Children are born with boundless curiosity and eagerness to learn. And with the right balance of encouragement and challenge, we adults can nurture that curiosity into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. In the Lower School at St. Anne’s-Belfield, we want to show young children the whole world, so that they may begin to understand the role they want to play in it. Within the school day, children engage in a dynamic academic program that introduces them to a wide range of disciplines while also growing foundational skills. Before- and after-school opportunities extend learning in meaningful ways. Together, these experiences help students begin to identify their passions, recognize their strengths, and approach areas for growth with confidence. Our goal is that every child leaves the Lower School with a deepened sense of themselves as learners, well-prepared for the increasing opportunities, rigor, and specificity that await in Middle School. We look forward to being your partners in this exciting journey.
Our Academic Program
A Firm Foundation
Our academic program gives children a broad and balanced introduction across many disciplines. Systematic reading instruction and a strong math foundation sit alongside Spanish, science, art, daily physical education, and music and movement, with computer science woven throughout. This is enhanced by enrichment opportunities like Saints Beyond the Classroom, which offers classes across the spectrum, from STEM to arts to sports to writing, and beyond. Students develop essential skills and discover sparks of passion that will shape their learning journey for years to come. Learn more in our Lower School Curriculum Guide.
Curiosity in Action
At every grade level, our teachers use pedagogical approaches that invite children to question, explore, and experiment. Students are not only taught knowledge but also encouraged to build agency in how they acquire it. This spirit of inquiry empowers them to take ownership of their learning and see themselves as active participants in the world of ideas. The capstone of this experience occurs in Grades 3 & 4 FAB Lab, where students choose an area of interest and dive down deeper into this topic of choice.
Relationships that Inspire Growth
The heart of the program is the strong connection between students and teachers. In small classes, faculty come to know each child well — their strengths, challenges, and individual ways of learning. These close relationships allow for responsive teaching that maximizes growth, builds confidence, and fosters a true love of school. Children feel invested in their learning, and in turn, we see the very best of them.
A Day in the Life at the Lower School Our K – Grade 4 students receive a full complement of classes each week including Spanish, Science (which includes forest days in K – Grade 3), Music & Movement based on the Orff Schulwerk program, Visual Arts, and weekly time in the library. Recognizing the vital importance of outdoor and exercise time, students also have daily Physical Education along with twice daily outdoor recess and breaks.
Sample Schedule ϐ 7:30
Morning Care
ϐ 8:00
Morning Meeting
ϐ 8:45
Reading & Language Arts
ϐ 10:00 Snack and Recess ϐ 10:30 Social Studies ϐ 11:15
Arts/Spanish/Science/Library
ϐ 12:00 Lunch and Recess ϐ 12:30 Math ϐ 1:45
Physical Education
ϐ 2:30
Writing Workshop
ϐ 3:15
Dismissal
Saints Beyond the Classroom (SBC) SBC classes are a fun, engaging after-school enrichment opportunity. Classes run once a week for six weeks, with new classes offered each trimester. Past offerings have included everything from sports, arts and crafts, world languages, LEGO, robotics, and more!
“St. Anne’s-Belfield School has amazing education with kind and patient teachers. St. Anne’s also has two recesses which gives your brain a break and makes focusing easier. Finally, the lunches are amazing!” What are three things that you like about the school? “I really like FAB Lab. I think it is a very unique thing where we get to stretch our brains and have fun. I love that our school has a football team because it gets everyone pumped and ready for the day. I love Español because we have an amazing teacher and I have always wanted to learn a different language.” — Kiera D. ’34, Bronze Key Ambassador
Kindergarten – Grade 2 Toolbox Imagine how much better off we’d be if everyone were taught from a young age how to navigate their emotions, handle disappointment, maintain relationships, and be a good citizen? Every child who goes through our Kindergarten through Grade 2 grows their own toolkit, developed by one of our teachers, Lindsay Rubin, P. ’29. Teachers integrate the toolkit into all parts of the curriculum to help young learners develop skills, strategies, and language around the common moments of friction that we all experience. Example tools include: the Make a Plan Tool: I/We can make a plan to move forward. The Courage Tool: I am strong enough to do the right thing even when it’s hard. The Think-It-Through Tool: Before I act, I stop and think about what might happen. The Perspective Tool: I consider others’ perspectives and show them that I care. The Bounce Back Tool: I can bounce back and keep trying. Whether your child is entering in K – Grade 2 or later, this toolbox benefits all St. Anne’s-Belfield Lower School students by equipping them and their classmates with shared language and strategies for approaching difficult situations. And of course, caring and attentive teachers are also present to guide their process and redirect as needed.
“One of the first things we liked at St. Anne’s-Belfield was the strong academic curriculum. We knew our boys would be challenged, motivated, and guided to try new things. We also knew about the school’s core values, which are so important in this social media filled world. But nothing really prepared us for the amazing community that received us. Being the mom of four boys with totally different personalities, I can truly say my boys are known. They have not only made incredible friendships with their peers but also with their teachers. The faculty and administration are always ready to help with any questions I might have about my kids. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities and experiences the school has given my kids.” — Antonia Silva, P. ’26, ’28, ’32, & ’34
The Saints Community At St. Anne’s-Belfield School, we are first and foremost an academic community. Our community reaches beyond the classroom to build strong, intentional relationships with the whole family.
“We’ve been impressed with the school’s rigorous academic program. It’s clear that the teachers challenge students to think critically and push their boundaries, which gives us confidence that our daughter is in a place where she can truly grow intellectually. The warm, welcoming community and attentive staff made her transition smooth and exciting. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and grateful for a school that values strong academics along with a caring environment.” — Alan Taylor, P. ’34
Chapel
Chapel has existed at St. Anne’s-Belfield since our founding in 1910. While today’s Chapel is inclusive of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs, it remains one of the sacred traditions of the School. In the Lower School (LS), we gather every-other week to sing together, listen to a message, celebrate highlights, and build community. Student voice is an important component of our Chapel program.
Parent/Guardian Programming
Various webinar series connect child and teen development experts to our parents and guardians; Back-to-School Night gives parents and guardians a peek into the LS academic program; and various parent/guardian chats during the school year focus on a variety of topics relevant to raising young children.
Community Events
Cheer on our Saints athletes at a game, bring the family to an arts performance or gallery, attend a lecture, come decked in maroon and white for our Fall Family Festival or Maroon & White Gala, roll up your sleeves and volunteer alongside a local organization during Saints Serve Saturday — our School community loves to come together. In the Lower School, families are invited to arts and STEM nights to learn and create alongside their children. Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day is a treasured tradition that allows students to share their favorite parts of the School with special people in their lives.
Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings
Our Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings, the first of which is prior to the start of school, enable faculty and parents/guardians to form an important connection between home and School life for young students at St. Anne’s-Belfield.
The Parents’ Association (PA) The Parents’ Association provides many opportunities for families to become involved. In your student’s class, parents and guardians serve as grade level reps, support special events, volunteer in the library, and more.
Interaction Across Grade Levels
From their first day of school through the time they are initiated into our expansive, global alumni network, all Saints know they are part of a caring and vibrant community. With students from age 2 to Grade 12 and representing 16 countries, your student will have the opportunity to interact with students of all ages and backgrounds through programs like Chapel Buddies, hosting Middle School interns in their classrooms, and invitations to join Residential Life for special programming like the Lunar New Year celebration.
Meet the Head of the Lower School Julie Brooks, M.Ed From the moment I first stepped onto our Lower School campus, I knew I was home. Joy and connection emanate from our classrooms, hallways and outdoor spaces, and that vibrant sense of community and curiosity is written clearly on the faces of our students and heard in every conversation. We believe that children learn best when they are fully seen, valued and know they belong. The Lower School years make an indelible mark on a child’s learning trajectory, setting the foundation for everything that follows. Here, our children are encouraged, guided, and nudged through their successes and their productive struggles. It is through this journey that they develop true confidence, humility and agency. None of this would be possible without our exceptional faculty. Our teachers build responsive classroom environments tailored to our children’s evolving needs, utilizing thoughtful encouragement, gentle redirection and positive reinforcement to help every student thrive. I am thrilled you are considering St. Anne’s-Belfield. Together we will partner to support your child’s growth, academic pursuits, curiosity and joy.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School At A Glance located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA
55 acres of land between two campuses
around the corner from University of Virginia
Quick Facts
965 642 students age 2 – Grade 12
family households
12
51
sports teams
88
16%
20
4,213 16
Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered on campus
zip codes
living alumns in 49 countries
“We wish our students to become strong in body, broad of mind, tender of heart, responsive in soul.” — Mary Hyde DuVal, Founding Headmistress (1910 – 1920)
11
countries and U.S. states in the Residential Life Program
of the Class of 2027 are “Sandbox Kids” (joined by Kindergarten)
16
countries and U.S. states in the student body
Class of 2026 College Success
48%
93%
enroll in highly selective schools with <25% admit rate
admitted to one of their top 3 institutions
51%
our UVA in-state admission rate vs 22% UVA in-state admission rate
1269
average SAT vs 1029 national average
25
average ACT vs 19.4 national average
The Lower School
16
average class size
235 9:1 LS students
student-toteacher ratio
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, sex, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the privilege to participate in the educational programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admission or its educational programs.
799 Faulconer Drive | Charlottesville, VA 22903 admission@stab.org | www.stannesbelfield.org | (434) 296-5106 v 8.26