Academics

A CDS education is built upon a bedrock of safety and a positive experience in school. At all grade levels, teachers value creativity and play as necessary components of an ideal environment for academic achievement. As children progress into higher grade levels, CDS blends high expectations into a judgment free environment. Because we are a small school, students have leadership opportunities in many different contexts, including group projects, public speaking, debate, large and small music performances, theatre, and team sports. CDS students are ready to achieve academically because they are happy and eager to come to their home away from home, Charlottesville Day School.

The Arts

From the classroom to the stage, the fine and performing arts are integral to life at Charlottesville Day School. Through the Arts, students develop confidence, celebrate their successes, and come together as a school community in joyful ways. Not only are the Arts scientifically proven to help develop young minds, they provide powerful lessons in the value of perseverance and hard work.

Athletics and Physical Fitness

Physical and wellness education at CDS encompasses mind, body and spirit. Benefits include refined motor skills and articulation, increased body awareness, ability to manage stress, and increased concentration and focus. CDS students recognize the relationship between feeling good and regular physical activity, healthy food intake, and positive lifestyle choices.

In middle school, students also have an opportunity to compete on boys and girls basketball and co-ed cross country teams. CDS teaches core values of respect, responsibility, kindness, sportsmanship, perseverance, quiet confidence, leadership, integrity and honesty.