Charlotte Latin School

The school was founded in 1970, during the period of school desegregation in the United States. In their treatise on segregation academies, the historians David Nevin and Robert Bills argued that, although Charlotte Latin was not founded in response to the desegregation of public schools, the school's early growth could be attributed to parents seeking to avoid racial integration.[3]

Don Roberson, a leader of an anti-busing parents group, enrolled his children in Charlotte Latin, saying, "I've simply taken my children off the battlefield while I fight the battle."[4]

In 1970, the IRS conducted an investigation into the tax exempt status of all newly established private schools that may have been founded in response to the desegregation of public schools. After investigating Charlotte Latin School, the IRS agreed to grant the school tax exempt status after the school published its non-discrimation policy in a local newspaper.[5]

In September 1970, Charlotte Latin School opened its doors for the first time with 425 students in grades one through nine. The 50-acre (20 ha) campus consisted of two buildings: today's Lower School Building and the Administrative Building, which is now Fennebresque Hall. The campus continued to grow with the construction of the 100/200 building, the library (which is now Founders' Hall), and Belk Gymnasium in 1972 and 1973. During 1974–1975, an addition to the Lower School was built and the football field was completed.

Latin graduated its first senior class in 1974 and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1975, and in 1976–1977, Latin was honored as the youngest school in the nation to receive a Cum Laude Society chapter. It was during the 1976–77 school year that the Middle School building also was completed.

During 1980–1981, the school expanded with the addition of 42 acres (17 ha), which makes up the South Campus. In 1988, Latin's Upper School received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the United States Department of Education.

SwimMAC Carolina, originally named the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club (MAC), opened on the Latin campus in 1990. This 22-lane natatorium is operated by SwimMAC, but also serves as Latin's pool. SwimMAC has produced several Olympians, and has enabled Latin to win numerous swimming titles.

In 1998, Charlotte Latin won the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award a second time, this time for the Lower School.

During the 1999–2000 school year, Latin purchased an additional 30 acres (12 ha), bringing the campus to 122 acres (49 ha). It is during this time that the Middle School also won the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.

The Science, Art and Technology Building and the Beck Student Activities Center opened during the 2000–2001 school year. At the conclusion of the 2000–01 school year, Edward J. Fox, Sr. retired after serving twenty-five years as the school's headmaster. Arch N. McIntosh, Jr. was named as Latin's new headmaster. At the conclusion of the 2018-19 school year, Arch N. McIntosh, Jr. retired after serving 19 years as headmaster. Charles (Chuck) Baldecchi was named his replacement.

• Brenton Bersin, NFL wide receiver
• Chris Canty, NFL defensive end and Super Bowl XLIV champion with the New York Giants
• Michael Chadwick, swimmer and USA National swim team member[6]
• Ross Cockrell, NFL cornerback
• Ian Eskelin, record producer, songwriter, and founding member and lead singer of All Star United
• Kathy Guadagnino, professional golfer on the LPGA tour
• Juan Guzman, professional soccer player
• Daniel Jones, NFL quarterback drafted in the first round by the New York Giants[7]
• Howard R. Levine, former Chairman of the Board and CEO of Family Dollar
• Anthony Morrow, NBA player
• Jim Rash, actor, director and Academy Award-winning screenwriter
• Mia Sable, actress, voice over artist, and singer/songwriter
• Scott Turner Schofield, actor and writer