Each potential student is evaluated through a comprehensive admissions process, and this information allows us to get a full view of your child. If you wish to apply for enrollment for your child in University School of the Lowcountry, please follow these guidelines:
Step 1: Schedule a Shadow Day
If, after learning more about University School through the website, an on-campus tour, attendance at an Open House, etc., and you feel USL may be a good fit for your child, please schedule a day for him/her to shadow at the school by completing our online form or by contacting Judy Hubbard at (843) 884-0902 or jhubbard@uslowcountry.org.
Students can shadow more than one time, but the first visit must be on a non-LOTC (Learning Outside the Classroom, typically Wednesdays) day. Feedback from the child, the parents, and USL about the Shadow Day experience (does it appear to be a good fit) determines whether a family should begin the application process for their child.
Tips for a successful Shadow Day:
– Arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. on the agreed upon date.
– Parents are welcome to participate in a tour, Morning Meeting, and the first class of the day.
– Your child will need a lunch, snack, writing utensil, and a notebook.
– Because we have PE every day, your child should wear shoes for running and dress to approximate our dress code (khaki/navy bottoms and a collared shirt).
– Your child will likely be interviewed (Step 6) during the day.
– Your child should stay the entire day until dismissal:
2:55 p.m. (Intermediate School, grades 3-5)
3:10 p.m. (Middle & Upper Schools, grades 6-8 / grades 9-12)
Step 2: Complete the application and submit the application fee
The feedback your child provides about his or her Shadow Day, as well as the feedback from USL, will help you decide whether to move forward in the application process. If USL seems to be a good fit, please submit a completed Application for Admission along with a non-refundable $75 Application Fee.
The priority deadline for admission for 2017-2018 is January 27, 2017. After the priority deadline, applicants are considered on a rolling admission and space-available basis.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Provide USL with your child’s recommendations
Please ensure the completion and return of the three recommendation forms:
*We understand that students in elementary school may have only one teacher for Math and English. In this case, he/she should fill out both recommendation forms. However, we are interested in gaining three distinct perspectives on your child, so please have another teacher, such as the prior year’s teacher, complete the Teacher/Coach/Mentor recommendation form.
Step 5: Take the USL 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 6).
Step 6: Complete an Interview
Your child will likely be interviewed during his or her Shadow Day at University School. If not, the interview will be conducted in conjunction with the administration of the Admissions Test (Step 5).
Step 7: Await your Admission Decision
Once this process has been completed and a decision about the applicant’s admission made, the parents/guardians will be notified. Students who apply by the January 31, 2018, deadline will be notified by March 1, 2018. After January 31, 2018, applications and acceptance decisions will be considered on a rolling admissions basis.
Step 8: Complete your Agreement to Enroll forms
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. Please complete and return these forms with a $750 deposit, which is applied to the student’s tuition for the year.
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.
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.