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.

2018-19 Impact and Giving Report

We invite you to review the financial, admissions and giving reports for the 2018-19 school year.

Affording Country Day

Below is an overview of expenses to anticipate, the financial aid process, and questions frequently asked. If you have additional questions about the financial aid program, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail the Admissions Office. Thank you for considering a Country Day education for your family.

Applying for Assistance

Country Day works with the School and Student Service by NAIS (SSS). This organization provides Country Day with a confidential statement of need based upon the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS), an application for financial aid completed by the parent. You may also find the Family Guide to Financial Aid helpful. By using SSS procedures, Country Day agrees to certain principles:

Financial aid awards will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.
Financial aid will be determined on the basis of the need of the family.
The financial aid process is totally confidential.
The parents of each applicant must submit annually the financial statement required by SSS.

Financial Aid Application Documentation Requirements

Expenses to Anticipate

In addition to tuition, students will have a few additional expenses, depending on their grade level. Personal expenses vary from student to student. Lunch is an optional expense at all grade levels and costs about $4/day. The following provides an estimate of yearly expenses:

Lower School: $25-$125 (supplies, field trips based on grade level)
Middle School: $300-$600 (books, field trips based on grade level)
Upper School: $450-$700 (books and technology)

Payment Schedules

An Enrollment Deposit of 10% of tuition is required at the time of enrollment. This amount is credited to the total tuition due. Families in application for financial aid pay a reduced deposit, which is refundable if the financial aid award is not substantial enough to enable the child to attend.

There are three payment plans to pay the remainder of the tuition:

Two equal installments to be paid in July and January,
A 10-month payment plan can be set up with an automatic bank draft, or
The full tuition can be paid by July 15.

Divorced, Separated, or Never-Married Parents

Financial aid is based on the family's ability to pay as demonstrated by the information submitted in the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS). Both custodial and non-custodial parents (regardless of legal settlements) who are divorced, separated, or never married are expected to contribute to educational costs and are required to submit the PFS. In exceptional cases, where one parent cannot comply, the custodial parent should submit a written explanation. Lack of information from either parent may prevent the family from receiving financial aid.

Important Dates

Financial aid applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted by February 1, 2020 for prospective families and December 1, 2019 for current families. Decisions about awards are made by the beginning of April. Families have two weeks to accept the award with the return of a Parent Financial Aid Agreement signed by the financially responsible parent and the student receiving the award. Click here for more details about the online process to apply for financial aid.

Annual Renewal

Financial aid awards are made for one year. Parents must complete a PFS each year and send it to the SSS in accordance with the application schedule outlined. Unless there is a significant change in annual income or available assets, parents can normally expect the level of assistance to be continued from year to year if the student's performance at Country Day meets the expectations of the Financial Aid Committee.

Full and Partial Endowed Scholarships

Financial Aid Facts

About 19% of the Country Day student body receives financial aid; 323 students receive $5.8 million in financial assistance, with an average award of $15,800.
The last four years of graduates receiving financial aid include recipients of Morehead-Cain and Park Scholarships, military academy appointments, and student-athletes playing at Division I, II, and III colleges and universities.
The Financial Aid Committee keeps all financial information confidential.
Financial aid is available to students of any race, color, gender, creed, and national or ethnic origin.

Questions?

If you have questions about tuition or financial aid, please contact:
Nancy Ehringhaus
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
(704) 943-4531 | E-mail