Charlottesville Catholic School began with a simple but powerful idea: a school that was grounded in academic excellence, the values of Catholic faith, and its community.
In the early 1990s, a group of Charlottesville parents, united by a shared desire to raise their children with purpose and spiritual grounding, began imagining what a Catholic school could look like in the heart of their city. They wanted more than just strong academics. They wanted a place that nurtured the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.
Charlottesville Catholic School: A Home Built on Hope
By the fall of 1995, planning got underway. In just a year, Charlottesville Catholic School opened its doors to 32 students in a borrowed space thanks to the generous hospitality of Congregation Beth Israel. This remarkable interfaith partnership set the tone for a school founded on respect and collaboration.
In those early years, CCS students and teachers met wherever space could be found—public libraries, nearby churches, and local parks served as makeshift classrooms and gathering spots. Despite the challenges, the school community kept going with creativity, faith, and unity.
By 1997, a 20-acre property on East Rio Road was secured as the school’s future home. It marked a turning point that reflected the school’s steady growth. Families rolled up their sleeves to help clear land, move supplies, and prepare for the next chapter. Charlottesville Catholic School moved into its permanent home in 2001, welcoming nearly 300 students into a space designed for both learning and transformation.
Seasons of Growth – Charlottesville Catholic School Through the Years
- 1994 – Parent faith group begins at Church of the Incarnation
- 1996 – School opens at Congregation Beth Israel with 32 students
- 1998 – Moves to second temporary home at ACAC Four Seasons
- 2001 – Permanent campus opens on Pen Park Road
- 2002 – St. Dunstan Chapel added
- 2004 – Multipurpose Building and William O. Bourke Library completed
- 2005 – First National Blue Ribbon Award
- 2016 – Corrigan STEM Wing opens
- 2024 – Phase I of Light My Path Campaign completed
- 2026 – 30 years of Catholic education in Charlottesville
Educating the Whole Child
Today, Charlottesville Catholic School is a thriving JK–8 institution known for its strong academics, as well as its emphasis on moral development, service, and creative exploration. From the earliest grades, children are encouraged to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and see the world as a place filled with opportunity and responsibility.
Students receive a strong education in core academic subjects. They also take part in enrichment programs that build critical thinking, ethical leadership, and a sense of community service. Faith is woven into daily life, not just in religious instruction and weekly Mass, but through the lived values of kindness, integrity, and respect for all.
The school’s mission to develop the whole child extends beyond academics into a wide array of co-curricular opportunities that help students discover their passions and develop confidence.
Arts & STEM Education
In 2016, CCS opened its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Wing, an expansive facility that marked a bold step forward in interdisciplinary learning. The space includes:
- A hands-on maker space STEM lab for junior kindergarten through 5th grade, where students explore project-based learning, creative design challenges, and scientific investigations
- A middle school science lab and classroom, where students engage with more advanced experiments and dissections in a real lab environment
- A performance hall used for drama productions, student presentations, and creative showcases
The STEAM Wing also serves as the summer home of the STEAM Discovery Academy. This popular program, founded and led by CCS science teacher Mike Bruscia, is open to students from across the region. Learn more about the extracurricular and summer programs available in the Charlottesville area.
Every CCS student takes weekly art and music classes, learning everything from music theory to clay sculpture. The school’s Annual Art Show transforms the entire building into a gallery, displaying student work from every grade. The Christmas Concert and Spring Musical have become cherished traditions, bringing families and alumni together year after year, while the recent addition of a drama club for grades 3–5 has given younger students their own spotlight.
A 2024 renovation further expanded the art room, adding both studio and classroom space, and introduced a covered chapel patio which doubles as an outdoor classroom and cafeteria space. The new Spirit Store also debuted, giving families a way to show school pride while supporting student programs.
Athletics & Physical Education
Physical education and athletics play a key role in the school’s approach to whole-child development. The fully built-out gym, completed in 2004, serves not only as a space for PE classes and games, but also as a spiritual center hosting weekly school Mass, community events, and special celebrations.
All teams are coached by parent volunteers, fostering a spirit of collaboration and family involvement. Students learn the value of sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork. Games against other local public and private schools help CCS students build confidence and connect with the wider Charlottesville community.
CCS’s middle school athletic program has grown significantly, offering:
- Boys and girls soccer
- Boys and girls basketball
- Girls volleyball
- Cross country
- Track and field
- Baseball
Celebrating Charlottesville Catholic School’s 30th Anniversary
As Charlottesville Catholic School approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, it remains a vibrant and evolving community. To celebrate, a full year of events is planned, culminating in a 30th Anniversary Gala Auction on April 18, 2026. The gala promises to be a joyful reunion for alumni, families, and supporters, and it will be a time to reflect on how far the school has come and how much more lies ahead.
To its families, teachers, and staff, Charlottesville Catholic School is more than just an academic institution. It’s a sanctuary where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow into who they are meant to be.
Ready to learn more about education in Charlottesville? Explore more helpful resources in our blogs for Cville families—from how to identify your child’s learning style to ways parents can support homework success to navigating college admissions.
Sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag so you’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox. Plus, meet the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.
Rev. Marc Boston is a father, husband, children’s book author, and ordained interfaith minister in Charlottesville where he serves as Chaplain at UVA Medical Center. He has three daughters and a beautiful wife who inspire him every day. His academic background is in psychology and theological and ministerial studies. His mission is to create stories that emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion and reflect on topics surrounding definitions of family values and self-empowerment. You can purchase Marc’s children’s books from local bookshops: “Promise to Grow”, “Dad is Acting Strange”, “The Girl Who Carried Too Much Stuff” and “What About Me” He also writes about conscious parenting and self-discovery on his website.