Following a national search, Charlotte Country Day School has appointed Allison Slater Tate as its next Director of College Counseling, effective July 1, 2026.
A trusted advisor and nationally recognized voice in college admissions and adolescent development, Allison Slater Tate will play an important role in advancing Country Day’s strategic vision for college counseling as deeply student-centered and built on best-in-class counseling and advice for students and parents in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. Her appointment reflects Country Day’s commitment to being at the forefront as a local and national leader in advising students and families throughout the JK–12 journey, the college admissions process, and beyond. Joining an already strong and deeply respected College Counseling team, Allison brings skills and expertise that will significantly expand both the depth and breadth of programming for Country Day students and their families.
With extensive experience in both independent and public school settings, Allison has built and led comprehensive college counseling programs that guide students through the full arc of their academic and personal development. She brings a rare combination of strategic expertise and relational leadership, helping students clarify who they are, what they value, and where they will thrive—not simply where they can be admitted.
Dr. Tara Christie KinseyHead of School
Her work reflects a belief shared at Country Day: that college counseling must move beyond the college list to guide students in becoming grounded, confident, and purpose-driven young adults who develop self-awareness about their passions and skills, who explore urgent and important questions and needs in the world, and who understand the importance of centering these factors when making sound decisions about college, career, and life."
Beyond her extensive experience counseling high school students and families through the college admissions process, Allison is a prolific, nationally published writer and frequent speaker on college admissions, parenting, adolescent mental health, and student development. As a writer and public intellectual, she has helped shape broader conversations about what healthy and student-centered college counseling can look like, and the School looks forward to bringing her voice and thought leadership to the community.
Reflecting on what drew her to Country Day, Allison said, “I am thrilled to join the Charlotte Country Day School community. The sense of family and tradition on campus, coupled with the energy of the students, parents, faculty, and staff drew me to this opportunity, and I am incredibly excited for what we can accomplish together. My hope is to help create an Upper School experience that gives our students even greater opportunities to forge intentional and meaningful paths both in and outside of the classroom.”