By Gabby Womack

Published: Sep. 4, 2025 at 5:22 PM EDT|Updated: 21 hours ago

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Albemarle County Public Schools is celebrating a major milestone; the first new elementary school in the division in two decades.

On Thursday, September 4, construction crews marked the occasion with a tradition in steel.

“I’m so glad that all the construction workers did this,” Mountain View student Isaac said.

Another said, it was time for more space.

“We need a bigger school to fit more kids,” Mountain View student Emilia said.

Crews topped off Mountain View Upper Elementary School by putting in place the highest beam. Marking the start of a new era in Albemarle schools, the county’s first new elementary school in two decades.

Third through fifth grade will move here to give them more space. Seth Kennard, Mountain View Principal says this is something students and staff both needed.

“It is tight,” Kennard said. “We’re very popular, and we love being popular, but this gives us some room to breathe more spaces designed for students.”

The main space shown today is where the library will go. It will have a direct view of the mountains from the book nook, an idea that came straight from students.

“There’s a blue frame in the back of the library that creates a nook for students to read and look over the mountains,” Kennard said. “That was a student idea. It’s really motivating for students to realize they can have an impact in the world around them.”

Architects and construction teams say it takes a collaborative effort to turn ideas into spaces that impact students and the community.

“Schools are not just schools, they’re community centers,” VMDO Architects’ Kelly Callahan said. “When we consider the needs of the community, we’re thinking about not just the building itself, but how the site can contribute to the community as well.”

Construction is set to be finished by summer, meaning students will be in the building next school year.

Students were also able to sign the beam that was placed.

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For full news report click here: Highest beam placed at new Albemarle County School

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