Schools That Work

Albemarle County Public Schools

Public
Grades K-12
Albemarle County, VA

Albemarle County Public Schools is comprised of 26 schools in Albemarle County, Virginia. A blend of primarily rural but also suburban and urban schools, each one embodies the culture of innovation and risk-taking that is the core of the district’s approach to teaching and learning. From makerspaces and curriculum to the use of social media, flexible classrooms, and instructional coaches, Albemarle gives students the life-long learning skills they’ll require to succeed.

  • 95% graduation rate vs. 90% for the state
  • Dropout rate has decreased by over 10% in the last 10 years, now down to 2% district-wide
  • Consistently outperformed the state in reading, math, and science for the past 10 years
  • Maker Education

    Maker Education: Reaching All Learners

    At Albemarle County Public Schools, maker education fosters student autonomy, ignites student interest, and empowers students to embrace their own learning.
  • Instructional Coaching

    Instructional Coaching: Seeding District-Wide Innovation

    At Albemarle County Public Schools, teacher-driven instructional coaching supports teachers in their professional development, helps them to engage their students in authentic learning, and spreads innovative practices district-wide.
  • School Libraries

    Librarians’ Changing Roles Can Inspire School Communities

    A 21st-century librarian can inspire a school by modeling responsive teaching, advocating for student involvement, facilitating new approaches to writing, and encouraging user-centered spaces.
    Melissa Techman
  • Maker Education

    Maker Education Fires Up a Passion for Learning

    When kids make something that matters to them, it gives them a context for understanding their academic learning.
  • Instructional Coaching

    Spreading Good Ideas Across a District

    Instructional coaches working at multiple schools share innovative practices throughout the district.
  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Creating Space for Risk

    By redefining failure as part of learning, we give children choices to take risks, opportunities to excel, and the support to grow into their potential.
  • Technology Integration

    The Basics of Open Technology

    From abundant tools and smart budgeting to accessibility and trust, the Albemarle County Public Schools maintain a district-wide tech program that leverages digital literacy for all students.
  • Student Engagement

    A Student Maker and the Birth of a Startup

    A reluctant middle school student responded to a summer maker challenge and ended up demonstrating his sports training product prototype at a White House tech innovation fair.
  • Media Literacy

    Social Media: Making Connections Through Twitter

    At Albemarle County Public Schools, teachers use social media to get ideas for their classroom, for professional development, and to connect student learning to the real world.
  • Media Literacy

    Using Twitter to Promote Learning

    Twitter can connect students across a district or the world to share learning—and it connects teachers for the same purpose.
  • Media Literacy

    Making the Case for Social Media in Schools

    Social media is becoming an essential tool for professional growth, curriculum planning, and student engagement. Twitter, Instagram, Skype, and other platforms offer endless educational possibilities.
  • Flexible Classrooms

    Flexible Classrooms: Providing the Learning Environment That Kids Need

    At Albemarle County Public Schools, flexible classrooms empower student choice, increase student engagement, and improve student participation.
  • Flexible Classrooms

    Flexible Seating Elevates Student Engagement

    Breaking up rows of desks fosters collaboration and empowers kids to think about how they work best.
  • Administration & Leadership

    Insight and Outsight: 8 Strategies to Catalyze District-Wide Learning

    To prepare for an unpredictable future, look beyond educations' familiar rhythms to encourage staff and student voice and agency, rule challengers, design thinkers, and leaders.

Follow Edutopia

  • facebook icon
  • bluesky icon
  • pinterest icon
  • instagram icon
  • youtube icon
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia is an initiative of the George Lucas Educational Foundation.
Edutopia®, the EDU Logo® and Lucas Education Research Logo® are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries.