Dr. Tara Bartlett comes to Jackson-Via Elementary as principal after serving as assistant principal at Stanley Elementary School in Page County. She has worked in school divisions ranging from Chesterfield to Fairfax, serving as a classroom teacher, an ESL (or ELL) teacher, a reading specialist/literacy coach, and an ELL department chair. She has degrees from Trinity Washington, George Mason, and Virginia Tech. 

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.

 Jackson-Via, which serves preschool  through grade 4, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and nurturing culture. With a motto of “excellence, every day,” we focus on meeting the needs of each individual student. For more about Jackson-Via’s mission and beliefs, click here.

To foster a strong sense of community, Jackson-Via uses the arts to promote kindness and inclusion. Older students sing and dance with the “Bully-Nots,” while the “First Friends” use their talents to lay a foundation for kindness. The school also promotes community by providing special programs for its Spanish-speaking families.

Like all Charlottesville elementary schools, Jackson-Via has a beautiful City Schoolyard Garden that serves as an outdoor classroom.  The school meets the needs of all its students, including gifted children in the school’s Quest program.  All Charlottesville City Schools have a strong commitment to the arts, embrace new technologies, and partner with area nonprofits and businesses to provide opportunities for our students.

Jackson-Via‘s special education department is home to the city‘s elementary programs for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The professionals and support staff specialize in the use of assistive technology, sensory processing challenges, total communication, as well as augmentative and alternative communication — and believe that every child can learn, no matter what challenges they face.