Education Resources

About

Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle (LVCA) provides one-on-one, confidential tutoring in basic literacy and English as a second language to adults living or working in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Tutors work closely with students to help them succeed.

If you need help reading, writing, or speaking English, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville offers: 

• Free reading and writing lessons 
• Free English tutoring (ESOL) 
• One-to-one tutoring 
• Conversation groups 
• Self-paced computer learning 
• Citizenship classes 

Eligibility

• Be age 18 or older 
• Commit to 12 months of studying 
• Complete at least 6 weeks of computer learning before being matched with a tutor 
• Meet with a tutor for 8 hours per month 
• Must meet with a tutor in a public space - tutors will not go to your home  

Contact

Phone: 434.977.3838

Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903, Suite 220

About

Head Start provides a comprehensive early childhood development program for three- and four- year-old children from families in greatest need. Head Start children participate in a wide range of educational activities designed to enhance school readiness. Family Advocates provide case management support, assist parents in addressing social service needs, and help parents attain family management and parenting skills. 

Head Start classes are currently located at Agnor-Hurt Elementary, Crozet Elementary, Greer Elementary, and Hollymead Elementary. The program also has classes at the Park Street MACAA location.   

Contact

Find a list of local HeadStart programs and how to contact them.

About

Charlottesville City Schools offers a free preschool program for qualifying three- and four-year olds.  Applications are due by March 1 for the upcoming year. 

Classes for Four-Year-Olds 

Charlottesville City Schools offers a preschool program for four-year-old children in ten classes located in our six neighborhood elementary schools. Classes are in session Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 2:30 (regular elementary school hours). School buses transport the preschool children to and from school. 

Classes for Three-Year-Olds 

In four of our elementary schools, Charlottesville City Schools offers classes for children who turn three by September 30th of the school year of entry. Two classes are located in Clark Elementary School, and there is one class at Greenbrier, Johnson, and Jackson-Via Elementary Schools. The classes are in session five days a week from 9:00 to 1:45. The children are transported to school by school bus. Requirements for this program are the same as those for the preschool program for four-year-old children. 

Contact

Coordinator of Preschool and Family Support, Sheila Sparks: 434.245.2797
Preschool Family Worker, Eursaline Inge: 434.245.2813
Johnson Preschool Family Support Worker, Eleanor Barrese: 434.245.2865

About

Bright Stars is a high-quality preschool program for four year-olds that aims to provide early learning experiences and comprehensive social supports for students and families, focusing on risk factors that can prevent academic and social success throughout the school years.

Bright Stars Teachers emphasize active learning in the classroom - recognizing that children learn best by doing, touching, feeling, and acting. In addition, each classroom has a Bright Stars Family Coordinator who works closely with classroom teachers and other community resources to provide the support families need to succeed. Family Coordinators encourage parents' active involvement and engagement in their child's school experience and ongoing developmental progress. 

Bright Stars prioritizes children and families who have risk factors widely acknowledged to impact school performance, including: developmental delays, low income, unemployment, illiteracy or limited education of the parents, and family stressors such as mental or physical health problems, relationship issues, or substance abuse. 

Contact

Bright Stars Program Coordinator

434-972-4010 ext. 3332

About

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program serves children ages 2-5 years old (as of 9/30) who have been found eligible for special education with an identified disability. Classroom programs are located in several elementary schools, where up to 8 children with special needs are taught by a certified ECSE and preschool staff, in the context of a center-based or inclusive preschool classroom. Students who are eligible for ECSE receive special education services according to Individual Education Plans (IEPs). 

Contact

Phone: 434.973.2490

About

JABA’s Shining Star Preschool in Charlottesville provides safe, secure and educational environment. The preschool is intentionally situated next to JABA’s Adult Care Center to promote interaction between children and their elders, resulting in enriching days of intergenerational activities.

Contact

Phone: 434.817.5266

This website provides a directory of Free PreSchools. There are many options for families to provide their children with free or low cost preschool or prekindergarten. On the site you will find information on each program/school as well as user comments and reviews.

About

United Way Early Learner Scholarships are for child care and preschool for children from low-income working families. These scholarships give children access to quality, stable early education environments to prepare them for success in school and life. 

Contact

Contact Barbara Hutchinson
Phone: 434.972.1716
Email: bhutchinson@unitedwaytja.org

About

First United Methodist Church Preschool offers up to seven full scholarships for qualified applicants. 

Scholarship families are an important part of our preschool community and are encouraged to be as active in the preschool as possible. The school provides transportation assistance to scholarship families as needed and the church extends support to ensure the scholarship child’s well-being and success in the preschool program. 

Contact

Call the preschool office at 434.296.6682