Virginia places a high value on education at all levels, and the City of Charlottesville, area private schools and Albemarle County both offer excellent schools. CharlottesvilleFamily recently caught up with the Superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools (CCS), Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Jr. to learn about what exciting things are happening this year, advice for parents and more. If you have recently moved to or are thinking about moving to Charlottesville, here is a good resource for learning about our region plus tips on choosing the right school.
Charlottesville City Schools Goals
Dr. Gurley, what are your long term goals for the district?
My vision is for Charlottesville City Schools to become a place where everyone achieves their fullest potential. This means that we no longer see stark disparities between students who are white vs. racial minorities. This means that our staff foster a love of learning in our students from the first hour of pre-K to graduation day. This means that every student leaves CHS with a plan for the future. Our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan provides a roadmap to reach these goals, with key focus areas of academic achievement, school culture, staff support, and operational strength.
What are the best things about the Charlottesville City School District?
Charlottesville City Schools are both small enough to be neighborly and big enough to show us the whole world– there is such a range of life experiences, languages, cultures, and perspectives here. Like Charlottesville itself, our schools are small in size but with big-city resources including vibrant arts and sciences, cutting-edge ideas, beautiful spaces, and a spirit of partnership.
What are you most excited about for the 2024–2025 school year, Dr. Gurley?
I am excited about all the amazing opportunities we’ll unlock for our students in Charlottesville City Schools. From academic journeys to vibrant clubs and outstanding athletics, there’s truly something special for each student to make their own. But this adventure doesn’t stop at the classroom door. I can’t wait to connect with our families because Cville Schools isn’t just about our learners – it’s about fostering a supportive haven for the whole family. This year, our focus is on how we can even better serve and empower generations. After all, education is the great equalizer, and I want to make sure every single student and their family has what they need to thrive.
Research-Based Learning and Testing
Do you have any new programs launching in Charlottesville City Schools this year?
This year, we’re focusing on strengthening the amazing foundation we’ve built together at Charlottesville City Schools. Instead of launching new initiatives, we’ll be refining the successful programs we already have. One thing I’ve learned is that lasting change comes from empowering our talented educators. This year, we’ll be giving them the space to be innovative and tap into their passions, all within the framework of our strategic plan. Together, we will create an even more vibrant learning environment for our students.
What trends are you seeing for Charlottesville City School District students and the Virginia Standards of Learning?
Since the pandemic, we continue to see signs of improvement on state assessments at CCS, and the bottom line is attendance. Where there are fewer absences, there is more learning, period. Charlottesville Schools have been making a concerted effort to provide support to students and families to help them get to school consistently. One example is our middle school, which lowered chronic absenteeism by 10 percent this year and made significant gains on test scores–in fact, Buford will be state-accredited for the first time since 2019. We know we still have more work to do, but we’re headed in the right direction.
Specific information on our test results is embargoed by the Virginia Department of Education until it is officially reported to school divisions and the public.
What education research are you excited about?
One of the side effects of the pandemic was that many of the nation’s learners became chronically absent. I have been excited to study the work of educational practitioners who are leading the way in changing the trajectory of student absenteeism. Here is a link to some of that work in Education Week: Absenteeism Was a Big Problem in This District. A New Strategy Is Getting Results.
I have become laser-focused on how to get our students engaged with school again, and I am inspired by my peers.
Advice for Parents of New Students
What advice do you have for parents of students who are starting school for the first time this year?
This advice is for both you and your kids: get some sleep, connect with friends, and remember that your school is so excited to welcome you.
Getting to Know Dr. Gurley, Superintendent of Charlottesville Public Schools
What are some of your early memories from your school days?
My earliest memories of school begin at home. My mother, a public school teacher and administrator for 42 years, instilled a love of learning in me from a young age. As a child, I remember placing stickers on papers she’d graded. Every fall, we’d gather our gently used clothes, box them up, and she’d take them to her students in need. My mother also brought home books from school, requiring us to read two chapter books each summer.
Learn more about Charlottesville City Schools and Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Jr. at the district website. Happy new school year!
The 2025-2026 Charlottesville City School Schedule
Read more school and education stories in the Education section of our site. For even more wonderful learning in our community, read about Albemarle County Schools and area Private Schools.