An award-winning independent school in Mount Pleasant, SC

How to Apply

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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.

University School does not feature any learning interventions and offers a few standard accommodations. Our comprehensive admissions process is used to enable the family and USL to determine if there is a good fit and if University School has the appropriate resources to attend to the needs of the student.

University School also invites and accepts good fit current year transfer students if space is available. Please contact us to learn more.

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Schedule a Shadow Day

After learning more about University School through the website, an on campus tour, or attendance at an Open House, and you feel University School of the Lowcountry may be a good fit for your child, please schedule a day for them to shadow at the school by completing our online form or by contacting Tasha Tirpak by phone at (843) 884-0902 or via email at ttirpak@uslowcountry.org.

Complete the Application for Admission and submit the application fee.

After a great Shadow Day, it’s time to apply! If University School seems a good fit, please submit a completed Application for Admission and your non-refundable $75.00 application fee.

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. 

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.

Provide USL with your child’s recommendations.

Please ensure the completion and return of three (3) recommendation forms:

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 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.

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. 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.

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

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The USL experience stays with you forever.

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USL students greet neighbors from the community attending a special program at the school.
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USL students enjoy an interactive display at the International African American Museum (IAAM).
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As part of the school’s civic education program, USL often brings candidates and political leaders from across the political spectrum.

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.