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Jackson-Via Elementary School

All About Jackson-Via

ALL ABOUT JACKSON-VIA: HOME OF THE JACKRABBITS

Meet Your Administrators

John Kronstain

Mr. John Kronstain, Principal

John Kronstain (Mr. K) has been with Charlottesville City Schools since 2015. He has worked as a school counselor at Walker Upper Elementary School and an assistant principal at Charlottesville Middle (formerly Buford), Tall Oaks Elementary (formerly Johnson), and Jackson-Via Elementary. Prior to joining CCS, he served as a collegiate, high school, and middle school music teacher. Mr. K holds degrees and certificates from James Madison University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Candice Congdon

Ms. Candice Congdon, Assistant Principal

Candice Congdon joined the staff at Jackson-Via in 2026. She has been in education for more than 20 years and was previously a teacher with Orange County Public Schools. Originally from the Boston area, Congdon has served as a reading specialist, instructional coach, and educational leader during her career. 

Uniquely Jackson-Via

Jackson-Via Elementary School is in the heart of the Fry’s Spring neighborhood, serving kindergarten through grade 5. At Jackson-Via Elementary, we learn to be the best we can be!

We use nature as our classroom!

We learn and play outdoors every day using our playgrounds, fields, garden classroom, courtyards, and the Jackson-Via nature trail behind our school.

We are connected to our community!

From UVA student mentors to afterschool clubs lead by community volunteers, our students are embraced by the wider Charlottesville community.

Choose Charlottesville City Schools for Elementary

The elementary schools of Charlottesville City Schools support children to develop independence, curiosity, and confidence. Teachers and staff work closely with families to help each child reach their full potential.

Students receive a strong foundation in literacy, math, science, and social studies.

Equally important, they cultivate a love of music, art, movement, engineering, and digital literacy through our specials curriculum.

Small schools, small classes

With an enrollment of between 250-350 students, each of our six neighborhood elementary schools quickly becomes a place where everyone knows your name. Most classes have 20 or fewer students.

A reflection of Charlottesville’s diversity

Our students come from all backgrounds and cultures, and we celebrate how we’re alike and the ways we’re unique. We’re committed to creating a sense of welcome and belonging for every child.

Strong school community

Our elementary schools truly are a home away from home for our students. Each school builds pride with a fun mascot, school song, and a school pledge. Monthly school-wide morning meetings, annual concerts, and PTO-supported events are special opportunities to celebrate together.

Commitment to arts and sciences

Students begin taking music, art, and iSTEM “specials” classes in kindergarten, preparing them for more advanced opportunities down the road at Charlottesville Middle School and Charlottesville High School.

Dedicated teachers

We’re proud to attract top talent—our staff includes National Board Certified Teachers, grant winners, and innovative educators at all levels. With an average of 12 years of experience in the classroom, our educators help students build a strong foundation.

Special experiences are routine!

The city of Charlottesville is our classroom: Elementary students have the opportunity to take field trips to Carter’s Mountain for apple-picking, the YMCA for swimming, UVA Fralin Art Museum, the Paramount, Camp Albemarle, and many more. In addition, every year our schools host guest visits from world-class artists, musicians, authors, athletes, and more.

Extra supports for student well-being

Charlottesville City Schools values students’ physical and mental health, which is why every elementary has a full-time nurse and school counselor, plus an additional mental health professional, as well as a school psychologist available part-time. In addition, our special education and related services are staffed at robust levels to ensure all students with disabilities have the support they need to succeed in school.

Each year students also expand their horizons with special field trips to museums, outdoor excursions, and cultural events, plus special guest visits to schools from world-renowned artists, musicians and authors.

 

Our students leave elementary school prepared and excited for new opportunities at Charlottesville Middle School, Charlottesville High School, and beyond.

Jackson-Via school front entrance

History of Jackson-Via Elementary School

Jackson-Via Elementary School was named for two Charlottesville educator-leaders: Nannie Cox Jackson and Betty Davis Via.  The school opened in name in 1969, though during the first year, students were housed at Clark and Johnson Elementaries.  In 1970, the new building was ready for students. The Jackson-Via PTO is a supportive component of the school, and includes all parents, guardians, and staff as members. Together the school and PTO host monthly family nights, featuring student performances, exploration of instructional technology, cultural celebrations, and many others. Childcare is always provided for evening meetings.