Admissions

University School welcomes applicants for current year transfers and for 2008-2009 (grades 4-8). The application and admission processes are explained below. Furthermore, we invite you to learn more about USL, to visit our campus, to see our classes in action, to have your child spend a school day with us, and to speak with our students, parents, and faculty.

Overview
Process
Admission to University School
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid
Non-Discrimination Policy

Overview

University School seeks the curious, self-motivated learner who thrives in a flexible yet challenging academic environment and exhibits most of the following characteristics:

  • Strong academic history
  • Strong achievement
  • High intellectual potential
  • Curiosity, independence, and motivation
  • The desire to attend a challenging school and the willingness to develop one's abilities

Process

Each potential student is evaluated on the above criteria through a comprehensive admissions process, and this information allows us to get a full view of your child.

The application and recommendation forms are available for download. Just click on the form you need. If you have difficulty with this, please contact us. We will email or mail the forms to you.

Admission Procedure Guidelines (MS Word document)
Admission Procedure Guidelines (PDF)

Application for Admission (includes student essay) (MS Word document)
Application for Admission (includes student essay) (PDF)

Parent Authorization for the Release of School Records (MS Word document)
Parent Authorization for the Release of School Records (PDF)

Recommendation Form – English Teacher (MS Word document)
Recommendation Form – English Teacher (PDF)

Recommendation Form – Math Teacher (MS Word document)
Recommendation Form – Math Teacher (PDF)

Recommendation Form – Teacher/Coach/Mentor (MS Word document)
Recommendation Form – Teacher/Coach/Mentor (PDF)

If you wish to apply for enrollment for your child in University School of the Lowcountry, please follow this guideline:

1. Application & Fee
Please submit a completed Application for Admission along with a $50 Application Fee (non-refundable).

2. Receipt of Records
Please complete and send the Parent Authorization for the Release of School Records form to your child’s school. 

3. Receipt of Recommendations
Please ensure the completion and return of the three recommendations:
- Math teacher
- English teacher
- Teacher/coach/mentor

4. Interview
Once the prior documents and fee have been received by University School, an interview will be scheduled for you and your child.  The interview can be scheduled in conjunction with the administration of the Admissions Test (step 5).

5. Admissions Test
Please schedule an appointment for your child to take University School’s admissions test.  Testing can be scheduled in conjunction with the Interview (step 4).

6. Admission Decision
Once this process has been completed and a decision about the applicant’s admission made, the parents/guardians will be notified by phone and in writing.

7. Agreement to Enroll
If your child should be invited to join University School, your prompt acceptance will be important.  Upon agreeing to enroll your child, pertinent forms will be sent to you.

In conclusion, your child will benefit from University School. We pledge to help your child be:

  • Actively engaged and motivated to learn
  • Challenged by creative school curriculum and guided by superior teachers
  • Independent and self-directed to confidently pursue his or her interests
  • Well-prepared for the demands of secondary and higher education
  • A responsible young citizen with an awareness of and involvement in the greater community and world
  • A respectful, responsible young adult

Admission to University School

University School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, and national or ethnic origin who demonstrate sufficient promise of academic success and parent-student agreement with and subscription to the school's philosophy and regulations.

In order to ensure the proper growth and development of the School's culture and the ability to provide a positive and engaging environment for its students, enrollment for the 2008-2009 academic year will be limited to 60 students in grades 4-8.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition (2008-2009) ..............................................$8,500

Tuition Refund Insurance .......................................$260 (approximate)

Textbooks / Class materials Fee................................$400

* Please note - The costs of all Learning Outside the Classroom experiences are included in tuition, and the 2008-2009 tuition & fees reflect no increase from 2007-2008.

** USL maintains a policy of special tuition consideration for siblings. Contingent upon acceptance to University School and/or invitation to reenroll, the tuition for each child in a family beyond the first will reflect a $1000 discount (i.e. tuition of $7500 for 2008-2009).

Financial Aid

A University School of the Lowcountry education is an investment in your child’s future. It is also a significant financial investment. Our financial aid program provides need-based tuition assistance to families who would otherwise not be able to attend USL.

No student who meets the admissions criteria should be deterred by financial reasons from applying to University School. Parents who require aid are encouraged to apply for an award. Grants of financial aid are not intended to cover 100% of the cost of attendance at USL: the current policy for maximum award is 90%. All families are expected to contribute to the cost of their student’s education.

Families are asked to submit financial aid applications online, and financial aid decisions are made independently of admissions decisions. Applications are processed by FAST Financial Aid for School Tuition, and the results are returned to University School. There is a $25 application processing fee that must be paid via credit card at the time the on-line application is submitted.The financial aid program is managed in accordance with USL's Non-Discrimination Policy.

Should I apply for aid?
Few families find it “easy” to pay tuition at independent schools. Most adjust their spending priorities, maximize their earnings, and carefully manage assets to do so. We would like to provide guidelines to help you decide whether to apply for aid, but each family’s combination of circumstances is unique. The most helpful guideline comes from your own knowledge of your family’s finances. Think of your monthly budget and then calculate the annual amount which you feel you can pay. If this amount is less than the amount of the annual tuition, you may be a candidate for financial aid.

Applying for Financial Aid

 

Click here to fill out your FAST application online.

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

University School of the Lowcountry is committed to its growth as an institution that welcomes and values a diversified school community. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, economic background, or any other classification protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, financial assistance policies, or any other school policy or program.