Mission-driven and guided by exceptional leaders, we're committed to developing fully the potential of every student.

Forward Thinking

For more than 75 years, Country Day has continued to build on our long legacy of firsts among the Charlotte region's independent schools, introducing groundbreaking programs and progressive ideas.

We respect each individual, embrace diversity, and value the relationships uniting us as a school and connecting us with our local and global communities.

A world of opportunity is waiting for your child, and we look forward to sharing each step along the way with you.

Schedule a Visit

We are eager to welcome you to campus and tell you more about how we prepare students for success in life and hear more about your child. To schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office at (704) 943-4530.

Investing in the Future

As you will learn through the admissions process, families find great value in the Country Day educational experience. Learn more about financial aid and affording the best in education.

Our students explore possibilities, gain skills and knowledge, and tackle intellectual challenges, as we prepare them to take their place in the world.

International Baccalaureate

We are the only independent school in the state to offer students this rigorous, internationally recognized course of study. Our small class sizes are essential to successfully developing the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills that the IB Program offers.

College Counseling

Through our highly individualized College Counseling program, involving both students and their families, Country Day Upper School students find the college or university that best matches their goals and interests—a place where they will thrive, excel, and contribute.

Our goal is to shape confident, healthy, well-rounded adults who are comfortable and successful in diverse settings and ready to make significant contributions to society.

Cultural Diversity

We believe a culturally, ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse community is essential to providing a rich learning environment for all children.

Technology

We believe the creative, innovative, and intelligent use of technology is critically important. By blending the best elements of traditional teaching and strong student/teacher relationships with the inventive nature of digital learning, our students will be ready for the future.

Through visual art, vocal and instrumental music, drama, and dance, our fine arts program celebrates personal expression and connects our students to history, diverse cultures, and their own imaginations.

Artists in Residence

Our Artists in Residence program provides unique student experiences fueled by art and culture. In addition to bringing outside artists to campus to work directly with our students on special projects, Middle and Upper School students are offered opportunities to explore their talents and creative expression abroad.

Hance Family Gallery

The Hance Family Gallery exhibits artwork from our students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists. Every year, we host an exhibit open to the public featuring works from special artists.

A vibrant culture of philanthropy has sustained our ability to offer excellence in education for more than 75 years.

Our Top Giving Priority

The Country Day Fund is our top giving priority because it directly supports Country Day's greatest assets—our students and our teachers.

2017-18 Giving Report

We invite you to review the financial, admissions and giving reports, and donor rolls for the 2017-18 school year, along with stories dedicated to examining some of the ways we instill ethical leadership in our students and through leadership by example.

Meet Our Team

Three full-time college counselors and a full-time registrar/college counseling assistant are committed to guiding Country Day students and families in the college application process.

Our college counselors have more than 65 years of experience on both the high school and university sides of college admissions. They maintain contact with colleges and universities across the nation, visiting many campuses throughout the year and attending conferences annually with other colleagues in college admissions.

Katie Elsasser

Director of College Counseling

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Katie joined Country Day in 1995. Past experience includes director of counseling at Charlotte Catholic High School, career counselor at Queens University of Charlotte, and assistant dean of admissions at College of William and Mary.

Boards/Associations: Member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), Southern Association of College Admissions Counseling (SACAC), Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), and The College Board. Previously served on college advisory boards at UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Georgia, and Auburn University. Served on the faculty for Summer Seminar for new college counselors, served as Dry Run Faculty for new admissions counselors, and is the communications chair for the Board of Directors for the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC).

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Virginia; master's in Education, school counseling, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Catherine Loftin Odum

Associate Director of College Counseling

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Catherine joined Country Day in 2004. Prior to joining us she worked as director of development and marketing for the Levine Museum of the New South. She also served as senior assistant director for academic scholarships, UNC-Chapel Hill; application screener, UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Admissions Office; Admissions Committee, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University; and admissions officer, Georgetown University.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, Davidson College; master's in Education, school counseling, UNC-Chapel Hill

Jonathan Woog '98

Assistant Director of College Counseling

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Jonathan joined the College Counseling Office in 2008, left for two years to work in the family business, and returned in 2014. Prior to joining Country Day in 2008, he worked as an Admissions Associate at Charlotte Preparatory School. Jonathan was also an an Assistant Editor for Street and Smith's Sports Annuals/Sporting News Yearbooks and a Graduate Assistant in the Lynchburg College's admissions office.

Education: Bachelor and Master's degrees in English and English Education from Lynchburg College.

Donna Witman

Registrar/College Counseling Assistant

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Donna joined Country Day in 1990. Prior to joining the College Guidance Office in 2009, Donna served as a fundraiser and administrative assistant in the Advancement Office. She also worked as an administrative assistant in the Development Office, Greenhill School, Dallas, Texas.

Boards/Associations: Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS).

Education: Associate of Science, Central Missouri State University.