Applying to University School of the Lowcountry is a fun and exciting time of exploration. So much learning and learning by doing await your child. We strive to make the process friendly and fun while getting to know your child. Ultimately, we hope we are just what your family is looking for.
Potential students are evaluated through a comprehensive admissions process. This allows us to get a full view of your child while allowing you to be confident in your decision. There is communication every step of the way.
At University School of the Lowcountry, we do not offer formal educational accommodations. 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. For more information, please contact School Counselor Winnie Chapey at wchapey@uslowcountry.org
University School also invites and accepts good fit current year transfer students if space is available. Please contact us to learn more.
Come visit our USL campus!
After learning more about University School through the website, we invite you to attend an Admissions Open House with a student-led tour of campus. This will allow you and your child to hear from the Head of School, Jason Kreutner, and speak with USL students, parents, and faculty. The Admissions Open House is the first typical admissions process step to understand USL’s mission, experiential learning model, and culture.
On a case-by-case basis, individual tours can be scheduled during the school day but are limited due to the disruption of the academic school day. Sometimes the open house schedule conflicts with your schedule, and we will do our best to accommodate you and your family so we can get the process started.
Complete the Preliminary Application for Admission
If you feel University School of the Lowcountry may be a good fit for your child after the Open House (or even before!), please submit the preliminary application materials using our online web-based form. This allows Divisional Directors to “get to know” your student, their academic performance, interest in attending University School, and anything else that might help the Admissions Committee. Once the preliminary application is submitted, the Divisional Director will connect with you and answer any initial questions you may have and offer some of their own.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applicants are considered on a rolling admission and space-available basis.
The deadline for admission for 2024-2025 is February 9, 2024. Applicants who complete the process after the deadline will be considered on a rolling admission and space-available basis.
Prepare for a Student Shadow Day.
The next step in the application process is to schedule a day for your child to shadow another USL student in their grade during the school day.
Intermediate School (grades 3, 4, & 5) shadow over the course of two full school days.
Invitation to Finalize Your Application.
After a great Shadow Day, the Divisional Director will contact you with your invitation to finalize your application. This entails creating a password-protected account on FACTS, requesting official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and remitting a non-refundable $75.00 application fee.
In some cases, the Divisional Director, on behalf of the Admissions Committee, will not extend an invitation to finalize the application. These instances vary depending on the student but can be due to a number of reasons, including but not limited to poor academic performance, both in previous school and in admissions tests; lack of interest on the student’s part in transferring to USL; and a poor cultural fit with the intimate existing student body.
Ensure USL has your child’s academic records.
Please complete and send the Parent Authorization for the Release of School Records to your child’s current school. This will give your child’s school permission to send us transcripts. Official transcripts, or their equivalent, are required.
Provide your child’s recommendations.
Please ensure the completion and return of three (3) recommendation forms:
English Teacher
Math Teacher
Teacher/Coach/Mentor
We understand that students in elementary school may have a primary teacher for both Math and English. In this case, they can fill out both recommendation forms. However, we are interested in gaining three distinct perspectives on your child. Please consider having another teacher, such as the prior year’s teacher, complete the Teacher/Coach/Mentor recommendation form.
Take the Admissions Test.
As part of the Admissions process, students are required to take the USL admissions test to indicate their academic level in a variety of subjects. This can be scheduled the same day as your child’s shadow day (for Middle and Upper School students only) by contacting Tasha Tirpak at ttirpak@uslowcountry.org or 843-884-0902.
Await your admissions decision.
Once this process has been completed and a decision about the applicant’s admission made, the parents/guardians will be notified by the Divisional Director. Students who applied by the February 9, 2024, deadline will be notified by March 1, 2024. After February 10, 2024, applications and acceptance decisions will be considered on a rolling admission and space-available basis. Typical turnaround time after the completed process is generally two weeks.
Complete your Agreement to Enroll forms.
Prompt acceptance will be important when your child is invited to join University School. Upon agreeing to enroll your child, proper forms will be sent to you. Please complete and return these forms with a $750.00 deposit, which is applied to the student’s tuition for the year.
At 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
Review the tuition and financial aid section of our website for more detailed information.
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The USL experience stays with you forever.
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.
