

Union Day School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Union Day School is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades K-12 in the greater Charlotte Metroplex. It is the only charter school in North Carolina authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is committed to a nurturing, rigorous environment that emphasizes character development, curiosity, and global-mindedness. It strives to foster critical thinkers and problem solvers who are prepared for success in the 21st century, guided by the ideals of the International Baccalaureate learner profiles. The educational approach is collaborative and integrated, focusing on authentic learning for mastery and understanding.
Programmes
The academic program is structured into Early Learning (K-2), Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12). Core curricula include Singapore Math®, Handwriting Without Tears®, inquiry-based science, and a balanced literacy approach. In grades 6-12, the school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), alongside North Carolina dual enrollment options for high school students.
Outcomes
Union Day School will award high school diplomas to its first graduating class in June 2026. The school has been recognized by Charlotte Magazine as a "Best of the Best" winner for area public/charter schools and has received state-level recognition for exceeding academic growth. Graduates are prepared for higher education through the IB Diploma Programme and dual enrollment opportunities.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains an Exceptional Children (EC) department led by an EC Director, with dedicated EC teachers and staff to support student needs. Additionally, the school provides intervention services and guidance counseling to foster a supportive learning environment.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Union Day School offer?
- Union Day School offers IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- What accreditations does Union Day School hold?
- Union Day School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Union Day School co-educational?
- Union Day School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Union Day School located?
- Union Day School is an international school in Indian Trail, United States.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Union Day School utilizes a randomized lottery system for K-12 admissions, with applications typically opening in November for the following academic year. While all applications are weighted equally, the school provides enrollment priority for siblings of currently enrolled students, children of full-time staff, and children of board members, subject to specific percentage caps. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open house tours, which are held in the winter months, to learn more about the school's culture and curriculum.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic year, with instructional hours running from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The calendar includes specific schedules for A/B rotations, as well as dedicated calendars for PE, music, design, and testing.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Weddington, NC, the campus features modern facilities designed to support both physical wellness and academic exploration. Recent additions to the school include a fully equipped gymnasium and a modern science laboratory.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a robust athletic program, known as Gryphon Athletics, which includes competitive sports for both middle and high school students. Offerings include volleyball, soccer, cross country, basketball, cheerleading, track, golf, baseball, softball, and flag football. Participation requires the completion of sports physicals and concussion documentation.





- Joely LordExecutive Director
As Executive Director, Joely Lord is part of the school's management team responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations. The Board of Directors is responsible for her annual evaluation.
- Graham FosterHead of Upper School
Graham Foster serves as the Head of Upper School.
- Dr. Dorothea HeathHead of Lower School
Dr. Dorothea Heath serves as the Head of Lower School.
- Michael NardelliEC Director
Michael Nardelli serves as the Exceptional Children (EC) Director.
- James LambertUpper School Dean
James Lambert serves as the Upper School Dean.
- Patricia DavalosIB MYP Coordinator
Patricia Davalos serves as the IB MYP Coordinator.
- Christine GoodsonIB DP Coordinator
Christine Goodson serves as the IB DP Coordinator.
IB MYP