In the spring of 2012, the founders of Bradford Prep began discussing the need for a school that could challenge each student academically while also addressing their social, emotional, and physical needs. After many months of research and planning, they decided there is both​ a great need and a clear desire for a K-12 charter school in the northeast area of Charlotte, NC. They began the process of meeting with parents and community members in the summer and in September 2012, the Bradford Preparatory School Board of Directors met for the first time. Since that time, the Board has gone through the process of becoming a charter school with the state of North Carolina. We received approval to open in August 2014 as a K-8 school with 465 students. Our charter agreement with the state called for adding a grade every year until we became a K-12 school in the 2018/2019 academic year. The size of each grade grew over the first eight years and was capped out at approximately 120-130 students per grade which  allows students to develop deep relationships with their friends over their time at Bradford Prep.