Mason Preparatory School is fully accredited by Cognia and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). We’re also proud members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), and the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). This means families can trust that our academic programs meet high standards and prepare students well for future success. Learn more about our accreditation and memberships.

Mason Prep offers a unique STEM program called Innovation & Design Initiative (InDI) for all grades, providing a dedicated class period alongside science and math. Students engage in hands-on projects including 3D printing, coding, robotics, and engineering challenges, following the Engineering Design Process. Our Middle School program also includes InDI as part of a rigorous curriculum preparing students for high school. Plus, after-school STEAM activities expand learning beyond the classroom. We’re proud to be the only school in Charleston with SCISA STEM Certification, ensuring a strong foundation in science and innovation. Learn more about our Innovation & Design program.

MPS offers a strong global language program starting in Kindergarten. Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade take Spanish. Beginning in 3rd grade, students experience both French and Spanish before choosing one to continue through 8th grade. Our programs focus on language proficiency and cultural understanding through interactive projects and celebrations like Mardi Gras and the World Cup. By the end of 8th grade, students can earn high school credit in French or Spanish, preparing them well for secondary education. Learn more about our global language offerings.

Mason Prep offers a flexible Extended Day program until 5:45 p.m. for all grade levels, providing supervised time for homework and recreation, including staff-led Study Hall sessions for homework help. After-school programs are available for students in grades K-8, featuring a variety of activities that change by semester but always include options across arts, athletics, culture, math, science, and engineering. Examples of activities include soccer, chess club, dance, and pickleball, with different offerings tailored to specific grade levels to ensure every student has enriching opportunities. Families can enjoy convenient academic and extracurricular programs right on campus. Learn more about our after-school programs.

Mason Prep hosts a Summer Academy for one week each July for students entering grades K-6. During Summer Academy, students practice and sharpen skills in language and math, participate in fun activities like STEM projects, play/PE, and art, and have the opportunity to meet teachers from their upcoming grade and reconnect with friends — making it especially beneficial for new students. Families can also explore extended day and enrichment programs that provide fun, supervised environments supporting learning and social growth. For more details on these opportunities, please visit our after-school offerings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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]).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We realize that sending your child to an independent school requires a great financial commitment, and we deeply appreciate our parents placing their trust in Mason Prep for their children's education.
We offer tuition assistance for students in grades K-8 based on demonstrated financial need. Mason Prep uses Clarity Financial Aid to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application.

We also provide several payment plan options. Learn more about applying on our financial aid page.

Mason Preparatory School does not accept state voucher programs. However, we offer financial assistance based on demonstrated need to help make quality education accessible and affordable. Financial aid is managed confidentially through Clarity Financial Aid. For detailed information about tuition and aid options, please contact our finance team or visit our financial aid information. We support families at every stage from Pre-K through middle school.

Tuition for the 2026-27 school year is:
- Pre-K: $15,015
- Kindergarten: $18,290
- Grades 1-6: $21,550
- Grades 7-8: $22,320

New students pay an additional $500 New Student Fee. Tuition includes 1:1 Chromebooks (grades 3-8), school-day field trips, textbooks, and academic enrichment opportunities. We offer flexible payment plans and limited tuition assistance for grades K-8. For details on tuition, payment options, and financial aid, please visit our tuition and financial aid pages. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Tuition at Mason Prep includes essential academic resources and enriching experiences for all grades. Families can expect:

• 1:1 Chromebooks for grades 3-8
• School-day field trips
• Textbooks
• Academic enrichment opportunities that support students’ social and emotional growth

These components support a well-rounded education from Preschool through Middle School. For more details about the value of our program, you can explore our academic enrichment offerings.

Additional fees not included in tuition typically include a $500 New Student Fee for new families and a tuition assurance fee applied to multi-payment plans. Tuition covers essentials like textbooks, 1:1 Chromebooks (grades 3-8), school-day field trips, and academic enrichment. However, other activities or programs outside the classroom may have separate costs. For details on tuition assistance and payment options, we’re happy to guide you through the process.

We realize that sending your child to an independent school requires a great financial commitment, and we deeply appreciate our parents placing their trust in Mason Prep for their children's education.
We offer tuition assistance for students in grades K-8 based on demonstrated financial need. Mason Prep uses Clarity Financial Aid to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application.

We also provide several payment plan options. Learn more about applying on our financial aid page.

While there is no sibling discount, we realize that sending your child to an independent school requires a great financial commitment, and we deeply appreciate our parents placing their trust in Mason Prep for their children's education.
We offer tuition assistance for students in grades K-8 based on demonstrated financial need. Mason Prep uses Clarity Financial Aid to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application.

We also provide several payment plan options. Learn more about applying on our financial aid page.

Mason Preparatory School offers financial assistance based on demonstrated need to help make our education more accessible and affordable for families. While we do offer a few small scholarships to current students, these are not available to prospective families. If a family has received an external scholarship paid directly to them, those funds can be applied toward tuition. To learn more about applying for aid and maintaining affordability, please visit our Financial Aid page. We’re committed to supporting families throughout every stage of their child’s education.

We offer several flexible tuition payment plans to fit your family’s needs, and these can be combined with financial aid applications:

• One-time payment: Pay full tuition upfront.
• Two-time payment plan: Semi-annual payments.
• Installment payment plan: Monthly payments from June through April (eleven payments).

For details on tuition, payment options, and deadlines, please visit our tuition page and financial aid page.

Tuition is due according to the payment plan you choose. We offer three options:
- One-time full payment
- Two-time semi-annual payments
- Eleven monthly payments from June through April

Payments are collected through the school’s billing system. For details on how to apply and deadlines, visit our financial aid page. We’re here to help you find the best plan for your family.

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.

At Mason Prep, students don’t need to bring their own devices because we provide them based on grade level:

• Grades K-2: Students use shared class sets of iPads.
• Grades 3-8: Each student receives their own Chromebook laptop through our 1:1 program for use in all classes throughout the year.

Our classrooms also feature interactive displays and other tech resources to support learning across all ages. This setup ensures every student has access to the tools they need to research, organize, and present ideas confidently. Learn more about our technology program.

At Mason Prep, students use a variety of online learning tools and educational apps tailored to their age. From Kindergarten to 2nd grade, children access iPads in class sets for interactive learning, while grades 3-8 each have their own Chromebook through our 1:1 program. Technology is used thoughtfully and only as needed, with students taught to use their devices responsibly under supervision and clear instruction. Our tools support researching, organizing, and presenting ideas across iOS and ChromeOS platforms. Classrooms also feature interactive 70" displays and IP-based sound systems to accommodate different learning styles. Additionally, all grades participate in InDI classes using apps like Tinkercad for 3D printing and coding projects. Learn more about our technology resources.

Currently, Mason Prep focuses on in-person learning with rich, hands-on experiences across all grades, including technology integration through 1:1 devices and dedicated STEM classes like Innovation & Design. There are no online or hybrid classes available at this time. To support families’ schedules, we offer extended day and after-school programs. For more details on our learning environment and support, please visit our Technology & Media Center and After-School Programs.

Teachers use technology like videos and interactive tools to make learning engaging and hands-on across all grades. For young learners, devices like iPads and interactive displays help them explore concepts actively. Older students use Chromebooks and participate in activities such as 3D printing, coding, and building prototypes through dedicated Innovation & Design classes. Videos, live broadcasts, and interactive lessons support different learning styles, boost collaboration, and help students apply real-world skills confidently. This approach nurtures creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving at every stage. Learn more about our technology resources and Innovation & Design program.

At Mason Prep, we keep students safe online and in digital spaces by teaching age-appropriate skills and responsible behavior across all grades. For younger students (Pre-K to 2), we focus on listening, recognizing emotions, and understanding when to share thoughts. For grades 3-8, we partner with The Social Institute to help students balance online and in-person communication, manage device distractions, and communicate responsibly. Technology is used only as needed and as a tool, with clear supervision and instruction. Additionally, Mason Prep uses GoGuardian to block harmful content, ensuring students access only appropriate educational materials while online. We also provide parents with resources to continue these important conversations at home, building character, empathy, and respect in digital interactions.

At Mason Prep, we keep students safe online and in digital spaces by teaching age-appropriate skills and responsible behavior across all grades. For younger students (Pre-K to 2), we focus on listening, recognizing emotions, and understanding when to share thoughts. For grades 3-8, we partner with The Social Institute to help students balance online and in-person communication, manage device distractions, and communicate responsibly. Technology is used only as needed and as a tool, with clear supervision and instruction. Additionally, Mason Prep uses GoGuardian to block harmful content, ensuring students access only appropriate educational materials while online. We also provide parents with resources to continue these important conversations at home, building character, empathy, and respect in digital interactions.

Students at Mason Prep have balanced screen time tailored to their age and assignments. From Kindergarten through 2nd grade, children use class sets of iPads weekly to learn media literacy skills under supervision and with clear instruction. Grades 3-8 participate in a 1:1 Chromebook program, using devices responsibly for research, organization, and presentations across subjects. Technology is used only as needed and always as a tool to support learning, with classrooms featuring interactive displays and other tech resources that minimize excessive screen use. This thoughtful approach ensures purposeful, age-appropriate screen time while teaching responsible technology use. Learn more about our technology program and media center.

Mason Prep supports families in managing kids' screen time and tech use through programs like The Social Institute for grades 3-8. This curriculum helps students balance online and in-person communication, limit device distractions, and communicate responsibly. It also involves parents by providing resources to continue these important conversations at home. For younger children, social skills and self-regulation are taught in early grades to build healthy habits around technology and interaction. Learn more about our approach in Character Education.