Departments & Programs

After- and Before-School Programs/Family Activites

The Charlottesville area offers a wealth of experiences and activities for children and families, and learning outside of school time as a family is a powerful reinforcement of learning as a lifelong habit. Charlottesville schools provide programs that address the academic, social, physical, and emotional needs of each student.

The YOU Guide: A Handbook for a Balanced Life in Grades 5-12 provides information about extracurricular activities, awards, and scholarships for City students.

Creative Learning After School And Summer (CLASS)

CLASS, an out-of-school-time enrichment program, is offered before and after school at all elementary schools. CLASS also provides a part-time program at Walker that complements EDGE, an extended day learning program. CLASS offers a program that incorporates physical education, sports, computer technology, music, science, history, and arts and crafts. A site director supervises each program with the assistance of group leaders. The average staff to student ratio is 1:15. Homework, free play and student choice are part of the daily schedule.

CLASS provides experiential learning programs on teacher workdays, early release days, and spring break. Field trips to places such as the Richmond Science Museum, the Metropolitan Zoo, and the skating rink in Staunton are fun and educational. Registration for these trips is open to CLASS and non-CLASS students on a space-available basis. For information about the CLASS program as well as a copy of our sliding scale, see the CLASS website, or contact the CLASS office at 245-2501.

Extended Day Generates Excellence (EDGE) at Walker

For grades five and six, the EDGE program provides appropriate and safe recreation as well as opportunities for academic learning. The extended day offers numerous club and academic activities that honor student individuality, develop intellectual potential, and encourage students to think independently. Past activities have included international language, photography, science/technology, musical instrument practice, study hall, chess, dance, journalism, astronomy, film study, sports, etc.

The EDGE program operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 PM on site. After-school care is provided on Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30 to 4:30 PM as well as every day, 4:30 to 5:30 PM. A fee is required for after-school care.

Buford Middle School

Buford has the strongest site-based athletics program in the area, offering more than 20 activities through the year. Approximately half of the students participate in at least one school sport. Other after-school clubs are devoted to drama, yearbook, gardening, and student council. Students also can stay after school to receive academic help. In all, 75% of the student body participates in an extra-curricular activity-academic, fine art, or sport- during the school year.

Buford Athletics Program & Clubs: Girls Volleyball, Football, Girls Cheerleading, Fencing Club, Tennis Club, CHS Junior Varsity Athletics, Boys & Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse Club, Outdoor Track, Garden Club, Drama Club, Yearbook, Knowledge Masters Club, Student Council Association

Charlottesville High School

CHS offers a wide variety of student clubs, community service opportunities, and Virginia High School (VHSL) activities. For more information, visit the CHS web page or contact the school office.