Get to Know Local Schools

Charlottesville is home to some of the best-ranked schools in Virginia, offering students a top-notch education and a supportive environment tailored to their individual learning styles. With dedicated teachers, advanced resources, and a strong sense of community, these schools consistently set a high bar for academic excellence.

What truly sets Charlottesville apart is its collaboration with the University of Virginia, which works closely with area schools to enhance educational opportunities for students. This partnership ensures that local schools benefit from innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research, creating a formula for long-term success.

According to the Virginia Department of Education, nearly 90 percent of Charlottesville students earned advanced or standard diplomas in 2024, surpassing the state average for college and career readiness. Albemarle County Schools and the Special Interest Academies further exemplify the region’s commitment to exceptional education. These institutions provide unique opportunities for students to excel academically and prepare for a bright future, reinforcing Charlottesville’s reputation as a leader in K–12 education.

Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) offer a unique and innovative approach to K–12 education through their Special Interest Academies. These programs are tailored to students’ individual interests and goals, focusing on specialized areas such as STEM, arts, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. By integrating experiential learning and real-world applications, these academies provide students with the opportunity to explore their passions while developing critical skills for future success.

Serving approximately 14,000 students across preschool through grade 12, Albemarle County Schools are part of one of Virginia’s largest counties by area. According to 2024 Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment results, 75% of ACPS students passed the reading test, an increase from 74% in 2023 and above the statewide average of 73%. Math scores also showed improvement, with 72% of students passing, up from 69% in 2023 and surpassing the state average of 71%.

ACPS remains focused on closing achievement gaps among demographic groups, striving for equitable outcomes for all students.

Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) and the Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC) are key pillars of the local education system, offering diverse programs that empower students to thrive. CCS emphasizes academic excellence and community engagement, creating a well-rounded educational experience for its students. Meanwhile, CATEC prepares high school students for in-demand careers with specialized programs in fields such as healthcare, culinary arts, and automotive technology, equipping them with practical skills for the future.

A standout feature of CCS is its collaboration with the University of Virginia, which provides students with additional project-based learning opportunities. One notable initiative is the creation of a lab school focused on teaching technical skills through real-world problem-solving and computational tools. Highlighting the program’s significance, Jillian McGraw, director of teacher education at UVA’s School of Education and Human Development, shared with UVA Today, “We are thrilled about the chance to deepen our longstanding partnership with Charlottesville City Schools and bring both current teachers and teacher candidates some really valuable professional learning opportunities.”

Private schools in Charlottesville provide an alternative option for families seeking a specialized educational experience for their child. These schools often offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and unique programs that cater to specific interests or learning styles. Some private schools in Charlottesville focus on religious education, while others emphasize on the arts, technology or outdoor education. The presence of these private schools adds to the diversity of educational choices available to families in the area and ensures that each student can find a learning environment suitable to their needs and interests. 

One key aspect of Charlottesville’s K–12 education system is its focus on innovative programs and curriculum. These initiatives go beyond traditional teaching methods to provide students with engaging and hands-on learning experiences. From project-based learning and STEM-focused curricula to partnerships with the University of Virginia and local museums, schools in Charlottesville are constantly exploring new ways to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. By embracing creativity and flexibility in their approach to education, educators are able to cater to the diverse interests and learning styles of their students. Furthermore, after-school activities enhance learning by providing students with additional opportunities to further explore their interests and develop new skills outside of the classroom.

Charlottesville’s after-school activities give students countless ways to explore interests and develop new skills beyond the classroom. Families will find options ranging from youth sports leagues and private music lessons to visual arts programs, school clubs, community service projects, world language classes, coding workshops, and academic competitions. These opportunities help children build essential life skills—such as teamwork, leadership, and time management—while discovering their passions.

The city’s strong educational partnerships further enhance learning. Charlottesville City Schools works with the University of Virginia’s Center for Race and Public Education in the South to launch a new “Freedom School,” providing summer and year-round literacy programs for local students. The Sheila Johnson Center also opens its doors to families for engineering open houses, athletics, theater, music performances, and educational lectures.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of K–12 education in Charlottesville. Local businesses, nonprofits, and universities actively collaborate with both public and private schools, ensuring students have access to a vibrant mix of academic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. This shared commitment to education helps make Charlottesville one of the best places in Virginia to raise a family.

According to the U.S. Department of Education‘s National Assessment of Educational Progress, Virginia’s educational system consistently ranks in the top ten states, and “Virginia students outperform the average in almost all subject areas and grade levels tested.” Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) and Albemarle County Schools (ACS) continue to surpass state and national averages and are both ranked in the top 20 percent of schools in their respective categories.

CCS have 93 percent of students graduating on-time and a 90 percent graduation rate for Black students. According to 2021 College Board data, “in reading/writing, CCS students’ average score was 566 compared to a national average of 533. In math, CCS students’ average score was 551 compared to a national average of 528.” While ACS have an average math proficiency score of 66 percent (versus the Virginia public school average of 54 percent) and reading proficiency score of 77 percent (versus the 70 percent statewide average).”

Public K–12 schools in Virginia are generally operated by the counties and cities, and not by the state. As of April 2010, a total of 1,259,623 students were enrolled in 1,881 local and regional schools in the Commonwealth, including three charter schools, and an additional 109 alternative and special education centers across 132 school divisions.