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 1,227 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 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,227 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- 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
Diversity
School Overview
South Academy Of International Languages's student population of 1,227 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 83 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,227 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
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 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#544 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
4%
Hispanic
33%
21%
Black
20%
25%
White
33%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Phoenix
- 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.
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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?
1,227 students attend South Academy Of International Languages.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of South Academy Of International Languages students are Hispanic, 33% of students are White, 20% of students are Black, 8% 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 School District.
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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