Dear Cville Schools community –

I’m pleased to announce that our School Board has just approved a $1,500 retention bonus for all teachers and staff who return next school year. Funded largely by local funds with some support from the state, this bonus is one way we show our appreciation for the vital work of educators. It’s also an important way to acknowledge the major transitions happening for many of our staff as schools achieve reconfiguration this fall. 

More good news: Charlottesville City Schools is a regional leader in teacher compensation. This year, the salary of a first-year teacher in Charlottesville is $58,232 (for new teachers with a master’s degree, it’s $60,548). That rate gives us a competitive advantage over neighboring districts, and is roughly $10K higher than the state average. Our longest-serving teachers earn $90K and above, and their salaries will reach six figures by 2027 due to raises agreed to in the collective bargaining contract. 

Strong support for our teachers means stronger classrooms. This is the kind of progress I know we all want to see. 

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Dr. G

This May, Charlottesville City Schools will be distributing $100 food cards to Cville Schools families that need them. (These gift cards are remaining from the batch provided by generous community donors in December). A sign-up form for these cards will be sent via ParentSquare on May 4. Stay tuned!

Charlottesville City Schools has named three current staff members to leadership roles in the division administration.

Amanda Korman Simalchik is now serving as the division’s Supervisor of Community Relations, and on July 1, Rodney Jordan will become the division’s Director of Facilities Operations and Dr. Lamont K. Trotter will become the division’s new Director of Organizational Supports. Read the full news release about Ms. Simalchik and Mr. Jordan and the full news release about Dr. Trotter.

Walker Upper Elementary School will host a farewell party on Saturday, May 2 from 11am until 2pm. Walker and Buford opened simultaneously in August 1966 as the two junior high schools in the city. This fall, 60 years later, Walker will be transformed into the Charlottesville Early Learning Center, as sixth-grade students move to Charlottesville Middle School and fifth-grade students head to CCS’s six elementary schools. 

The farewell party will include food, music, caricatures, a bounce house and much more. Students who attend the event must be accompanied by an adult. Members of the Walker community are invited to share their memories of the school at this link.

Our schools loved meeting our future preschoolers and kindergarteners at Registration Day today! Registration remains open for all new students, plus new and returning nonresidents. Please note that new nonresident students must apply by May 29, and returning nonresident students must apply by May 8. Read detailed instructions for registering your new or nonresident student.

City residents whose children currently attend Charlottesville City Schools will be able to re-register their students starting in mid-May. Stay tuned!

As we begin winding down the 2025-26 school year and begin looking ahead to 2026-27, you can find all of the key dates in our division-wide academic calendar. For instructions on how to subscribe to this calendar as well as your school’s individual calendar, visit our calendar page.

CCS is thrilled to share its available summer opportunities! These offerings are run by the schools, the City, or our program partners, and the activities are free, financially accessible, or offer scholarships.

The Blue Ridge Health District is hosting a Back To School Vaccination Clinic this Saturday (April 25) from 8am-11am for rising 6th through 12th graders at Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Drive). Learn more about the clinic and book an appointment

Please join us in honoring our retirees, including three employees who have worked with Cville Schools for more than three decades! Our annual retirement celebration will be held on May 6 at 4:30pm at Charlottesville Middle School. 

Eleven CHS student-athletes across seven different sports signed their National Letters of Intent to play college sports last week. We are so proud of our student-athletes!

Earlier in the school year, CHS senior Elaina Pierce signed to compete in cross country and track & field at the University of Virginia. See photos from signing day

Charlottesville City Schools and the City of Charlottesville recently announced the successful execution of a major Solar Power Purchase Agreement that will significantly advance community sustainability goals while delivering long-term financial benefits.

A 1.318 MWdc (Megawatts Direct Current) size solar energy system is set to be installed at Charlottesville High School. Once operational, the system is expected to generate approximately 1,738,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. This production will offset an estimated 59% of CHS’s total annual electricity use. Read the full news release.

The first two battery-powered electric school buses have been added to Charlottesville’s City Schools’ pupil transportation fleet, marking an important step forward in the City and CCS's commitment to cleaner transportation. Learn more about the new buses.

The Community Climate Collaborative recently delivered Climate Action Kits to fourth-grade students at all six of the City’s elementary schools. Check out NBC29’s story on the climate kits

Wednesday, May 6 is National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day. By walking, biking or rolling to school, students can celebrate the joys of active commuting while building a sense of community, safety and school spirit. If your student wants to participate, you can find a safe route to your school here. Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day is one of many activities CCS families can enjoy during Bike Month. Find more events here. 

Note: The hours of Family Bike Day are incorrect on the flyer. The event will be 1-3pm.

K-4 students in our YMCA after-school program will be singing at the Hometown Choir Spring Concert on Monday, May 4 at 6pm at Carver Rec! Now in its fifth year, this partnership between CCS, the YMCA, and the Front Porch gives our students one more way to build their musical skills.

Rivanna RiverFest, a fun, free community event where families can enjoy the Rivanna River together, is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 2:30-9pm at Rivanna River Company. Sponsored by the City, RiverFest includes lots of hands‑on outdoor activities, such as making nature art, meeting river animals, going on nature walks, planting native plants, doing science experiments, and even tubing on the river (depending on water levels). There will also be live music, food, and plenty of space to play and explore.