ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026!

"All children can learn. They're just brilliant. 
But you've got to make them work."

The Late Clara H. Jones
Retired Educator & Piano Studio Owner

The Clara H. Jones Summer Institute is a structured, six-week intensive program aimed at developing students' fine arts skills while also targeting reading, math and science proficiency. We serve students in rising grades 1st-9th.

Now in its 23rd year, the Summer Institute is named in honor of acclaimed music teacher Clara H. Jones who was a retired CMS teacher and provided community lessons on Charlotte's west side for decades in her home-based studio.

Below you will find everything parents usually ask. But if you need more info, feel free to contact us at 704.372.3742, Mon-Fri afternoons, or email info@charlottecsa.org.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• We serve RISING 1st-9th GRADE STUDENTS. 
• ONE LOW PRICE! SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Tuition includes Academic & Fine Arts Instruction, Field Trips, Polo Shirts, Before & After Care, Instruments, Breakfast, Hot Lunch & Snack. No extra fees!
• CONVENIENT LOCATION! Five minutes west of uptown at 1801 Oaklawn Avenue in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church-West. Easy access from uptown on Trade Street, or I-77/I-85.
• PARENT-FRIENDLY OPERATING HOURS 7:30am-5:30pm Monday thru Friday.
• DIVERSITY in race, gender and language celebrated. Spanish translations provided, as well as diverse program offerings ranging from classical to gospel to salsa.
• 1:12 TEACHER-STUDENT RATIO in afternoon academic classes led by licensed teachers, education majors or experienced educators Mon-Thurs 1-5pm. Field Trips or Fun Activities on Fridays.
• ACCOMPLISHED ARTISTS lead fine arts lessons in Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba & saxophone), Violin, Piano, Art & Dance. (Note that piano often is in high demand and may not be available.)
• Monday through Thursday, students will spend mornings taking a fine arts and a STEAM class.  Afternoons will be devoted to academic instruction. And every week on Fridays, there will be a field trip or special program.
• ONLINE ACCESS on wireless laptops for students & ONLINE PAYMENTS AND APPLICATION for parents.
• FIRST DAY IS MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026. CLOSED FRIDAY, JULY 3, FOR 4TH OF JULY. GRAND PERFORMANCE & LAST DAY ON FRIDAY, JULY 31ST..

ORIENTATION & OPERATING HOURS & DAYS

Three orientation sessions held on the first day, Monday, June 22, @ 8:00am, 8:30am and 5:00pm. Parent Handbooks issued at orientation.

Operating hours are Mon-Fri, 7:30am-5:30pm. June 22-July 30. (Instructional time is from 9am-5pm.) Closed on Friday, July 3rd. Mark your calendars for the FINAL PROGRAM on Friday, July 30th, @5:30pm.

Students can be dropped off and a staff person will check them in, but parents or an authorized person MUST sign them out each day.

TUITION & REGISTRATION

Scholarships  Available for Students Who Attend Title I Schools or Meet Income Guidelines!

Tuition of $1,680 must be paid in full by June 22. But early payments will be accepted anytime online. (Sorry, no refunds or pro-rated payments for vacations, change of plans or missed days. Tuition includes instruction, instruments, activity fees, shirt, before- and after-care and food. Scholarships are available on a first-come-first-serve basis with income verification.

Note that we do offer a 20% sibling discount.

Online payments at www.charlottecsa.org--sorry, no checks!

TOTAL TUITION -- $1,680.

COVID-19/Flu
Students may be asked to wear masks, have their temperature checked when they enter and wash/sanitize their hands. Teachers and staff also may wear masks and practice cleanliness habits. The bottom line is that we will ALWAYS seek to follow the latest health guidelines. 

FOOD
Light breakfast, hot healthy lunch and afternoon snack prepared on-site in our commercial kitchen by school-trained chef. Peanut-free menu and hearty meatless days.

ATTIRE
Students are expected to wear school-appropriate attire. We also ask that students wear tennis shoes or other similar footwear, but NO OPEN-TOE SHOES DUE TO SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.

The Summer Institute shirt will be issued prior to the first field trip and is to be worn every Friday as well as for the Final Program on Friday, July 30th.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
We do not discriminate against students, parents, employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, language, religion or, where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation or income.