How to Apply

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

Students who apply by the January 31, 2024, deadline will be notified by February 16, 2024. After January 31, 2024, applications and acceptance decisions will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Once this process has been completed and a decision about the applicant’s admission made, the parents/guardians will be notified.

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 Tasha Tirpak at (843) 884-0902 or tt*****@us**********.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.

Please arrive between 7:30 and 7:40 on the agreed upon date with the completed medical form. Your child should stay the entire day until dismissal at 2:55 (Intermediate School, grades 3-5) or 3:10 (Middle & Upper Schools, grades 6-8 / grades 9-12). Parents are welcome to join us for Morning Meeting.

What will my child need?
Lunch, snack, writing utensil, notebook, and the completed Shadow Day Information & Medical form. Because we have PE every day, they should wear shoes for running and dress to approximate our dress code (khaki/navy bottoms and a collared shirt).

Step 2: Complete the Application for Admission and submit the application fee.

Step 3: Ensure USL has your child's academic records.

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: Have your child take the USL Admissions Test.

Step 6: Complete an Interview.

Step 7: Await your Admission decision.

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

For your convenience, you may download a PDF of the USL Admissions Procedure here.

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.