Preschool
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,
Dr. Elizabeth Korab
Principal, Charlottesville Early Learning Center
HOW TO APPLY
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?
- Click here for a paper application in English.
- Haga clic aquí para obtener una aplicación en papel en español
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 with the prescribed number of doses of vaccine indicated below. Religious and medical exceptions to immunization requirements are permitted, but documentation must be provided to the school.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap): A minimum of 4 doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP).
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children.
- Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: A minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella are required. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. Second dose of vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
- Polio Vaccine: A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: All susceptible children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12 months or older. Effective March 3, 2010, a second dose must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
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.