Charlottesville Day School

Charlottesville Day School (CDS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution that has been providing a well-rounded education to students from early preschool to eighth grade since its founding in 2006. Our mission is to create a comprehensive educational experience that not only instills academic excellence but also fosters personal growth, creativity, and empathy.

Our Philosophy of Education

At CDS, we believe that children learn naturally when they are engaged and motivated. By combining powerful classroom experiences with music, art, and physical wellness, we create an environment that encourages students to take creative risks and develop a growth mindset. Our expert teachers act as facilitators and coaches, providing individualized instruction and scaffolding material to meet the unique needs of each student.

Core Values

Our core values reflect our commitment to providing a unique and inclusive educational experience. We believe in being informed, modern, and focused on providing a preschool-to-eighth-grade experience that prepares students for success in an interconnected world. We prioritize academic progress, empathy, and habits of kindness, and we strive to create a joyful environment where students feel comfortable taking academic, artistic, and social risks.

Our Expert Teachers

Our teaching staff is comprised of experienced professionals who hold a majority of master's degrees. We recognize that our teachers are the backbone of our institution, and we provide them with the support and autonomy necessary to optimize classroom success for individual learners.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to be engaging, interactive, and relevant to real-life situations. We believe in teaching children through projects, experiments, performances, and peer-to-peer interactions. Our teachers are experts in their subject areas, and they value authentic connections with each student. We offer a range of subjects, including music, art, physical wellness, and more.

Our Campus

Our campus is located in the heart of Downtown Charlottesville's Martha Jefferson Neighborhood, providing a unique and vibrant learning environment. Our facilities are designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and exploration.

Support Us

Your support is essential to our mission. We rely on donations to offer exceptional programs for our students, attract and retain great teachers, improve our buildings and property, and augment financial aid. Your contribution will help us continue to provide a world-class education that prepares our students for success.