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Trailblazer Elementary School

All About Trailblazer

ALL ABOUT TRAILBLAZER: HOME OF THE EAGLES

Meet Our Leaders and Learn About Our School

Meet the Administrators

Chantel Beverly

Principal Chantel Beverly came to Trailblazer in 2022 after serving as the assistant principal of Greenbrier Elementary since 2019. Previously, she taught at A.P. Hill Elementary in Petersburg and Broad Rock Elementary in Richmond, where, in 2017, she was named teacher of the year. She has earned a bachelor’s and master’s in teaching from VCU and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Averett University.

Cicely Shelton

Assistant Principal Cicely Shelton has more than 20 years of experience in education and has dedicated her career to serving students and families in Charlottesville City Schools. During her tenure with CCS, she has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and media specialist at Trailblazer Elementary School. She is a proud graduate of Charlottesville High School and attended Venable as an elementary school student. 

Uniquely Trailblazer

Trailblazer Elementary School is located in the neighborhood adjacent to the University of Virginia, serving kindergarten through grade 5.

We use nature as our classroom!

Whether in unstructured play or lessons done outdoors, we spend a lot of time on our playgrounds, fields, track, and active garden classroom.

We are connected to our community!

Our proximity to UVA means we enjoy regular visits from UVA students and athletes.

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.

Group of students and teachers on the front steps of the school cutting a grand opening yellow ribbon

History of Trailblazer

Trailblazer Elementary (originally named Venable Elementary) was built in 1925. In 2024, the school was renamed Trailblazer in order to honor the Charlottesville 12, the students who first desegregated Venable Elementary and Lane High School, as well as their parents and other early desegregation trailblazers in Charlottesville Schools. The name is also an invitation to current students to continue blazing new trails today.