St. Charles School Photo #0 - St. Charles students perform in the annual Christmas Pageant.

St. Charles School

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St. Charles School Photo #1 - St. Charles students perform in the annual Christmas Pageant.
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St. Charles School Photo #1 - St. Charles students perform in the annual Christmas Pageant.
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 Facts (2025-26)

Top Rankings

St. Charles School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
Year Founded
1909
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
182 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
54%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
St. Charles School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% 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.
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
3 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Science Wonders


Arts and Music Programs:
Piano Lessons

School Notes

  • School Motto: Sharing in the Wonder of God's Creation
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:
  • Jumping Joey`s
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Natural History Museum
  • Hayes Park
  • Brown Planetarium
Saint Charles partners with some of the best talent in Arlington to offer engaging afterschool enrichment opportunities including:
  • 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 ).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Arlington, VA is $14,375 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Arlington, VA is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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