NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) celebrated a major milestone yesterday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mountain View Upper Elementary School. Designed specifically for students in grades 3 through 5, the new school will provide an innovative learning environment that supports the academic, social, and developmental needs of children in this age group.
Mountain View Elementary students join community and school division leaders in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Mountain View Upper Elementary School.
Scottsville District School Board representative Ellen Osborne opened the groundbreaking ceremony, stating that the new Mountain View Upper Elementary School is a “celebration of our commitment to ensuring every child has access to an exceptional education in a space designed for growth, connection and success.”
After going through the procurement process, the school division chose VMDO Architects, a firm with extensive experience in creating student-centered educational spaces, to design the school. Nielsen Builders won the bid to lead the construction of the facility, ensuring that the vision for this new learning space becomes a reality.
The school’s concept was envisioned by a steering committee that included students, families, school division staff, and other interested parties. The design team was similarly led by school and community members with an understanding of the need for an innovative building that will serve this age group, as well as employees, families, and the entire community. Both groups maintained a focus on the continuity of education for students in the Mountain View district, as well as a continued desire for those who populate both school buildings to belong to a singular school community.
The ACPS Long-Range Planning Advisory Committee initially determined the need for this school through its work studying enrollment and population trends in Albemarle County. Through extensive community engagement, several key priorities emerged and have been integrated into the school’s design. The building will feature abundant natural daylighting to enhance student well-being and engagement, as well as bike and pedestrian connectivity to support safe and sustainable transportation options. In addition, the school will include a state-of-the-art accessible playground, ensuring that all students have access to inclusive play and movement opportunities. The school’s design also fosters both independence and continuity, allowing students to develop greater autonomy while maintaining strong peer and faculty connections.
As one of the most sustainable buildings in ACPS to date, Mountain View Upper Elementary School will feature a geothermal HVAC system to enhance energy efficiency and solar panels to support renewable energy use, furthering the division’s commitment to environmentally responsible school facilities.
Mountain View Upper Elementary School will offer students an engaging and developmentally appropriate space that fosters independence while maintaining their existing relationships and friendships. Faculty members have emphasized that the design prioritizes both community and personal growth, ensuring that students can thrive in a supportive and well-structured environment.
Mountain View Elementary Principal Seth Kennard delivers remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“From the library to the height of the desks in the hallway to all the different components, we’ve designed the school with students in mind,” said Seth Kennard, Principal of Mountain View Elementary. “The building will foster more independence for our students while maintaining their sense of belonging in the Mountain View Colts community.”
Students are already looking forward to the new school, including Stella, a third grader at Mountain View Elementary, who shared her excitement: “I'm really excited to just set some expectations and get to explore new places.”
Construction is expected to be completed by August 2026. Specific leadership roles for the new school will be determined at a later date.
The development of Mountain View Upper Elementary School aligns with ACPS’s ongoing commitment to innovative, student-centered learning environments. This project represents the division’s investment in modern educational facilities that meet the evolving needs of students while supporting academic excellence and social development.
For more information about the project, visit the Mountain View Upper Elementary School project page.
CONTACT: Dr. Helen T. Dunn, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer
PHONE: 434-249-8379