A
n amazing transformation takes place at Carlisle School. As one of Virginia’s leading independent schools, Carlisle blends a unique family atmosphere with
an exceptional education to bring out the best in every student. Here, our students lead — they develop confidence, starting from the youngest age, performing, presenting, speaking and more. Our students excel — as they engage daily in a highly individualized, project-based learning environment. Our students succeed — all of our graduates, every one, go on to college. This is an education, a transformation, unlike any other. Come lead, excel and succeed — at Carlisle School.
A special tradition starts each school year at Carlisle, as our Opening Exercises recognize in particular the year’s firstgrade and senior classes. Led by bagpipers and drums, the first graders and seniors proceed into the auditorium and gather together on stage. A beginning and an end — it is a moving moment, a proud moment. It is a reminder that
With fewer than 500 students, preschool through grade twelve, Carlisle offers a smaller, nurturing learning environment. We are a caring and welcoming community. We are, in every way, a family.
we are one — we are Carlisle.
— CARLISLE SCHOOL —
Emboldened
Leadership LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH CONFIDENCE
—
and confidence is what we help to build, from the earliest age at Carlisle. This growing self-assurance is seen in our preschool plays, speeches, and performances. It’s seen in our annual Eighth Grade Forum, where students present research in a public setting. It’s seen in our mentoring program, where Upper School students are paired with Lower School students. This is an education that builds a strong intellect, but it is one that, very importantly, builds a strong sense of self. Confidence — it empowers our students to step up. It enables them to stand out.
“ Being a leader, being out in front of people, it’s not always comfortable for students. We teach them that it’s all right to take chances, to take risks, to go ahead and step out of that comfort zone.” —Ed Sharp, Science Department Head
Leading by Doing At a smaller school like Carlisle, there are many jobs, but fewer people — so students are put into leadership roles
“It’s an indescribable feeling to see your once shy daughter find her confidence — in front
early on. It’s not like someone is walking around saying,
The ability to lead, to relate, to problem-solve, to communicate — these are the skills employers look for, and these are the
“You’re going to be a leader.” It’s just what is expected.
skills taught at every level of a Carlisle education.
It’s what we do here.
of peers, with teachers, even outside of school at church and dance class.
It’s what every child needs. It’s what every parent hopes for.” — L E E P R O B S T , PA R E N T
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A Preparation for
College
“ I appreciate so much my teachers and college counselor. During my application process, they helped with proofreading my essays, preparing me for interviews, and writing letters of recommendation.
Our work together paid off — I was accepted into my first-choice school, Washington and Lee University.” — A N N I E B O Y D , C L A S S O F 2 0 1 4
CARLISLE STUDENTS ARE COLLEGE BOUND. RECENT CARLISLE GRADUATES
We are a college preparatory school — in every
have attended some of the most prestigious schools in the country,
sense. Our outstanding academic programs,
including:
our small classes, our project-based learning
Brown University
approach, our advanced technologies — all work
Columbia University
College of William and Mary Davidson College
together toward a single goal: to prepare each
Duke University Elon University
and every student for college. Our record? It’s
Georgetown University New York University
perfect. Carlisle students have achieved a 100
Stanford University University of North Carolina
percent acceptance rate to four-year colleges
at Chapel Hill University of Virginia
and universities.
Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Wellesley College
Carlisle’s unrivaled college counseling program ensures that
Yale University
our graduates have all the resources they need to choose a college best suited to their goals and abilities.
Our recent class of 49 graduates received almost $3 million in scholarship funds and grant offers — an average of over $60,000 per student.
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An Education Made
Personal SMALL CLASSES ARE HUGE AT CARLISLE.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1, our teachers get to know their students well, and understanding their individual strengths, are able to help them reach their full potential. Carlisle teachers care deeply about their students, and their students’ success — and our students recognize it. It’s a genuineness that makes for close mentoring relationships — inside the
“ I came to Carlisle from a big public school. Here, there are
classroom, and outside it as well. At Carlisle, no
only about 15 kids per class, and that’s awesome. You get
child falls through the cracks. Instead, each is
—Katie Ryan Snyder, Class of 2014
the one-on-one attention you need in order to be successful.”
lifted, making possible remarkable achievement. An Exceptional Faculty Carlisle students interact each day with exceptional, highly experienced faculty. Many of our teachers have their master’s or doctorate degrees. Many bring more than ten years’ teaching experience.
“This is not a one-size-fits-all education.
We have to know that every child, every day, has different needs. And it’s our job to make sure that we meet those needs.”
“ The education here is not easy for my child. But with a lot of encouragement and support, he’s succeeding. He’s not a number. He’s a student that’s very important to each teacher, and they show him that each day.” —Tim Mills, parent
– TONI NUCKOLS, 4TH-GRADE TEACHER
— CARLISLE SCHOOL — 7
A Hands-On Learning
Experience
“ I know that as I’ve moved through the years — between learning Greek mythology in third grade, writing research papers in eighth, and as a senior learning about the theory of knowledge — that
I’m getting
the best possible education at Carlisle.” — T Y L E R K E R N O D L E , C L A S S O F 2 0 1 4
CA R L I S L E S T U D E N T S L E A R N B Y D O I N G .
At every grade level, our project-based learning approach ties academic programs with real-world applications. Whether it’s science or history or art, we’re able to connect what students are learning from a textbook to actual reality — whether through a hands-on project, a field trip, a video series, or some other practical experience. It makes sense: When students are
“ Carlisle was a great preparation for college. I attended the
given a lesson that they can apply to their own
University of Virginia, and the first week I arrived there I
lives, and understand the value, they are going
had been to large schools, elite boarding schools, and it was
to be more receptive. They are going to take
I brought from this small school in this small town, I could
knew I was surrounded by really bright people. I felt like they a little intimidating. But I soon realized, with the education compete with anyone.” —Virginia Hamlet, alumna
notice. They are going to learn.
Engage Them and They Will Learn Students learn best through experience — that’s what project-based learning makes possible. Students are given a task or project or problem to solve, and they are spurred to think critically and creatively, as they communicate and collaborate with others. Whether in 1st grade or 12th grade, it’s a more active, more effective way to learn. A Digital Leader Ours is an age of technology, and we are a technologyfocused school. From multipurpose electronic whiteboards in every classroom, to cutting-edge computer labs in all three divisions, to the creative use of laptops throughout our curriculum, Carlisle provides a 21st-century education, preparing students for 21st-century success.
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Everywhere,
Participation GETTING INVOLVED IS THE NORM AT CARLISLE.
Here, students find every imaginable way to engage outside the classroom — from sports and the arts, to clubs and community service. Starting in Lower School and all the way through Upper School, our extensive extracurricular offerings allow students to explore and develop their personal interests, while building important leadership skills. Whatever your interests, whatever your strengths, this is a place to engage, really engage, and — did we mention? — have a lot of fun!
Participation in clubs starts early at Carlisle, and never ends — from Lower School organizations such as Art Club, Green Team Club and Technology Club, to Middle and Upper School offerings including Archery Club, Art Club, Recycling Club, Strategic Gaming Club and others.
Making a Difference Carlisle students are dedicated to serving others, understanding their role, and their responsibility, as members of a larger community. Service hours are required at Carlisle,
“ The extracurricular activities that I participated in at Carlisle
but many of our students go far beyond — as they assist
broadened my education, and me as a person. I was able to branch out and experience things I would otherwise have
the elderly, tutor young children, volunteer at hospitals
never known.” —Ronnie Fultz, alum
and soup kitchens, and more.
Participation is integral to a Carlisle education — so there are no tryouts here. If you want to be in a drama production, you’ll find a place. If you want to join a team, you’ll be a member.
Whatever your interest, whatever your passion, you’ll be able to pursue it. — CARLISLE SCHOOL — 10
Accessible, Proud
Athletics
Creative, Passionate
Arts
ATHLETICS IS A GREAT TRAINING GROUND FOR
THE ARTS PLAY AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN LIFE Over the last 20 years, the Carlisle Chiefs have won 14 state
life. Students learn hard work and determination
at Carlisle. Our students participate in a rich,
championships. Our teams regularly compete for conference and state titles.
as well as valuable lessons about teamwork,
varied arts curriculum, starting at age two. Music
leadership and sportsmanship. At Carlisle, these
and stage performances begin in preschool,
life-changing lessons are widespread — more
continuing through Lower School. Students
than 75 percent of our middle and upper division
in our Middle and Upper Schools can choose
students participate in a sport, and many play
from extensive arts offerings — from music and
two or three sports.
dance, to theatre and the visual arts.
With over 20 varsity and junior varsity teams across 13
BAND
sports, we offer a wide array of athletic options for our
Carlisle offers music instruction, from preschool through
middle and upper school students.
grade 12. THE CHIEFS compete in the
CHOIR
Virginia Independent
Carlisle boasts one of the most successful choral programs
Conference in boys
in the area. Our students perform regularly on our own
athletics and in the
stages and in the community, and also as far away as
Blue Ridge Conference
Toronto, Disney World and Carnegie Hall.
in girls athletics. DANCE
BOYS
Carlisle is one of the few schools in North America that
Baseball
offers a rigorous and exceptional dance program.
Basketball Cross Country & Track Fencing
MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Golf
Faculty and community musicians offer private piano,
Soccer
string and wind instrument lessons weekly on the
Tennis
Carlisle campus.
GIRLS
THEATER
Basketball
At every grade level, Carlisle students participate in
Cross Country & Track
dramatic and musical productions, gaining poise, confidence
Fencing
and a lasting appreciation for the performing arts.
Field Hockey Soccer
VISUAL ARTS
Softball
Students in preschool through grade 12 explore their inner
Tennis
creativity through a wide variety of art media.
Volleyball
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A Real-World
International Program THERE’S A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN A CARLISLE
education, as we welcome students from around the world as part of our renowned International Program. Approximately 22 percent of our Upper School students are from other countries, bringing a variety of different cultures and backgrounds, and creating a unique and dynamic student body.
“ It’s great to be here, to experience what America is really like — not from a movie or TV, but from being a real American high school student.” —Bonnie Xue, Class of 2015
A Global Perspective Twelve foreign countries are represented on our Carlisle campus. Sitting in class each day with students from Germany, China, Uganda and more, our students are learning firsthand about different cultures, religions and backgrounds. They see a larger world, because are studying in a larger world.
International students at Carlisle have two very welcoming housing options. Two boarding houses with full amenities adjoin our campus.
Or, students may elect to be hosted by a family in the community
Currently, we have 33 international students among our Upper School student body. Countries represented include Australia, China, Colombia, Finland, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Uganda and Vietnam.
in order to be fully immersed in American life. — CARLISLE SCHOOL — 15
Visit
Carlisle “WHY SHOULD YOU SEND YOUR CHILD TO CARLISLE?
There are so many reasons. The academic experience is stellar. We are a family here. The kids are innovative, fun, and engaging. Please bring your child to visit Carlisle. See for yourself the excellence, the love and the friendship.” – Tammy Pearson, parent
Experience Carlisle Experience firsthand the wonder of a Carlisle education. Attend one of our informative Open Houses or schedule an appointment for a campus tour. To learn more, contact our Main Campus Admission Office at (276) 632-7288, ext. 237. Let us tell you more about how your student will lead, excel and succeed at Carlisle School. Affordable Carlisle The cost of tuition at Carlisle is nearly 30 percent lower than the national average for independent schools. We are 40 percent below the cost of the average private school in Virginia. With a lower tuition, and with 49 percent of our students receiving some form of financial aid, we are committed to making a Carlisle education within reach for your family.
— CARLISLE SCHOOL — 16
CAR L IS L E S C H O O L O F F IC E O F ADM ISS IO NS
P.O. Box 5388 Martinsville, VA 24115 Phone: (276) 632-7288 x237 Fax: (276) 632-0184 www.carlisleschool.org
Carlisle at a Glance FOUN DE D: GRA DE S:
1968
ACCREDITATION
Preschool through Grade 12
E N ROL L M E N T:
493 students
S TUDE N T-FACULTY RATI O:
13:1
CA M P US LOCATI ON S
• Main Campus: Martinsville, Virginia Preschool 3 – Grade 12 • Danville Campus: Danville, Virginia Preschool 2 – Grade 5
Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
P.O. Box 5388 Martinsville, VA 24115 Phone: (276) 632-7288 x237 Fax: (276) 632-0184 www.carlisleschool.org MARTINSVILLE CAMPUS
ACA DE M I CS
Advanced Placement and Honors classes
300 Carlisle Rd. Axton, VA 24054
COL L E GE ACCE PTA N CE
DANVILLE CAMPUS
100 percent of graduates are accepted at four-year colleges and universities. ATH L E TI CS
Over 20 Varsity and JV teams for students in grade 6–12; club sports for Lower School students A RTS
Comprehensive program beginning in preschool and continuing through Upper School RE S I DE N TI A L P ROGRA M
Boys and Girls boarding houses for 16 boarding students, along with our Formal Hosting Program for students preferring to live with Carlisle families S TUDY A B ROA D
A partnership with Tosi School in Milan, Italy, provides juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in a 10-day exchange program.
825 Piney Forest Road Danville, VA 24540