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 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
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
182 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
54%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
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.
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Science Wonders
Arts and Music Programs:
Piano Lessons
School Notes
- School Motto: Sharing in the Wonder of God's Creation
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
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