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GreatSchools Rating

Charlottesville High School

Public | 9-12 | 1196 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted November 11, 2011

We have had two children who both attended CHS, one graduated with honors the other did not feel safe after the first year after being solicited and then threatened by another student. I do appreciate the responsiveness of the admin. and the full-time security officers. Since there is a very high teacher turnover at CHS (about 30% each year), our second child was not able to get the same great teachers that our first child recommended. Sadly, those teachers were simply not at CHS four years later. Because the guidance counselors were all new and unfamiliar with the teaching style of the new teachers, they could not recommend a good fit for our intelligent underachieving child. CHS is the only public High School in Charlottesville there is no other choice. We are thankful we could afford a private tutor for our oldest child. A personal connection with an experienced teacher, who feels secure in keeping their job from one year to the next, would help to create better students than a personal computer for each student and a smart-board in each classroom.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

My children had wonderful educations at CHS. Not only did they have great academic opportunities, but they also had wonderful music and physical educational opportunities. CHS is an amazing school with great diversity!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

CHS is so cool!!! For decades they have had atop notch arts program and a great science program too. The building looks like its right out of a John Hughes movie.


Posted December 27, 2006

If you have the right attitude toward your education, CHS can absolutely be the best choice. I am a current student, and I can say from personal experience that most of the AP classes are terrific. The fine arts are the best around, and many sports are both competitive and inclusive. The great strength of CHS that parents overlook is the diversity. If only in 9th and 10th grade gym and health and a few advanced classes, students can really learn a lot about other cultures -- I have made friends from all over the world. CHS is not the best place for students who wait for hand-holding or who are going to rely on guidance to sort out their college applications, because CHS students need to know where they want to be and take themselves there on their own. However, if you want a wider perspective, CHS is it.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 19, 2006

This school is not as great as many think it is. If you take a walk around this school you can see there is a nice level of achievement among students in honors and AP classes, but if you take a look into the lower level classes its completely different. I take honors level courses and, I hate to say, there are few minorities taking these courses with me. Its like night and day when you take a look into a general level (and even advanced level) class. The students are loud and rowdy and the teachers don't seem to care. Fights constantly break out among students. Sometimes I even question my own safety.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 10, 2006

I am currently a student at Charlottesville High School and it is a wonderful school.The athletics are great and as of now the Girls Basketball team is 11-0. The lacrosse and track teams are also outstanding as well. The fine arts program is booming. The band has been a Virginia honor Band for a numerous amount of years and holds the state record with Lake Braddock for the most superior ratings at Festival. The academic courses are exceptional for gifted students. I am currently taking all honors classes and they are top notch. Lastly, the overall atmosphere at CHS is wonderful and filled with a wide range of diverse peoples.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 18, 2005

The academic programs and the extracurricular activities are really good. The orchestra is large and have recently obtained the title of Grand Champions for the cruise festival they embarked on in March-April 2005. The orchestra program is excellent. The other programs such as the band, theater, and art are also really good. Sports are really encouraged here. I see parents being really involved with orchestra, I cannot say for other programs. The teachers expect excellence and they are good at what they do. The school is currently under renovation, so it does look a little bad, but the improvements so far have really helped.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 22, 2004

I am currently attending CHS. The school has a rich diversity that the other area schools lack. This year, I'm enrolled into advanced and honors classes. The school turns 30 this year, and a lot of renovations are being done this summer. I can't wait to go back in late August and see what it looks like! The information on this website is a little out of date. The school now has around 1300 students. The art programs at CHS are amazing. The band has kept a superior reputation for 22 years. The orchestra has also been a fine program since 1987. The theater is marvelous. This past spring, the theater did Peter Pan. Great show. This school really blends fine education with performing arts; and don't forget, Charlottesville has been rated the #1 city to live in! Bottom line, great school, great city.
—Submitted by Tony, a student


Posted June 2, 2004

We have had two children graduate from CHS, and one is still there. They have all had a first-rate education. Fine arts programs can't be beat. More AP classes than any other school in the area (someone once said than any in the state, but I'm not sure about that). Athletic programs are pretty decent. For top students, CHS is absolutely superb. For less able students, it is still pretty good. It is about 50-50 white-black. Race relations are pretty good -- not perfect, but no major problems or incidents in years. The physical plant is pretty well maintained for a school that is 30 years old. Over all, our family has been very pleased with the education that our kids have received at CHS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2003

CHS is a wonderful school, with an excellent curriculum, staff, and opportunities for students both in and out of the classroom. The rich racial diversity enhances everyone's educational experience.
—Submitted by a former student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
  • In 2009-2010, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".
  • In 2007-2008, this school was rated "Fully Accredited".

About the tests


Virginia school accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and other assessments in English, history/social science, math and science. The 2009-2010 ratings are based on passing rates on tests taken during the 2008-2009 school year or on overall achievement during the three most recent years. Schools are identified as either Fully Accredited, Accredited with Warning, Conditionally Accredited or Accreditation Denied.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 75% in 2012.

204 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
84%

2008

 
 
85%
Algebra II

The state average for Algebra II was 69% in 2012.

242 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
82%
Biology

The state average for Biology was 92% in 2012.

314 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
72%

2008

 
 
70%
Chemistry

The state average for Chemistry was 93% in 2012.

211 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
86%

2008

 
 
68%
Earth Science

The state average for Earth Science was 90% in 2012.

141 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
79%

2008

 
 
79%
English: Reading

The state average for English: Reading was 94% in 2012.

309 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
87%
English: Writing

The state average for English: Writing was 93% in 2012.

307 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
87%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 74% in 2012.

256 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
70%

2008

 
 
75%
Virginia and United States History

The state average for Virginia and United States History was 85% in 2012.

292 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
87%
World Geography

The state average for World Geography was 85% in 2012.

90 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a
World History I

The state average for World History I was 84% in 2012.

243 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
79%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
80%
World History II

The state average for World History II was 85% in 2012.

207 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
76%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. High school students must pass at least six SOL End-of-Course tests to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students54%
Female students58%
Male students50%
Black students35%
Asian students73%
Hispanic53%
White students77%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged38%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities29%
Students without disabilities59%
Limited English proficient students54%
Proficient in English54%
Not migrant54%

Algebra II

All Students68%
Female students66%
Male students71%
Black students39%
Asian students63%
Hispanic64%
White students85%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged41%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities68%
Limited English proficient students62%
Proficient in English69%
Not migrant68%

Biology

All Students88%
Female students90%
Male students86%
Black students77%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic95%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilities71%
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficient students88%
Proficient in English88%
Not migrant88%

Chemistry

All Students92%
Female students92%
Male students93%
Black students83%
Asian students100%
Hispanic91%
White students97%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged85%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities92%
Limited English proficient students100%
Proficient in English92%
Not migrant92%

Earth Science

All Students79%
Female students74%
Male students84%
Black students80%
Asian students71%
Hispanicn/a
White students88%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged74%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities57%
Students without disabilities82%
Limited English proficient students68%
Proficient in English83%
Not migrant79%

English: Reading

All Students92%
Female students91%
Male students93%
Black students84%
Asian students88%
Hispanic92%
White students98%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged99%
Students with disabilities66%
Students without disabilities95%
Limited English proficient students61%
Proficient in English94%
Not migrant92%

English: Writing

All Students90%
Female students91%
Male students89%
Black students81%
Asian students89%
Hispanic92%
White students96%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilities67%
Students without disabilities92%
Limited English proficient students59%
Proficient in English92%
Not migrant90%

Geometry

All Students70%
Female students69%
Male students71%
Black students51%
Asian students80%
Hispanic86%
American Indian studentsn/a
White students90%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged58%
Not economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilities39%
Students without disabilities75%
Limited English proficient students58%
Proficient in English71%
Not migrant70%

Virginia and United States History

All Students80%
Female students78%
Male students82%
Black students64%
Asian students72%
Hispanic60%
White students94%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged58%
Not economically disadvantaged97%
Students with disabilities50%
Students without disabilities82%
Limited English proficient students42%
Proficient in English84%
Not migrant80%

World Geography

All Students100%
Female students100%
Male students100%
Black studentsn/a
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanicn/a
White students100%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficient studentsn/a
Proficient in English100%
Not migrant100%

World History I

All Students79%
Female students76%
Male students81%
Black students63%
Asian studentsn/a
Hispanic68%
White students93%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged62%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities55%
Students without disabilities82%
Limited English proficient students75%
Proficient in English79%
Not migrant79%

World History II

All Students70%
Female students66%
Male students74%
Black students50%
Asian students94%
Hispanicn/a
White students92%
Students identified as economically disadvantaged54%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities53%
Students without disabilities72%
Limited English proficient students75%
Proficient in English69%
Not migrant70%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Virginia used the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course tests to assess students in reading, writing, math, science and history/social science subjects at the end of each course, regardless of the student's grade level. The SOL End-of-Course tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Virginia. High school students must pass at least six SOL End-of-Course tests to graduate. The goal is for all students to pass the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Virginia Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Virginia's state standards

Source: Virginia Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 47% 26%
White 44% 57%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 6%
Hispanic 3% 9%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 45%N/A33%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1400 Melbourne Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: (434) 245-2410

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