Charlottesville Catholic School
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Charlottesville Catholic School is a private school under the diocese of Richmond, Virginia. Charlottesville Catholic School serves students grades Pre-K through 8th grade.
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[edit] History
The Charlottesville Catholic School came into being as a result of the dedication of a small group of local parents who wanted a Catholic education for their children. The school opened its doors in the fall of 1996 with three teachers and 32 children in kindergarten, first, and second grades. Classes were held in space rented from the Congregation Beth Israel on East Jefferson Street in downtown Charlottesville across the street from Holy Comforter Church. (probably the only Catholic school in the nation located in a Jewish synagogue.) The downtown location allowed the small school to take advantage of the public library, local public park, and Holy Comforter church for Mass.
Dedicated to adding a new grade each year, the school quickly outgrew the space available in the temple. Another temporary location was found at 200 Four Seasons Drive in a building which had been recently vacated by the Atlantic Coast Athletic Club (ACAC). In September 1998, the school opened at its new location with 105 students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The new location provided increased parking, outdoor play space, and a multipurpose room for assemblies and Masses. The added space also facilitated the addition of art, music, and physical education teachers and allowed the beginning of the school's own library. The following year, 1999, the school added a fifth grade and for the first time added two classes of kindergarten. The popularity of the school continued to grow, with waiting lists developing for several of the classes.
After a several year search and the support of the Diocese, the Charlottesville Catholic School secured its permanent site with the purchase of twenty acres of farm land adjacent to Pen Park on East Rio Road just outside the Charlottesville city limits. On October 23, 1999, Bishop Walter F. Sullivan presided over the ground breaking ceremonies for the permanent home of the Charlottesville Catholic School.
Our Permanent Home opened in the fall of 2001. It has room to accommodate two classes of each grade from kindergarten through eighth grade as well as a preschool classroom. The new building opened to children in grades K-7. The Saint Dunstan Chapel was completed in January 2002 and serves as a prayerful gathering place for up to two classes of children.
A multipurpose building was completed in 2003 and provides gym space as well as an expanded place for lunch and school-wide gatherings.
[edit] Crest
http://www.cvillecatholic.org/aboutccs/images/shield-medium.gif
[edit] The Shield
The heart of the crest is the three-sided shield, which represents the Holy Trinity and the protection of the faith. The upper portion of the shield forms a crown, signifying the crown of Christ the King and His Kingship over the school. As a symbol of tradition, the shield represents our commitment to the time-honored tenets of Catholic education.
[edit] The Cross
The cross is the likeness of the one in the papal coat of arms, proclaiming the unity of the Church from the Papal See to our school community. At the center of the cross is the monstrance, a vessel used for exposing the Eucharist for all to adore. The presence of the Eucharist is fitting in the crest since the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life.
[edit] The Stars
Surrounding the shield are 12 gold stars. Throughout church history the number twelve has been a mark of distinction for God's people. Examples of this are the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 apostles, and the 12 stars crowning Mary in the Book of Revelation. Because the 12 stars represent Mary, they remind us of our call to service as we recall Mary's faithfulness and obedience to God's will.
[edit] The CCS Motto
The CCS motto in the banner under the shield is "Fides et Scientia": Latin for "Faith and Knowledge", the pillars on which the school stands.
[edit] Awards
The school won a Blue Ribbon Award in 2006.
