Admissions
We invite you and your family to learn more about USL!
Our admissions process allows us to meet families, like yours, with curious and motivated students who would benefit from a University School education and be a welcome addition to our community. We’ll get to know each other through the admissions process, which includes a tour of the school, shadow days, and possibly joining us for one of our LOTCs or special events.
Why choose USL?
University School of the Lowcountry (USL) serves students in Grades 3–12 with a distinctive approach that combines academic excellence, experiential learning, and character development. Recognized as the Best Private High School in Charleston County, USL prepares students to thrive in college and make a positive difference in the world.
USL is intentionally designed for high-achieving students who are curious, hardworking, kind, and eager to learn. This small school community—serving approximately 80 students—allows every child to be known, challenged, and encouraged by passionate educators who are invested in their success.
DISCOVER THE USL DIFFERENCEWho do we serve?
University School is an independent school that serves students in grades 3-12. Students who thrive at USL are high-achieving, hard-working, and curious about learning. Because the academic curriculum is highly rigorous and challenging some students are working independently in classes that are higher than their actual grade level. And due to the weekly intense Learning Outside the Classroom experiential learning experiences, classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only.
USL fosters leadership and independence and students are expected to manage their work assignments, agendas, and deadlines.
At USL, we do not offer formal educational accommodations like those offered in our local public schools. We focus on providing personalized instruction and support within our existing framework. Our dedicated faculty and staff work closely with students to meet their unique learning needs and promote academic success.
Tuition and Financial Aid
University School of the Lowcountry is committed to keeping tuition well below that of other independent schools in the Charleston area through a prudent financial model that prioritizes both academic excellence and affordability. A hallmark tuition reduction program provides confidential financial assistance—not loans—to help families of varying means access a USL education, with about 25% of current families receiving support. Aid levels vary based on need, ranging from minimal assistance to more substantial tuition reductions that make enrollment possible. USL also participates in the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program, which offers additional scholarship opportunities for qualifying families.
TuiTION & FINANCIAL AID DETAILSVisit USL
We want to meet your child!
The University School of the Lowcountry admission process is about finding the right fit. To assist your family with this process, we offer many opportunities for us to get to know your child and for your family to get to know us.
Open Houses
Open House events are held regularly throughout the year. They begin at 6 p.m. in the gym and include an opportunity to interact with faculty members, current students, parents, and others in the USL community. We begin with a brief presentation and offer tours of the school. We’d love to meet you! Want to RSVP to an Open House, have questions, then please just email (info@uslowcountry.org).
Tours & Shadow Days
After the Open House, we welcome you to visit University School of the Lowcountry to see what makes us so special – our faculty and students in action on an individualized tour. These are limited due to the school day. Please inquire.
A tour is an additional step in getting to know us better. Tours can be scheduled with interested families at a mutually convenient time. We recommend visiting from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., as you’ll be able to see our classrooms, observe Morning Meeting, and speak with students, faculty, and the Head of School.
A Shadow Day is an even further additional “get to know you” step in our admissions process after the preliminary application is submitted. It allows your child to fully immerse themself in a typical day as a University School student. Shadow Days are usually scheduled on any day other than Wednesdays, begin at 7:40 a.m., and last the full day.
REQUEST VISIT & MORE INFO
Being in the Upper School makes me feel ready for the future. I feel like here, I have a voice and get to learn what I want to learn. For instance, this year my friends and I asked if we could take German, a class previously not offered, and the school created a German program.
– Major Manchester, University School Class of ’25
We’re ready for you. Are you ready for USL?
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, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, 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.
