South Academy of International Languages, formerly known as E. E. Waddell Language Academy and Smith Academy of International Languages, is a public K-8 magnet school in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. The school educates 1,257 students in grades K-8.
Serving 1,259 students in grades Kindergarten-8, South Academy Of International Languages ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,259 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Academy Of International Languages ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
South Academy Of International Languages's student population of 1,259 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 85 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,259 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
85 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1992
School Rankings
South Academy Of International Languages ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Academy Of International Languages is 0.74, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#544 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)69%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
33%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
18%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
34%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Red
School Mascot
Phoenix
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Welcome to S.A.I.L.!Weare K-8 language immersion magnet school with a long history of language-immersion teaching and academic excellence. We create bright futures in six languages and support all students in becoming globally competent citizens ready to succeed in the 21st century.Elementary students receive instruction in one of four target languages: Chinese, French, German or Japanese. All four are taught in alignment with the North Carolina curriculum. Middle school students may choose from a wide range of traditional elective courses, as well as other electives that emphasize the different languages and cultures as they continue to demonstrate their knowledge and competence of global themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Academy Of International Languages's ranking?
South Academy Of International Languages is ranked #544 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are South Academy Of International Languages often compared to?
South Academy Of International Languagesis often viewed alongside schools like Collinswood Language Academy, Nations Ford Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend South Academy Of International Languages?
1,259 students attend South Academy Of International Languages.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of South Academy Of International Languages students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Academy Of International Languages?
South Academy Of International Languages has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does South Academy Of International Languages offer ?
South Academy Of International Languages offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Academy Of International Languages part of?
South Academy Of International Languages is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In what neighborhood is South Academy Of International Languages located?
South Academy Of International Languages is located in the Montclaire South neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 2 other public schools located in Montclaire South.
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