Strong schools = strong communities

Albemarle County - a great place to raise a family. In June 2008, Forbes magazine studied localities across the United States in search of the top 20 best places to raise a family (see Forbes June 27, 2008 issue ). Forbes looked for localities that are safe, fun, affordable, and have a strong, high-performing school system. Albemarle County ranked 13th on Forbes' nationwide list, and is the only locality in the state of Virginia to make the ranking. Why did Forbes select Albemarle County? Take a look:

• 100 percent of our schools are fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education -the highest rating a school can earn.
• Albemarle County Schools was one of only 19 school divisions in the state to earn the VIP Governor's Award for Educational Excellence .
• Average SAT scores by Albemarle County students surpass state and national averages by more than 10 percent.
• 82 percent of Albemarle County high school graduates pursue post-secondary education.
• 81 percent of our students taking an AP test received a passing score, compared to the state average of 60 percent.

Albemarle County school district serves 12,651 students in 27 schools : 16 elementary; six middle; and five high schools, including Murray High , our charter school, and Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center ( CATEC ), which is jointly operated with Charlottesville City Schools .  In 2008-2009, we opened an arts-infused charter middle school , and in 2009-2010, a Math and Science Academy will open at Albemarle High School .

Volunteer in our Schools

Sharing your life experiences, technical know-how or friendship with a young person can make a difference.  Spend some time in our schools listening to students read, helping in the library, being a  lunch buddy, or  a variety of other ways.  If you are interested in volunteering in Albemarle County Schools, contact June Jenkins , Office of Community Engagement, at (434) 293-0288, x2. 

• Total number of students in grades pre-K through 12: 12,651
• Students identified as gifted: 15% 
• Students served by Special Education: 14% 
• Students eligible for free and reduced lunch: 21% 
• Students identified as Limited English Proficient: 6% 
• Number of languages spoken by students: 68 
• Number of student lunches served daily: 6,000 
• Number of miles buses travel daily: 11,378 
• Students-to-computers ratio: 3.18: 1 
• High School completion rate: 91% 
• Average Class Size: 
  • Kindergarten: 18 
  • Grades 1-3: 19 
  • Grades 4-5: 20 
  • Grades 6-12: 21

Lifelong learning places emphasis on results.  To develop the skills and habits associated with lifelong learning, students must: learn beyond the simple recall of facts; understand the connections to and implications of what they learn; retain what they learn; and, be able to apply what they learn in new contexts. 

0. Plan and conduct research.
0. Gather, organize, and analyze data , evaluate processes and products; and draw conclusions.
0. Think analytically, critically, and creatively to pursue new ideas, acquire new knowledge , and make decisions.
0. Understand and apply principles of logic and reasoning ; develop, evaluate, and defend arguments.
0. Seek, recognize and understand systems, patterns, themes, and interactions.
0. Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve new and increasingly complex problems .
0. Acquire and use precise language to clearly communicate ideas, knowledge, and processes.
0. Explore and express ideas and opinions using multiple media, the arts, and technology.
0. Demonstrate ethical behavior and respect for diversity through daily actions and decision making.
0. Participate fully in civic life, and act on democratic ideals within the context of community and global interdependence.
0. Understand and follow a physically active lifestyle that promotes good health and wellness.
0. Apply habits of mind and metacognitive strategies to plan, monitor, and evaluate one's own work.