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Charlottesville Middle School

All About CMS

ALL ABOUT CMS: HOME OF THE YOUNG KNIGHTS

Meet Our Leaders, Learn About Our School

Leadership Team

Mr. Rodney Jordan

Principal Rodney Jordan

Rodney Jordan became the middle school principal in Charlottesville in 2021 after serving as an assistant principal of Dranesville Elementary in Fairfax County since 2017. Prior to that, he taught in positions ranging from STEM to Language Arts and Mathematics in Northern Virginia and New York schools, and received awards for teaching excellence in Manassas. Mr. Jordan has earned certifications and degrees from James Madison University (School Administration and Supervision K-12 certificate), George Mason University (M. Ed.), and Norfolk State University (B.S.).

Ms. Holly Russell

Assistant Principal Holly Russell

Holly Russell has served as Assistant Principal at CMS since 2022. She previously taught English, Yearbook and Dual Enrollment Public Speaking for various grades in Augusta County Public Schools for 12 years. Before transitioning into education, Ms Russell worked in higher education and business. She holds a bachelors degree from Shenandoah University as well as a masters degree in communication from George Mason University and a masters in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia. 

Ms. Kim Thompson

Assistant Principal Kim Thompson

Kim Page Thompson has served as Assistant Principal of Charlottesville Middle School since 2022. She supports a strong academic and social environment for middle school students and prepares them for a successful transition to high school. Previously she was a math teacher for 18 years at Charlottesville High School, where she additionally prepared first-generation students for college. She received a B.S. in Professional Mathematics from North Carolina A&T State University, a M.T. in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix.

Choose CMS!

Middle school is an exciting and important time in a child’s education. We are excited to welcome your student as a Young Knight and to create a learning environment that suits their needs and builds on their strengths. This page is designed to answer questions and give you opportunities to learn more about our school.

Choose great teachers.

We’re proud to attract top talent—our team includes National Board Certified Teachers, grant winners, and innovative educators at all levels.

Choose challenging coursework.

We offer high school credit in math, languages, engineering & urban farming, plus gifted support in all reading and math classes for enriched learning

Choose the arts.

Student musicians, actors, and artists develop their skills in our award-winning performing and visual arts programs.

Choose STEM.

The UVA Innovation Lab at CMS connects students to cutting edge opportunities in science, engineering, and technology.

Choose athletics.

Join the Young Knights in football, volleyball, cheer, basketball, swimming, track, softball & baseball. 8th graders can also try out for CHS JV teams.

Choose unique.

Join a jazz trio. Learn Latin. Grow your own vegetables. Sing in the musical. Program a robot. It's all happening here at CMS.

Choose community.

At CMS, students from all backgrounds, neighborhoods, and cultures come together to learn, grow, and build a vibrant, inclusive community.
Group of 7 cheerleader students

Charlottesville Middle School is where students from across our city come together to learn, lead, and grow. As a unified middle school, CMS is proud to serve all 7th and 8th grade students in 2025 - 26, and beginning in 2026/2027, we’ll expand to welcome 6th grade, becoming a true hub for grades 6-8. At CMS, students will find a rich academic experience with a wide variety of courses, including opportunities to earn high school credit. But just as important, we understand that middle school is a time of exploration and transformation. We support the whole student by nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and guiding young adolescents as they find their voice and path. From strong academics and meaningful relationships to the energy of the arts, athletics, and clubs, CMS is a place where students are known, supported, and inspired. We’re not just preparing students for high school—we’re helping them build a foundation for life.

Uniquely CMS

UVA Innovation Hub at CMS

The Innovation Hub partners with UVA, the Smithsonian, and local schools to rethink science education. The program blends engineering principles with history-science connections. All students experience this in science classes, with options to explore further through an engineering elective or even take Engineering 1 for high school credit.

AVID Program

Charlottesville City Schools serves both students from college-going families and first-generation scholars. At CMS, we prepare all students through high school credit classes, visits from U.Va. deans and professors, and field trips to area colleges. In addition to accelerated and honors courses, CMS offers a strong AVID program to support students—especially those historically underrepresented on college campuses.

Fine Arts at CMS

Like all Charlottesville schools, Charlotteville Middles School values the fine arts. Our band has earned superior ratings every year since 1983, and both our band and orchestra were named Grand Champions in statewide competitions this spring. Our choir performed at Monticello, and our art students regularly win awards. CMS arts programs shine—come experience their excellence at one of our many concerts, exhibits, or events.