Where are you located?
Community School is located on a 7-plus acre campus at 7815 Williamson Road in Roanoke County across from Hollins University and convenient to exit 146 off I-81. Get Directions »
What are your school hours?
Before School Care: 7:00-8:15 am
Morning Drop-Off: 8:15 am-8:40 am
Classes Begin: 8:40 am
Optional Dismissal (Preschool): 12:15 pm
Classes End: 3:10 pm
Afternoon Pickup: 3:10-3:45 pm
After School Program: 3:45-6:00 pm
Do you offer childcare before or after school hours?
Yes. Community School offers before and after school care that is available to families on an as-needed basis. Before School Care is available from 7:00-8:15 a.m. After School Care is available from 3:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Families are billed at the end of the month for each block of time that a student stays in After or Before School.
What are your average class sizes?
Preschool: 6-9 students
Lower Elementary: 10-12 students
Elementary & Middle School: 12-16 students
What enrichment classes do you provide?
Our students benefit from Spanish, music, drama, and art classes. Visit the preschool, elementary and middle school pages for more details.
What do you mean by progressive education?
For more than a century, progressive schools have put children at the center of the learning process by giving them a voice. Students are expected to be actively engaged with intellectual pursuits and to be compassionate and responsible members of their community. As the “21st century skills” movement becomes more popular, we are proud to be a part of a tradition that has always recognized the importance of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication.
How big is the school?
Community School’s maximum enrollment is 175 students from ages 3 through middle school.
Do you follow a specific curriculum?
While we don’t follow a single set curriculum, our approach is guided by a variety of respected frameworks and resources. These inform our planning while allowing us the flexibility to respond to students’ interests, needs, and questions. You can visit the curriculum pages for more details.
How often do students go outside?
Students begin their day with an outdoor recess period from 8:15-8:40 a.m. All of our students enjoy additional twice daily outdoor recess periods. It is also common for teachers to take advantage of the outdoor classroom. Walks to Hollins University and hands-on learning experiences at the creek bordering the campus are all part of the Community School experience.
Do your students go on field trips?
Off-campus learning is an essential part of our curriculum. Our students benefit from frequent field trips ranging from regional performing arts programs and visits to cultural/historical sites to service learning activities and overnight excursions.
What is your teacher/student ratio?
Our school-wide teacher/student ratio is 1:7.
Is Community School associated with any church or religion?
We are a private, secular, independent educational institution. We welcome families of all religious beliefs and backgrounds.
How much does Community School cost?
Tuition costs vary by grade level and program. Complete tuition and fee information, as well as payment plan options, are available on the Tuition and Fees page.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
We offer limited need-based tuition assistance. We do not offer merit scholarships. For information on how to apply for financial aid visit the Tuition Assistance page or contact the Director of Enrollment.
Do you offer transportation to and from school?
We do not offer transportation to and from school, but we do encourage and facilitate family carpools throughout the Roanoke Valley. In addition, our Before and After school Care offer options for parents needing additional flexibility around school hours.
Where do your students go to high school and college?
Our students are prepared to succeed at any high school option throughout the Roanoke Valley. Many of our students choose to attend our sister school, Community High School of Arts and Academics. Others attend their local public or private high school and take advantage of special programs like the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School or the Burton Center for Arts and Technology. Visit our Alumni Information page for a list of colleges and universities
Will I be allowed to visit my child’s class?
Yes, parents are welcome to visit our classrooms. We hope that parents will be active members of our school community, helping in class and on field trips, having lunch with their children, volunteering around the school and, of course, at the Community School’s Strawberry Festival.
Do Community School students take Standards of Learning (SOL) tests?
No, we do not administer the SOLs. We do, however, administer nationally-normed standardized tests at the middle school level in order to begin preparing students for testing in high school.