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Charlottesville Middle School

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CMS History

History of Middle School in Charlottesville City Schools

Buford and Walker opened simultaneously in August 1966 as the two junior high schools in the City, originally serving grades 7-9. Starting in 1974, with the opening of Charlottesville High School for grades 9-12, Buford and Walker transitioned from being junior highs to middle schools, serving grades 6-8.

Then, in 1988, Buford became the City‘s only middle school, housing grades 7 and 8, while Walker became an upper elementary school, serving grades 5 and 6.

In Fall 2025, Buford was renamed Charlottesville Middle School as Phase 1 of construction was completed and the school’s brand-new academic building opened to 7th and 8th graders.

  • group of five students and a teacher posing for a group photo
  • Students working on an art project
  • CMS football team taking a knee in the middle of a football field
  • Teachers grilling at a cast iron pit grill

About Charlottesville Middle School: Building Design

  • Facility Upgrade:
    Learning spaces from 1966 are outdated – additions and renovation meets modern adolescent needs, improves indoor air quality, conserves energy, supports climate goals, and helps with staff recruitment and retention
  • Adolescent-Centered Design:
    These years are crucial – spaces now support developmental, emotional, and academic growth.
  • Transformative Teaching:
    Spaces are flexible, agile, and designed for the way middle schoolers learn and teachers teach.
  • Student-Centered Focus:
    Inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments where all students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Entrance of CMS building

Charlottesville's Major Investment in Students

The first phase of Charlottesville Middle School opened in August 2025, with 7th and 8th graders learning in a brand-new academic building on the campus of the former Buford Middle School. The second and final phase, when 6th graders will be welcomed to the school, is expected to be complete in August 2026. The total anticipated cost of this three-year construction and renovation project will be $91.8 million, which is the City’s first significant investment in school facilities since the opening of CHS in 1974. A $17.6 million grant from the Virginia Department of Education is also helping to support.

Entrance of CMS building

CMS: Green Building for the 21st Century

Charlottesville Middle School prioritizes education, safety, natural light, open space, accessibility, and efficiency. Some of the green building features unique to CMS include: - New HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems that bring quieter learning environments, improved indoor air quality, and operable windows to let in fresh air on beautiful days. - With a 21% window-to-wall ratio, external sunshades, and a high-performance building envelope featuring increased insulation and airtightness, the school is designed to stay comfortable year-round while using less energy. In addition, every learning space is filled with natural light, proven to boost both academic performance and mental health. - Fossil-free geothermal energy system and a host of other energy-efficient features including all-LED lighting throughout the building and an all-electric kitchen. - Increased resiliency-focus supported through urban tree-canopy, high-albedo roof, special air filt