Learning Center, the Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics, the Hance Lower School Learning Center, the Dowd Student Center, the Klein Aquatic Center, and the Harris Performance Gym. The Bissell Campus is dedicated to the Middle School (5–8) and includes the Sklut Center and the Dowd Science Building.
Co-curriculars
The school offers 25 after-school enrichment programs and 72 sports teams across 26 sports for grades 7–12, with 85 percent of students participating in at least one sport. Students also engage in 22 affinity groups and various arts activities, including 70 annual performances, musicals, concerts, and exhibits. Additionally, the school operates an organic farm in Weddington, NC, which serves as an outdoor learning lab.
Tara Christie KinseyHead of SchoolA nationally recognized leader in independent school education, Dr. Kinsey began her tenure as Country Day’s 13th Head of School in July 2025. She is noted for her vision for the future and her commitment to listening deeply and leading with heart.
Warren SepkowitzInterim Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle SchoolWarren Sepkowitz serves as the Interim Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School.
Nidhi McVicarHead of Upper SchoolNidhi McVicar serves as the Head of Upper School.
Bill MulcahyHead of Lower SchoolBill Mulcahy serves as the Head of Lower School.
David MancosChief Financial OfficerDavid Mancos serves as the Chief Financial Officer.
Katharine AtkinsDirector of AdvancementKatharine Atkins serves as the Director of Advancement.
Nancy EhringhausDirector of Admissions and Financial AidNancy Ehringhaus serves as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.
IB Diploma