9 ways Charlotte Country Day School stands out among Charlotte’s private schools

Since its founding in 1941, Charlotte Country Day School has remained focused on its mission: Develop the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character, ethical leadership and a responsibility to serve.

How it’s done: Nine principles guide Country Day to deliver on its mission and prepare students from junior kindergarten to 12th grade for excellence in and outside of the classroom.

Country Day is committed to its mission.

The idea: “We are one of the few schools in the country that has developed such a specific yet aspirational roadmap for living as an authentic, inclusive community,” explained Country Day’s Director of Diversity Planning, Brian Wise. 

• “Embracing difference is an active process. It’s a journey that engages us in personal and institutional self-assessment and reflection. That, in turn, leads to openness, growth and change.”

Country Day is a strong institution with a history of forward thinking.

The proof: Country Day boasts many impressive firsts among Charlotte’s independent schools:

• First independent school in the region.
• First and only to offer biomedical ethics and organic chemistry classes.
• First office of diversity planning.
• First International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and comprehensive International Studies Program 
• First high school Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program.

The school produces exceptional academic results.

100% of Country Day seniors in 2023 were admitted to college with the class collectively receiving nearly $7.8 million in scholarship offers based on academic merit, athletic abilities or special talent.

An example: “Country Day played a pivotal role in my college preparation journey, primarily through its exceptional faculty and unwavering academic support,” said Allen Lewis, a Country Day alumnus and sophomore at Georgia Tech.

‍Exceptional leaders work at Country Day.

More than 200 educators and 100 professionals make up the full-time staff at Country Day. These professionals are seasoned experts, dedicated to their craft. 

What this means:

• 124 faculty and staff hold advanced degrees.
• 100+ faculty speaking a second language at the conversational level or higher.
• 100% of the Country Day team participates in professional development, including DEI training.

Students leave Country Day well-rounded.

In addition to academics, Country Day students enjoy a balanced approach to their future, participating in community service, sports, the arts and other extracurriculars.

Some examples: On the arts side, 70 play performances, musicals, concerts and exhibits are presented each year. As for athletics, the school has won 143 state championships.

Wellness is at the forefront.

A Country Day education emphasizes the role balance plays in a fulfilling life. Academic curriculum is intentionally integrated with social-emotional learning and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Why now: “We recognize the growing mental health issues affecting today’s children,” Assistant Head of School Scott Waybright said in a notice introducing new full-time counselors to the Country Day team. “We look forward not only to being more responsive to student and family needs but also to being more expansive and proactive in our social and emotional programming.”

‍Country Day is committed to developing the potential of every student.

With students ranging from junior kindergarten to 12th grade, Country Day is focused on each student and their unique needs. 

A parent’s take:  “Choosing Country Day for our three kids felt like finding a home for each of them in the world of education. The teachers here don’t just teach; they tailor their approach to meet the individual needs of each child,” said one Country Day parent.

The school is a valued community partner.

Country Day prepares students to become engaged citizens and learn what it means to belong to a community. 

Here’s how: Every student participates in some type of community service.

• Country Day has 20+ service-learning partnerships, including Special Olympics, Goodwill Industries, ourBridge, The Learning Collaborative, Friendship Trays and Loaves and Fishes.

Students become ethical leaders and global thinkers.

Global studies are embedded into the Country Day curriculum at every level.

Key numbers:

• Students have traveled to six continents through exchanges, diplomatic, cultural and hands-on programs beginning in 6th grade. 
• There are 11 exchange program partnerships, including with the Rotary Club, AFS-YES, US State Department Kennedy-Lugar Scholars Program and sister school partnerships in Canada, Peru and the United Kingdom. 
• Country Day is the first high school in North Carolina to establish a full-teacher exchange with a school in China.

Learn more about Charlotte Country Day and the school’s mission and values.

Produced in partnership with Charlotte Country Day School.