Mary Yorke Robison Oates

In her role as Latin’s Director of Admissions, Mary Yorke Robison Oates holds Latin’s commitment to child-development and readiness to heart. Through ongoing study of cognitive, social, physical, and emotional milestones of the young child, Mary Yorke and her team of Kindergarten experts work diligently to assess a child’s readiness to begin school. With an equal emphasis on normed assessment results, current pre-school success, and a vetted readiness snapshot, the team is committed to capturing a full, balanced picture of every young applicant. And while there is no one “ideal” portrait of a Kindergarten student, there are many predictors of success that can be captured through a play-based, science backed, best-practice method.

Mary Yorke is a Charlotte Latin alumna from the class of 1983. She went on to her undergraduate work at Sweet Briar College (English and Creative Writing) and Auburn University for her Master’s in English. In addition to being a Latin grad, she has served countless roles on this campus. She has taught English, substituted, coached field hockey, volunteered, served as Parents' Council president, and parented three Latin lifers (Harris, John and Annabelle) with her husband David.

Mary Yorke is a member of Independent School Management's faculty and teaches summer and fall workshops for new Admissions Directors. She is certified at the leadership level by ISM's International Advancement Certification program.

Her hobbies include reading, fishing, travel, walking, fitness, art and antiques, and cheering for the Carolina Panthers.