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Charlottesville City Schools

Preschool

  • PRESCHOOL

The word 'Charlottesville' in orange block letters on a black background.

Dear families,

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, all Charlottesville City Schools preschool students are coming together under one roof on the Walker Campus. We are thrilled to unite our youngest learners at the Charlottesville Early Learning Center (CELC).

Our Mission: Kindergarten STRONG

Our goal is to ensure every student leaves our halls Kindergarten STRONG. We focus on a holistic approach to development, including:

  • Academic Foundations: Preparing students for solid foundational skills in literacy and mathematics.
  • Social & Emotional Growth: Building the confidence and empathy needed to thrive.
  • Community Partnerships: Working hand-in-hand with families to support our students.

School & Program Highlights

  • Responsive Classroom Approach: We utilize the Responsive Classroom Approach as the foundation of our school philosophy. The framework is built on four interdependent domains that guide how teachers interact with students and manage their classrooms:
    • Engaging Academics: Lessons should be active, collaborative, and meaningful to the student.
    • Positive Community: Creating a sense of belonging where every student feels "seen" and significant.
    • Effective Management: Organizing the classroom in a way that promotes autonomy and reduces stress.
    • Developmental Awareness: Using age-appropriate expectations to guide teaching strategies.
  • Thematic Learning: An interdisciplinary curriculum that makes connections throughout play to develop rich vocabulary and background knowledge. 
  • Outdoor Exploration: We prioritize rich, varied opportunities for outdoor play and discovery.
  • Full-Day Schedule: A robust, full-day program from 8:25am-3:15pm that includes breakfast, lunch, and nap. Afterschool childcare, through the YMCA, will be available in the 2026-27 school year for children who are potty-trained. (Additional registration, through the YMCA, is necessary (registration form TBA)).

Identity & Location

We are proud to align with the CCS Black Knight legacy. Our mascot is the Colt, and we wear the Black & Orange with pride! 

Current Location: Our temporary home is at the Walker Campus while we finalize plans for a permanent, state-of-the-art facility.

I look forward to working together with families to support our youngest learners!

Sincerely,

A woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera, wearing a pink top.Dr. Elizabeth Korab
Principal, Charlottesville Early Learning Center

HOW TO APPLY

Apply for Preschool 2026-27

For children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 30: The go2grow.org website is where you can apply for free preschool at Charlottesville City Schools. Our preschool runs five days a week and helps children become kindergarten-STRONG through play and learning activities. The school time is currently being determined. Bus transportation will be available.

With this one application, you can also apply for Head Start or other preschool programs.

Questions?
The Preschool Team is available to answer questions or assist with your application.

  • Sheila Sparks, Coordinator of Preschool and Family Support: (434) 531-5920 (call or text)
  • Eleanor Barrese, Preschool Family Support Worker: (434) 245-2865: Habla español

Need a paper application? 

For children as young as infants 
The go2grow.org website is also where you can apply for free early childhood education and child care. Go2Grow programs are free for families that meet the eligibility requirements.

There are many benefits for children who participate in high-quality programs like the ones offered on Go2Grow:

  • Improved nutrition and health
  • Higher scores on math and reading achievement tests
  • Higher high school graduation rates and higher levels of schooling attained

Applications are accepted year-round, but the priority deadline to apply for the 2026-27 school year is April 1, 2026. To learn more, call 434-245-2865 or visit the go2grow.org website.

Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for the three-year-old class or the four-year-old preschool program, a child must:

  • have turned three or four years old by September 30 of the school year;
  • live in the City of Charlottesville;
  • live in a family with low income and/or other stressors

Required Immunizations for Preschool
For attendance at the preschool, documentary proof shall be provided of adequate age-appropriate immunization according to the Virginia Department of Health. Religious and medical exceptions to immunization requirements are permitted, but documentation must be provided to the school.

All children starting preschool must have documentation of a physical examination performed by a physician. If a 3-year-old moves into the 4-year-old program, a physical is not required until entry until kindergarten.