Admissions

Why Mason Prep?

Parents often say that Mason Prep feels like a family. Our close-knit community allows each child to be valued, supported, and encouraged by their teachers and staff daily. While our class sizes are small, students enjoy a wide variety of engaging learning experiences and activities. When our graduates move on to high school, they are not only prepared to thrive academically, they are ready to impact their future communities through citizenship. We invite you to take the next step toward joining the Mason Prep family.
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make on behalf of your child. We know that this process involves a great deal of research, and we are here to answer your questions. Our admissions process is highly personalized and designed to foster a partnership between our staff and parents, which ultimately ensures each student’s success.

Why Mason Prep?

Our families welcome the opportunity to have their children in a school that is safe and nurturing, with a challenging curriculum. Our graduates leave Mason Prep prepared incredibly well for any high school they choose. Mason Prep is committed to embracing difference, honoring identity, and valuing belongingness for all members of its community. Students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

List of 6 items.

  • 9:1

    Student to Teacher Ratio
  • 300+

    community service hours
    completed by the Class of 2025
  • 10

    After School Activities
    offered on campus
  • 25

    Field Trips
    typically taken every year
  • 400+

    iPads and Tablets
    available to students
  • 4

    Competitive Sports

What Sets Us Apart

Parents tell us that these are some of the most important reasons they chose Mason Prep for their family.

List of 7 items.

  • Nurturing

    Students at Mason Prep are known and supported as individuals. At any given moment, members of our faculty and staff know that Michael needs help with fractions, Ella is ready for more challenging material in reading, and Jack’s hamster passed away (so he might need an extra hug).
  • Citizenship

    Kindness, respect, and personal responsibility are integral to a Mason Prep education. Students learn to be contributing members of our school community and take these lessons out into our broader world through community service projects. For example, our students don’t simply bring a can of food to donate – they also learn why members of our community may be food insecure and how local non-profits provide help.
  • "The Feeling"

    So many of our families say they “just knew” Mason Prep was the school for them, or “had a feeling” when they came to visit. We don’t know how to describe it, but there’s something special in the air at Mason Prep. We hope you will come and see (or feel) for yourself!
  • Strong Foundation

    Students are given an extremely strong academic foundation which leads to success in high school and beyond. Alumni continuously tell us that knowledge they use in high school – and in college – came from their years at Mason Prep.
  • Faculty

    Our faculty is made up of extremely talented and committed educators who work with parents as a team for the success of each child. These amazing people not only teach our students, but also listen to them, support them, and inspire them.
  • Independent School

    As an independent school, we are able to make decisions for our school based on what is best for our students and what is true to our mission. Our curriculum is not driven by standardized testing.
  • Pre-K-8 School

    In a Pre-K-8 setting, students are given more opportunities earlier. Our student leaders are elected from grades 6-8, and students play on competitive sports teams without the shadow of a high school program.

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQs
  • Do you have full-day or part-day child care?
    Early Education Admissions

    We offer an Extended Day program for Pre-K through 8th-grade families that provides supervised care until 5:45 p.m. This flexible option supports your child with homework time, play, and recreation after the regular school day ends at 3:05 p.m. Kindergarteners and older students can also join after-school classes like karate, dance, and soccer right on campus. This means your child can stay engaged and cared for in a safe, nurturing environment well beyond the school day. Learn more about our Extended Day and After-School Programs.

  • What age does my child need to be to start [ PreK / Preschool ]?
    Preschool Admissions

    Children must be 4 years old by September 1 to start our Preschool (Pre-K) program. Our Pre-K offers a structured, engaging environment focused on academics and Kindergarten readiness, with small classes and dedicated teachers to support each child’s growth. The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:05 p.m., with extended care available until 5:45. We emphasize a fun, age-appropriate approach that builds confidence and a love of learning. Learn more about our Pre-K program details.

  • What age does my child need to be to start Kindergarten?
    Kindergarten Admissions

    Children typically need to be 5 years old by September 1 to start Kindergarten. Our Kindergarten program welcomes students from diverse preschool backgrounds and developmental stages, with dedicated teachers who meet each child where they are to encourage growth. If your child isn’t quite ready, our Pre-Kindergarten program offers a structured, academic-focused environment to prepare them confidently for Kindergarten. For more details on readiness and how we support early learners, you can explore our Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten programs.

  • Can we schedule a shadow day so our child can visit MPS?
    Elementary SchoolMiddle School Admissions

    We offer shadow days for prospective students who have applied for grades 1-8, allowing your child to experience a full day at Mason Prep and see classes in action by shadowing their current grade (for example, a rising first grader shadows with a kindergarten class). To schedule a shadow day, please contact our admissions team through the online inquiry page at https://www.masonprep.org/online-inquiry, as shadow days cannot be scheduled directly on the website. You might also consider our personal tours or upcoming open house events designed to help families explore the school and meet teachers. You can request a tour or find details about visits on our how to apply page.

  • What grade levels does MPS serve, and what ages can apply?
    Admissions

    Mason Prep serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Applicants for Pre-K and Kindergarten should be ages 4 and 5, respectively, by September 1. For more details, explore our grade-specific pages: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1-4, Grades 5-6, and Grades 7-8. We welcome applications across all grades. Learn more about our application process on the How to Apply page.

  • Is there an admissions deadline, and what if we miss it?
    Admissions

    Admissions deadlines vary by grade level for the first round of consideration (Pool 1):
    - Pre-K & Kindergarten: December 12, 2025
    - Grades 1-8: January 9, 2026

    These dates mark the first round of consideration, with rolling admissions continuing afterward. If you miss these deadlines, you can still apply, but your application will be reviewed in a later pool with fewer openings. Simply contact us so we can guide you through the process — we are here to help every step of the way. For details on the application process and required materials by grade, please visit how to apply.

  • Is there an application fee to be considered for enrollment?
    Admissions

    There is a $100 application fee to be considered for enrollment at Mason Prep. Families can start the process by completing an application online and submitting required materials based on grade level. We’re here to guide you through every step — from applying to testing and enrollment. For details on how to apply and what’s needed, visit our How to Apply page. If you have questions, our admissions team is happy to help!

  • What paperwork or documents do we need to apply?
    Admissions

    To apply, you'll need to complete the application and submit specific documents based on your child's grade level:

    Pre-K & Kindergarten:
    - Application
    - Teacher Recommendation
    - Observation Day Visit
    - Optional materials

    Grades 1-4:
    - Application
    - Teacher Recommendation
    - School Records
    - Testing/Shadow Day
    - Optional materials

    Grades 5-8:
    - Application
    - Two Teacher Recommendations
    - School Records
    - Testing/Shadow Day
    - Optional materials

    After applying, applicants in grades 1-8 typically take an entrance test, while Pre-K and Kindergarten applicants have observation visits. You can start your application online anytime.

    You can find more information about how to apply here, and feel free to reach out with any questions — we are here to help ([https://www.masonprep.org/online-inquiry]).

  • Do new students need to take a placement test or academic evaluation?
    Elementary SchoolMiddle School Admissions

    New students applying to Elementary and Middle School grades take a grade-appropriate entrance test as part of the admissions process to assess their readiness in key skill areas. For younger children applying to Pre-K and Kindergarten, we conduct classroom observations instead of formal testing. During these observations, children participate in activities like story time and play at rotating centers while faculty members observe their listening skills, peer interactions, and engagement. These testing and observation sessions are available monthly starting in January. This process helps us understand each child’s learning style and place them where they will thrive academically and socially. Learn more about our testing and observation process.

  • When will we hear if our student is accepted?
    Admissions

    You can expect to hear about your student’s acceptance shortly after the application deadlines and testing or observation dates. For Pre-K and Kindergarten, applications for the first round are due by December 12, 2025, and for grades 1-8, by January 9, 2026. After completing required steps like testing or observation, we review applications and send acceptance letters. For those who apply after these deadlines, we strive to let you know quickly, and our Director of Enrollment can provide a timeline as you go through the application process. Upon acceptance, you will complete an enrollment contract to secure your child's spot. For details on the process and timelines, feel free to explore our how to apply page.

  • Do siblings of current students get priority in admissions?
    Admissions

    Mason Prep’s admissions process is personalized and designed to find the best fit for each student and family. While there is no explicit priority given to siblings of current students, we evaluate each applicant individually to determine their potential for success at MPS. Our close-knit community values family connections and supports each child throughout the admissions journey. For specific questions about sibling applications or personalized guidance, please contact our Director of Enrollment. Learn more about the application process and how we support families every step of the way.

  • What payments are due to confirm our child's enrollment?
    Admissions

    To confirm your child's enrollment, families need to submit the admissions contract along with the required payments. New students pay a $500 New Student Fee plus tuition based on grade level. Tuition can be paid in one full payment, two semi-annual payments (with a tuition assurance fee), or eleven monthly payments from June to April (also with a tuition assurance fee). For details on tuition and payment plans, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

  • What should parents expect during registration and orientation?
    Admissions

    During orientation, we love welcoming our new students and families to MPS. New students will be paired with a buddy in their grade to plan get-togethers over the summer. We also host a New Student Day just before the first day of school, allowing new Knights to get acquainted with campus, meet teachers, and connect with other students. Additionally, new students may choose to attend Summer Academy, a week-long day camp featuring academic skill-building, STEM projects, and fun activities. Orientation includes meeting teachers, touring classrooms, and understanding daily routines to help families feel confident and connected from Pre-K to middle school. New families have access to a dedicated webpage with resources, communications from our Knights Parent Guild, and are always welcome to reach out with any questions. For more details, please see our Parent Info Packet and explore what to expect during testing and observations in our Testing and Observation Q&A.

  • What academic or behavior standards should new students meet?
    Admissions

    New students at Mason Prep are welcomed with a strong academic foundation and positive behavior expectations tailored to each stage. Across all grades, we look for students who are ready to engage in a rigorous curriculum and demonstrate kindness, respect, and responsibility. Younger children learn listening skills, self-regulation, and social connection, while older students develop critical thinking and leadership through advanced academics and character education. To ensure readiness and potential for success, all students undergo testing or observation depending on their grade level, and we review transcripts and/or teacher recommendations for a well-rounded understanding. Support is available through extra help and personalized plans to help every child thrive. Learn more about our character education and academic enrichment programs.

Questions?

We would love to hear from you and answer your questions! Please contact Jake Petty, our Director of Enrollment at (843) 805-6015 or admissions@masonprep.org.

Mason Preparatory School accepts qualified students and follows a policy of non-discrimination as to race, sex, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin. Mason Prep seeks a student population diverse in various ways.
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.