The best-kept secret in Arlington sits in the heart of Clarendon. Saint Charles Early Childhood Education Center offers large sunny classrooms, a full-size gymnasium and a supportive community feel.
You are invited to visit the open houses at Saint Charles being held in November and January.
Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish has housed a school on this spot since 1909.
The school is conveniently located close to the Clarendon and Virginia Square metro stations in Arlington.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked VA School
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
- Enrollment: 182 students
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 19 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Charles School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
Year Founded
1909
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
182 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
54%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
![St. Charles School Student By Grade St. Charles School Student By Grade](http://images2.privateschoolreview.com/charts/28000/28416/st-charles-school-chart-1q4yvno87d8rm.png)
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
18%
Average Class Size
14 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Play clothes are meant to get dirty.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 19 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Offering 2, 3, or 5 mornings, full day Jr.Kindergarten, and Daycare. Rates available on school website.
Summer Program Cost
$297
Summer Program Cost Notes
Price per week for morning only.
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Science Wonders
Arts and Music Programs:
Piano Lessons
Science Wonders
Arts and Music Programs:
Piano Lessons
School Notes
Morning classes and full-day care are offered. Our youngest
students (age 2 by September 30) through Pre-Kindergarten enjoy
very small class sizes. The Junior Kindergarten is a full school
day (8:30-3:00) targeted to students who are technically of age to
go to Kindergarten but would benefit developmentally from another
year of preparation as the oldest class of leaders and role models
in our school. Our dedicated teachers understand that a
caring relationship with a trusted adult is essential to every
child`s success. Staff members work hand-in-hand with our
parents as partners in the education process.
Highlights from the many offerings that make St. Charles such a nurturing community: Weekly visits to the Children`s Chapel and Prayer Services throughout the year
Halloween "Parade-a-Thon" charity walk to benefit Catholic Charities
Traditional Christmas Pageant on our stage for friends and families to attend
Mother`s Day Tea in May and Donuts for Dads in March to celebrate our families
School-Wide Play Dates on school holidays to fun area attractions like:
Highlights from the many offerings that make St. Charles such a nurturing community: Weekly visits to the Children`s Chapel and Prayer Services throughout the year
Halloween "Parade-a-Thon" charity walk to benefit Catholic Charities
Traditional Christmas Pageant on our stage for friends and families to attend
Mother`s Day Tea in May and Donuts for Dads in March to celebrate our families
School-Wide Play Dates on school holidays to fun area attractions like:
- Jumping Joey`s
- Pumpkin Patch
- Natural History Museum
- Hayes Park
- Brown Planetarium
- Players Soccer Academy (Soccer, Basketball, T-Ball)
- BalletNova
- Science Wonders
- Piano Lessons
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Charles School cost?
St. Charles School's tuition is approximately $297 for summer students.
What sports does St. Charles School offer?
St. Charles School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball and Soccer.
What is St. Charles School's ranking?
St. Charles School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Charles School?
The application deadline for St. Charles School is Dec. 19 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 19 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
Endorse St. Charles School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
![Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony](https://images2.privateschoolreview.com/articlephoto/608/Emotional-Learning-Education-s-Hidden-Symphony-a866u8d1jm888s8okw8ksw8ok-280.jpg)
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.
![A Roadmap For Starting A 草榴社区 School A Roadmap For Starting A 草榴社区 School](https://images3.privateschoolreview.com/articlephoto/607/A-Roadmap-For-Starting-A-草榴社区-School-6825z2eg33occswoc44gg8c8k-280.jpg)
A Roadmap For Starting A 草榴社区 School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.
![The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to Orthodox The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to Orthodox](https://images1.privateschoolreview.com/articlephoto/605/The-Spectrum-of-Islamic-Education-From-Secular-to-Orthodox-3cg29drnv6m8w80owwwsssw0o-280.jpg)
December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.