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The mission of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ (CMS) International Center (IC) is to address the needs of culturally or linguistically diverse students, providing them with equal access to effective participation in the educational programs offered by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

The International Center is the resource and intake center for all students whose first or primary language is not English.  These language minority students need to call the IC to determine whether or not it will be necessary to enroll and test at the IC before entering CMS.  This process ensures that all students are given equal access to any educational services needed to meet their individual needs. _________________________________________________________________

Families who need visit the International Center should schedule an appointment and must bring the following documentation with the student:

• Verification of date of birth (such as a certified birth certificate, passport, visa or resident alien card)
• Effective October 6, 2008, all applicants must submit
  three proofs of residency.  Documents must be pre-printed with the name and address of the student’s parent or legal guardian* and must be presented at the time of enrollment.  For a complete list of the required documents (click here)

The following documentation is very helpful, but not necessary, upon initial enrollment (it will be needed as indicated below):

• Previous educational experience including: transcripts and school records (needed for verification of course credit for final grade placement in high school)
• Immunization records (needed no later than 30-days after student is enrolled in school)

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The International Center’s assistance also includes:

• Enrollment information;
• School assignment based upon home address and school choice (only for specific Title I schools, the families will be informed if the home school is in this category);
• Immunization information (student can receive up to one series of shots for free)

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The students are assessed with an English language proficiency test, the W-APT, to determine their English language proficiency and eligibility for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
This assessment allows CMS:

• To place each student in accordance with federal guidelines.
• To analyze English proficiency in conversational AND academic language.

Enrollment in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program is optional, parents decide whether or not their child will enter the program. If the parent accepts enrollment in the ESL program, general information is provided for them at the International Center before they are sent to the assigned school.

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Staff at the International Center includes:

• Language Minority Student Specialist
• Language Minority Resource Teacher
• Bilingual Enrollment Technicians and Assistant (Spanish)
• School Nurse (part-time, check for availability if your child does not have all required immunizations)