CAIS Admissions Testing

Charlotte Area Independent Schools Admissions Testing (CAIS)

Appointment scheduling opens September 2nd.

Thank you for your interest in CAIS testing. We’re happy to work with your child through this important step in the admissions process. CAIS (Charlotte Area Independent Schools) testing is required by several private schools in the Charlotte area and provides a measure of a child’s cognitive abilities using either the WPPSI-IV or WISC-V, depending on grade level.

 

Testing Information

Rising JK/TK, Kindergarten, or 1st Grade Applicants:
The Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence—Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) will be individually administered. Appointments generally last 45 to 60 minutes. Please ensure your child is at least 4 years old by the scheduled testing date.

Rising 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Grade Applicants:
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition (WISC-V) will be individually administered. Appointments typically last 60 to 75 minutes.

CAIS Testing Dates:
TK/JK/K CAIS Testing Complete by February 1, 2026
Grades 1-4 CAIS Testing Completed by February 21, 2026

Application Dates:
TK/JK/K Application Deadline to CAIS Schools--December 31, 2025
Grades 1-4 Application Deadline for CAIS Schools--January 15, 2026

 

Fees and Payment

The fee for CAIS testing is $300, which includes test administration and emailed results to you and the schools to which your child is applying.
Payments via credit card  are required at the time of scheduling.  Once payment is made, a nonrefundable $100 fee applies to all cancellations. Per CAIS guidelines, cancellations within 72 hours of your scheduled appointment are not eligible for a refund. For Monday appointments, cancellations must be made by the preceding Wednesday. If an unforeseen circumstance arises within 72 hours of your appointment, please contact our office immediately to discuss rescheduling.

 

Additional Information

An optional parent-only feedback session is available if you would like further insight into your child’s performance and the educational implications.

For more information about participating private schools, as well as access to the registration form and application details, please visit the following CAIS websites:

  • Charlotte Christian School
  • Charlotte Country Day School
  • Charlotte Latin School
  • Charlotte Preparatory School
  • Covenant Day School
  • Providence Day School
  • Trinity Episcopal School

If you have any questions, please call 704-750-1602 for more information. We look forward to assisting you through this process.