2025-2026
Welcome, Wildcats!
Let's get ready for a great year!
Whether you're new to Carolina Day School or returning for another exciting year, we're so glad you're here. This page is designed to help all families—both new and returning—get ready for the school year ahead, with helpful resources and information right at your fingertips. Think of it as your go-to starting point as you prepare for the months ahead. Be sure to explore our parent and student portal, My CDS, for even more tools and updates.
Miss seeing a summer email message? Enroll recently?
Here are the back-to-school emails sent during summer 2025. Back to School Emails
Welcome Wildcats Day
Monday, August 18
A special morning designed to welcome new students and reconnect our community!
Find complete details at the link.
First Day of School
Tuesday, August 18
(This is the first day of uniforms, too!)
Make sure you've completed everything below, and stay tuned to your CDS email for updates from your division.
Parents, on the first day of school, enjoy coffee and bagels on the Parent Patio (near the Spirit Store) from 7:30–9:00AM.
The Spirit Store will also be open for shopping!
Setting Up Your CDS Parent Email
(New Families Only)
After enrollment, new families will receive an email with instructions to set up their CDS parent email account. Once your CDS parent email is activated, it will become your new login for My CDS. Important: From that point forward, all school communications will be sent to your CDS parent email address, so be sure to check it regularly.
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
You can download or print a copy of the 1-sheet 2025-2026 calendar from our Calendar page. For the detailed calendar of school events, sign in to My CDS.
School Hours
For the 2025–2026 school year, returning families can expect the school day schedule to remain largely unchanged, with one small adjustment: Middle School and Key Middle School students will begin classes at 8:10 a.m. (Learn more about this adjustment.)
See school hours at the link.
School Hours Earliest Arrival, Start Time, and Dismissal
2025-26 Athletic Participation
In early summer, our Athletics Department sent information to Wildcat families about 2025-26 Athletic & Clinic Offerings. If you have questions, or are enrolling mid-year and would like to participate in a sport, contact athletics@carolinaday.org.
School Supplies
Back-to-school shopping should be simple and easy.
- For grades PK–8 and Key grades 2–8, almost all supplies will be provided, including technology. For regular school days, there are just a few items you need to bring.
- For grades 9–12, supplies are determined by the student’s enrolled courses. Students in grades 9–12 will also need to bring a laptop (see our recommendations).
Check out our lists by grade at the link.
Standard Code of Dress
No matter where you shop, it's easy to know what to get for school—just reference the Standard Code of Dress for your grade.
Lunch
Many students bring lunch from home. Be aware that we'll be eating outdoors as often as possible. Microwaves are available for heat-ups. (There is no sharing of food, due to the possibility of nut-related and other allergies.)
If you wish to order food, Carolina Day School is proud to partner with LunchLink (powered by Wholesome Food Services).
Bus Transportation
Carolina Day offers two bus routes: a North Asheville route and a South Asheville/Hendersonville route. See the link for details and reserve your seat on the bus for 2025-2026.
Aftercare (grades PreK-8)
Our PreK-8 Aftercare program offers flexibility for parent schedules and the same nurturing environment that Carolina Day students receive in the classroom every day. Our Aftercare team facilitates a healthy snack time, creative activities, outdoor play time, and homework support (for grades 2-8). See below for 2025-2026 offerings, fees, and how to sign up.
Community Handbook
Provides parents and students with a guide to academic and behavioral expectations, attendance, and other policies and procedures that impact the education of all students.
A link to the Community Handbook can also be found in My CDS under “Resources.”
Carline
Carline identification cards (to ensure quick and authorized pick up) will be sent home with your child.
The following are the areas of campus in which students are to be dropped off and picked up. See our Campus map for reference.
- Lower School students in grades PK–K are to be dropped off at the After-Care building.
- Lower School students in grades 1–5 are to be dropped off between Love Hall and Nash Athletic Center.
- Key Lower School students are to be dropped off in front of the Upper School, and are picked up from the Key drop-off/pick-up circle.
- Middle & Key Middle School students are to be dropped off between Love Hall and Nash Athletic Center.
- Upper School students are to be dropped off in front of the Upper School. Student drivers will park in the new North Lot (subject to change as the lot is completed).
Medical & Health Forms
Every year, families must submit or update crucial medical records and forms for their students by August 1 (or, if enrolling during the school year, before their child starts school). In July, we send reminders explaining how to submit your student’s medical forms to the school through Magnus, our student health record software.
Additional Required Forms
In addition to health forms, families must complete the following in My CDS:
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Student Information Update
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Emergency Contact Form
Upper School families must also complete the Driver/Rider Form, which requires signatures from both the student and a parent—each logged into their own My CDS account.