Score a Top-Notch Education in Central Virginia

Schools in Charlottesville and Central Virginia ensure that students find their pathway to success.

By Teree Caruthers on November 8, 2023

Andrew Woolfolk/Louisa County Public Schools

In Central Virginia, the diversity of educational options ensures that there’s a place for every student, including the artist, academic or future service member. Schools in Charlottesville and the surrounding communities carve out a pathway to success by creating learning environments that align with the unique needs and aspirations of each student. 

Public Schools in Charlottesville and Central Virginia

Serving nearly 4,400 students, Charlottesville City Schools is one of the region’s largest school districts. The district boasts a 93% graduation rate and average SAT scores that continually surpass the national average. 

Albemarle County Public Schools embraces diversity and inclusion in the classroom. A new social studies curriculum titled Reframing the Narrative teaches students about the contributions of traditionally marginalized communities in Virginia and U.S. history. 

The Community Lab School in Charlottesville is a public charter school and part of Albemarle County Public Schools. With a curriculum based on the progressive education movement, the school encourages students to explore their personal interests and career goals through student-centered and project-based learning. 

Louisa County Public Schools is one of the most highly rated school districts in the state. The school district boasts a robust career and technical education curriculum with pathways focused on local, in-demand careers, such as cybersecurity. 

Private Schools Around the Region 

Those are just a few of the public schools in the region leading by example, and in addition, there are several private schools available to parents and students who have the option to go that route. 

Woodberry Forest School, a private, all-male boarding school in Woodberry Forest in Madison County, was voted one of the top 10 private schools in the state by Niche. Founded in 1889, the school welcomes students in grades 9-12 from across the U.S. and more than 25 countries. 

Founded in 1898, Fork Union Military Academy, a private, all-male, college preparatory military boarding school in Fluvanna County, is considered one of the premier military boarding academies in the U.S. 

Blue Ridge School, a private, all-male 9-12 boarding school in Greene County, offers students a character-based culture that encourages teamwork, volunteerism and a sense of community. 

St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville is ranked by Niche as the best STEM school in the area. The private boarding and day school serves students from pre-K through high school and boasts a low 8-1 student-teacher ratio. Grymes Memorial School in Orange County is a private coeducational day school for students in grades K-8. The school’s curriculum is based on four pillars of social accountability – kindness, respect, honor and responsibility. 

The Charlottesville Waldorf School and Mountaintop Montessori also serve students in grades K-8 and offer alternative curriculums that are grounded in curiosity. Students at Charlottesville Waldorf are engaged in intensive blocks of learning that focus on the whole child – both academically and socially. Similarly, Mountaintop Montessori encourages students to progress at their own rate and learn time management.