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Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Portuguese
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Charleston Bilingual Academy is a Christ-centered, intercultural language-immersion school serving students from age 2 through high school. The Early Childhood program operates at the Friendship Baptist Campus on Lackawanna Boulevard, while the Elementary and Upper School programs are at the Holmes Avenue Campus. A new Centerpoint Campus is under development to house the Upper School with a main classroom building and collaborative spaces, and it includes athletics facilities as part of ongoing renovations. The curriculum centers on Spanish immersion and bilingual leadership, with elementary students mastering core subjects and attaining high-level fluency through project-based learning; the Early Childhood program emphasizes play-based, language-immersion education; and the Upper School focuses on preparing students for world-class universities. The school serves 400+ students from 30+ nations and has awarded over $2 million in scholarships. The mission is 'Inspiring World Changers' through Christ-centered, intercultural education in partnership with parents. The Centerpoint Campus is actively developing.
5032 Lackawanna Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29405, United States
The Essentials
Charleston Bilingual Academy has 314 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in Spanish, Mandarin.
Location
Three campuses in North Charleston, South Carolina. Early Childhood (2yo-5K) is on the Friendship Baptist Campus, 5032 Lackawanna Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29405. Elementary is on the Holmes Avenue Campus, 4602 Durant Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405. Upper School is on the Centerpoint Campus, 4901 Centerpoint Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418.
Stages
Early Childhood (2yo-5K); Elementary (Grades 1-5); Upper School (Grades 6-11).
Spanish language support is available with associated costs.
Religious affiliation
Baptist (Christian).
School day structure
Full-day program with occasional early-release days at 12:45 PM.
Bus service
CBA bus used for field trips; transportation may also be provided by chaperones' personal vehicles.
Fees
Application fees
- Early Childhood (ages 2–5K): USD 30. - Grades 1–5: USD 50. - Grades 6–10: USD 75. - Application fees are submitted through the FACTS family portal and are processed with any associated card-processing charge.
Tuition fees (2026–2027 academic year)
Early Childhood Education (hours noted where applicable): - 2 years old (on Sept 1) — 8:30am–11:55am: - 2 days/week: USD 4,100 per year (USD 373/month, billed in 11 payments). - 3 days/week: USD 5,150 per year (USD 468/month, billed in 11 payments). - 5 days/week: USD 7,250 per year (USD 659/month, billed in 11 payments). - 3–4 years old (on Sept 1) — 8:30am–11:55am; must be potty-trained: - 2 days/week (3yo only): USD 3,900 per year (USD 355/month, billed in 11 payments). - 3 days/week: USD 4,950 per year (USD 450/month, billed in 11 payments). - 5 days/week: USD 7,000 per year (USD 636/month, billed in 11 payments). - Kindergarten (5 years old on Sept 1) — Mon–Fri, 8:15am–12:45pm: USD 7,400 per year (USD 673/month, billed in 11 payments). - Optional Kindergarten Afterschool / extended programs have separate monthly fees (see Other costs).
Elementary & Upper School: - Elementary (Grades 1–5) — 8:15am–3:15pm: USD 9,890 per year (USD 899/month, billed in 11 payments). - Middle School (Grades 6–8) — 8:15am–3:30pm: USD 10,500 per year (USD 955/month, billed in 11 payments). - High School (Grades 9–10) — 8:15am–3:30pm: USD 13,500 per year (USD 1,227/month, billed in 11 payments). - A half-day option for 2026–27 is offered for certain grades (example listings shown): USD 7,348 per year (Grades 1–5 half-day, billed in 11 monthly installments of approximately USD 668) and USD 7,700 per year (Grades 6–8 half-day, billed in 11 monthly installments of approximately USD 700).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- A USD 255 non-refundable downpayment is required at enrollment. - Annual tuition is billed as installment invoices across 11 monthly payments (June through April). Monthly-installment amounts are shown above next to each program. - Families receive monthly invoices emailed from the school's QuickBooks/finance partner; charges for optional services (afterschool, Lunch Bunch, sports, clubs, music lessons, etc.) appear on those invoices. - Families are registered in the billing system upon enrollment and must follow the invoice links to view the PDF breakdown and complete payment.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; programs are day school only for ages 2 through high school.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Kindergarten Afternoon Program (extended hours, Spanish immersion): one-time enrollment & supply fee USD 50; recurring fees (examples for CBA-enrolled families in 2025–26): 5 days/week USD 310/month, 4 days/week USD 271/month, 3 days/week USD 224/month, 2 days/week USD 172/month, 1 day/week USD 115/month; drop-in rate USD 35/day. - Lunch Bunch (Ages 2–4) daily and subscription pricing is available; sample rates include USD 9/day or subscription tiers (1 day: USD 25/month; 5 day: USD 80/month). - Afterschool activities, clubs and sports carry registration or supply fees and monthly or seasonal charges. Examples previously listed include: music private-instruction registration fee USD 37 one-time and lesson tuition USD 100/month; sports/clubs registration fees commonly USD 35 (CBA students) or USD 50 (non-CBA), with monthly participation fees often in the USD 30–70 range depending on activity. - Uniforms: uniforms are required from Grade 1 upward; many uniform items are purchased through retail vendors (Children's Place, French Toast, Amazon) and certain branded items (PE T-shirts, specified hoodies) are sold through the school office. Prices for uniform items vary by vendor and are paid by families at purchase.
Refund information
- The USD 255 enrollment/tuition downpayment is explicitly non-refundable. - FACTS Management charges a non-refundable processing fee for financial-aid applications (amount stated on the school's financial-aid information). - In specific circumstances related to financial-aid outcomes, a registration/enrollment payment has been refunded when expected aid was not approved through FACTS/ClassWallet processes; families should note the school's stated refund handling for aid-related registration payments.
Fee payment options
- Venmo payments accepted to the school Venmo account (no additional Venmo fee when using debit/bank). - Checks: payable and deliverable to the campus office or placed in the office drop-box. - Direct deposit / bank transfer: families may request a QuickBooks invoice to pay via direct deposit from their bank. - Credit card: credit card payments are accepted via an authorization process; a credit-card processing fee applies (example published processing fee: 6% on card transactions). - Money order: card/processing surcharge may also apply. - 529 plan payments: Kindergarten through Grade 6 may be payable using 529 college-savings funds where applicable.
If you require the listed fees formatted for an external database, the above items cover application charges, detailed annual tuition and monthly-installment amounts (per program), billing cadence and payment methods, boarding policy (not applicable), common additional program fees, refund notes, and available payment channels. End of fees overview.
Academics
Charleston Bilingual Academy teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Christian Curriculum.
Curriculum
The school provides a Christ-centered, intercultural, language-immersion-based education for students aged 2 through high school. Elementary emphasizes mastery of core subjects while achieving high-level fluency in Spanish through a Christ-centered, project-based model. Early Childhood provides a Christ-centered, play-based, language-immersion education. Upper School focuses on bilingual leadership, currently serving grades 6–11 with expansion toward 12th grade. Spanish immersion is central to the curriculum.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes Christ-centered character formation and intercultural understanding as part of its learning model, with a project-based, language-immersion approach that aims to develop empathy and leadership alongside academics.
Admissions
Admissions
01 Inquire. Fill out the Charleston Bilingual Academy Inquiry form. There is no charge to fill out this form and no commitment to enroll. This starts the enrollment process for families to learn about CBA and plan next steps. 02 Interview & Tour. After submitting the Inquiry form, an email invitation is sent to schedule an interview and tour with the Head of School. The Main Tour starts at the Main Campus, with separate tours for Early Childhood at the FBC Campus, Elementary at Holmes Avenue Campus, and Upper School at Centerpoint Church Campus. 03 Apply. After your tour, the admissions office invites you to submit a formal Application form. To complete the packet, provide school references and records; if applicable, provide a report documenting your student's performance (academic and behavior) along with the parents' good standing with prior schools; complete the Post-Tour Questionnaire within 2 business days; submit the application fee via FACTS Management (EC: $30, Grades 1-5: $50, Grades 6-10: $75). 04 Review & Status. The admissions committee reviews the application packet and contacts families with next steps. All families are notified of status regardless of the decision. 05 Enrollment. If accepted, a student's spot is reserved for 2 business days. Enrollment is completed via the FACTS family portal: submit student records and birth certificate; submit SC-DHEC immunization or exemption forms; review the Parent-Student Handbook and pay the non-refundable down payment. 06 Shadow Days & Wait Pools. Shadow days are required for students in Grade 2 and above. Wait pools do not carry over to the next year.
Scholarships
SC ESTF Program Education Scholarship Trust Fund: Eligible families may receive $7,600 per year per child for 5K through 10th Grade (expanding annually). Visit Palmetto NavigatEd for details.
Waitlist
Wait Pools: Wait pools do not carry over to the next year.
FAQs
Where are Charleston Bilingual Academy's campuses located, and how are they organized by age and grade?
CBA operates three campuses in North Charleston. The Friendship Baptist Campus (5032 Lackawanna Blvd) houses Early Childhood (ages 2 through 5K). The Holmes Avenue Campus (4602 Durant Ave) hosts Elementary and Upper School, while the Centerpoint Campus (4901 Centerpoint Dr) currently houses the Upper School and is undergoing renovations to add modern athletic facilities.
What ages and grades does Charleston Bilingual Academy serve today?
The school serves Early Childhood (ages 2 through 5K), Elementary (Grades 1–5), and Upper School (Grades 6–11) with plans to expand toward 12th grade.
What is the school type and core educational approach at Charleston Bilingual Academy?
CBA is a co-educational, Christ-centered school that uses intercultural, language-immersion education with Spanish immersion at its core. Early Childhood is play-based and language-immersion, Elementary emphasizes core subjects with high fluency in Spanish through project-based learning, and Upper School focuses on bilingual leadership.
What are the application fees by grade?
Application fees are $30 for Early Childhood, $50 for Grades 1–5, and $75 for Grades 6–10. Fees are processed through the FACTS family portal and may incur a card-processing charge.
What are the 2026–2027 tuition rates by program?
Tuition varies by program: Early Childhood ranges from about $4,100 (2 days/week) to $7,250 (5 days/week); Kindergarten is $7,400; Elementary $9,890; Middle School $10,500; High School (Grades 9–10) $13,500. Some grades offer half-day options (~$7,300–$7,700). Invoices are issued monthly over 11 payments, with a $255 non-refundable down payment due at enrollment and additional charges for optional services.
What is the admissions process, and are there waitlists or scholarships?
The process is: Inquire, then Interview & Tour, submit a formal Application, and enroll via FACTS. Shadow days are required for Grade 2 and up, and wait pools do not carry over to the next year. Scholarships are available through the SC ESTF program, offering up to $7,600 per year per child for 5K–10th Grade.
What language immersion tracks are offered and which grades do they cover?
Charleston Bilingual Academy offers Spanish/English immersion for Grades 1–10, and Mandarin/Spanish immersion for Grades 2–5 and 7–8. A homeschool/hybrid immersion option with limited immersion in Spanish (Grades 1–10) and Mandarin (Grades 2–5, 7–8) is also available.
How is mathematics taught in relation to language at CBA?
Mathematics is taught in Spanish until Pre-Algebra, after which instruction shifts to English.
What is the Upper School's focus and current grade range?
The Upper School focuses on bilingual leadership and currently serves Grades 6–11, with expansion planned toward 12th grade.
What facilities and campuses support academics and athletics at CBA?
The Holmes Avenue Campus houses Elementary and Upper School, while the Centerpoint Campus provides the Upper School's main classroom building, collaborative spaces, and athletic facilities. The Centerpoint renovation enhances modern academic spaces and athletics amenities.
What sports and extracurricular facilities are available at Centerpoint?
Centerpoint hosts Upper School athletics facilities. Extracurricular options include Karate, Volleyball, Flag Football, Wrestling, Soccer, and Basketball, along with clubs such as Art Club, Mandarin Club, and S.T.E.M. Club.
Are there ongoing renovations to the campus, and what will they add?
Yes. The Centerpoint Campus is undergoing renovations to support a modern Upper School with improved classrooms, collaborative spaces, and athletics facilities.
What clubs exist, and when do they meet?
S.T.E.M. Club (Grades 2–4) meets on Thursdays; Art Club (Grades 1–6) meets on Thursdays with a $40 supply fee and $35 monthly; Mandarin Club (Grades 1–8) meets Mondays and Wednesdays and costs $70 per month.
Does the Upper School offer leadership or culture programs?
Yes. The Upper School features Bilingual Leadership, aimed at developing independent learners prepared for world-class universities.
What athletic programs are available throughout the year?
Athletic options include Karate (year-round), Volleyball, Flag Football, Wrestling, Soccer, and Basketball, with some programs running seasonally and fees varying by activity.
How does Charleston Bilingual Academy address wellbeing and character development?
CBA emphasizes Christ-centered character formation and intercultural understanding as part of its learning model, using project-based, language-immersion education to foster empathy and leadership.
Is boarding offered at Charleston Bilingual Academy?
No. Charleston Bilingual Academy is a day school and does not offer boarding.
What is the uniform policy, and where can uniforms be purchased?
Uniforms are required from Grade 1 onward. Boys wear light blue, navy, pencil yellow, or white shirts with khaki or navy bottoms; Girls wear light blue, navy, pencil yellow, light purple, or white shirts with khaki or navy bottoms. Most items can be bought from Amazon or Children's Place; a few items are sold through the School Office, and soft-soled tennis shoes are required daily.
What food options are available at the school?
Lunch Bunch provides lunch for Early Childhood (Ages 2–4) at the Friendship Campus from 11:55 AM to 12:25 PM, with a daily rate of $9 and monthly options (e.g., $25 for 1 day, up to $80 for 5 days). Space is limited.
What language tracks exist and which grades do they cover for language provision?
Language tracks include Spanish/English immersion for Grades 1–10 and Mandarin/Spanish immersion for Grades 2–5 and 7–8. The curriculum integrates these languages across Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
