2026-2027
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.
Welcome Wildcats Day
Monday, August 24
A special 1/2 day designed to welcome new students and reconnect our community, followed by a Welcome Party for our new Head of School, Ben Farrell, with a Community Cookout and Celebration!
First Day of School
Tuesday, August 25
(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 this day we'll have coffee on the Parent Patio outside the Spirit Store from 8:00 am – 9:30 a.m.
Setting Up Your CDS Parent Email
(New Families Only)
In July, you will receive an email with instructions to set up your CDS parent email account. Your CDS parent email will also serve as your login to My CDS, our parent portal.
Important: From that point forward, all school communications will be sent to your CDS parent email address, so be sure to check it regularly.
2026-2027 School Year Calendar
You can download or print a copy of the 1-sheet 2026-2027 calendar from our Calendar page.
A detailed calendar of school events is available by signing in to My CDS (will be populated during the summer).
School Hours & Carline
For the 2026–2027 school year, returning families can expect the school day schedule to remain unchanged.
2026-27 Athletic Participation
If your child will be in grades 6–12 and is interested in playing a fall sport, please complete the Fall Sports Registration by July 17.
2026-2027 Athletic SeasonSign up, tryout dates, and required formsIf 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 JK–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
For the 2026-2027 school year, Carolina Day will offer a North Asheville route through Emma Bus Lines.
Aftercare (Grades JK-8)
Our JK-8 Aftercare program offers flexibility for parent schedules and the same nurturing environment that Carolina Day students receive in the classroom every day.
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.”
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 Form, which requires signatures from both the student and a parent—each logged into their own My CDS account.
Back-to-School Messages
Miss seeing a message? Enroll recently? Here are the back-to-school emails sent during summer 2026.
We eagerly look forward to welcoming our Wildcats back to Carolina Day School in the upcoming school year!
Looking for the summer work packets that were sent out in May?
You'll find them on our Summer 2026 page.