Other Ways to Learn
Other Ways to Learn
On this page…
- Alternative Programs
- Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center
- Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education at PVCC
- Hospital Education at UVA Children’s
- Summer Opportunities & Academies
Alternative Education
Lugo-McGinness Academy (LMA)
A small, non-traditional academy that serves students in grades 9–12. Students may self-select or be referred for admission to the program.
Knight School
With classes that take place four nights a week, three hours per night, Knight School focuses on rekindling high school students’ connection to school, building community, recovering credits, and building skills for life.
WALK Program
An in-school credit recovery option for CHS students.
Individual Student Alternative Education Plan
The Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) is a Virginia initiative to provide an opportunity for students ages 16 and up to work toward a General Education Development (GED®) Certificate and a vocational/career skill without dropping out of school. For more information, reach out to CHS teacher Lori Mack (Email).
Individual Student Alternative Education Plan
New Pathways Academy
Middle school students who need an individualized academic environment may spend a semester or a full year attending New Pathways Academy, our alternative learning space located at the Boys and Girls Club next to CMS.
Launch Pad
In lieu of long-term suspension, K–5 students may have the opportunity to attend Launch Pad in order to reestablish behaviors suitable to the learning environment. Launch Pad is held at the annex of Trailblazer Elementary.
Homebound Instruction
For CCS students with medical needs, both physical and psychological, through arrangements made with a physician’s authorization
Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center (CATEC)
The Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center (CATEC) is a regional career and technical education center that provides advanced training in high-demand fields. Students who complete CATEC programs have the opportunity to earn industry certifications, workforce credentials, and high school elective credits. Students completing select CATEC programs earn an average of 11 college credits through local community college partnerships. CATEC courses meet for a half day each school day, and transportation is provided between Charlottesville High School and CATEC. CATEC also offers adult education and apprenticeship training.
Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education at PVCC
The Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education (TJACE) at PVCC offers instruction for adults to help enhance core academic skills and earn a high school diploma or GED®, improve English Language Skills for speakers of other languages (ESL), and prepare for next career steps through integrated education and training programs.
Hospital Education
The Charlottesville Hospital Education Program is a unique partnership between Charlottesville City Schools, the Virginia Department of Education, and the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, serving patients (aged 2–21) at the UVA Children’s Hospital. The program helps students stay on track academically and emotionally through personalized instruction, a media center, and an art therapy program. Our hospital educators serve as the link between the family, the hospital staff, and the student’s home school.
Summer Opportunities & Academies
Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) maintains a listing of summer opportunities run by the schools, the City, or our program partners, with activities that are free, financially accessible, or offer scholarships.
Visit our 2026 Summer Opportunities Post on ParentSquare. This post will be updated throughout the winter and spring.
Elementary
CCS partners with the YMCA to provide a summer academy to serve rising 1st-6th grade students.
Middle School
CMS offers summer remediation and enrichment courses in reading and math.
In addition, students in grades 5-8 can also apply for the two-week Reflections Governor’s Art School (hosted by Charlottesville City Schools) for students gifted in the visual arts.
High School
Over the summer, CHS offers economics/personal finance, health/PE, and credit recovery.
In addition, CHS annually sends students to the highly competitive Governor’s Schools in a variety of disciplines.
To Learn More
Speak with your teacher, school counselor, or principal.