My wife and I chose to move back to the Blue Ridge area after having our daughter, specifically because of the schools — and Mountain View Elementary was at the center of that decision. Trusting a school with your child, knowing they will spend the majority of their days there, is one of the most important choices a parent can make. For us, that trust came easily because of the leadership, kindness, community, family, structure, and trust that define Mountainview.
Knowing this area and knowing the leadership at Mountain View — Ms. Gibson and Mr. Staggs — gave us complete confidence. The standards they hold for themselves and for the school align directly with the values we want our daughter to grow up around. Their leadership sets the tone for a school where expectations are high, relationships matter, and every decision is made with students at the center.
I never worry about my daughter when she is at school. I know that every employee — from the principal and teachers to the front office staff, janitors, cafeteria team, and even the PTA members — genuinely cares about the well‑being of every child who walks through those doors. Mountainview is not just a school; it is a family. It is a community built on trust, kindness, and shared values, and that sense of family is felt in every hallway and every classroom.
When I say this community is a family, I truly mean it. Mountainview reflects the best of what we want for the next generation, and it starts with the people who show up every day to lead, teach, support, and care for our children.
- MVE Parent
When it came time to decide where to send our children to school, Mountain View Elementary was an easy choice for our family. While academics and opportunities are certainly important, what makes Mountain View truly special is its people, its values, and the deep sense of community that has connected generations of families, including our own.
Our connection to Mountain View spans decades. My grandparents attended the original Mountain View School in the 1940s and 1950s. My mother attended Mountain View in the 1960s, and both my sister and I proudly walked its halls in the 1980s. Because of that rich family history, Mountain View has always been more than just a school to us. It has been a place where lifelong friendships were formed, values were instilled, and community ties were strengthened. When my wife and I began thinking about where we wanted our children to attend school, Mountain View was naturally at the top of our list.
As someone who grew up in this community, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the dedication and impact of many of the educators who have shaped generations of students. Jennifer Gibson was my 6th Grade Science teacher, and her passion for teaching left a lasting impression on me. Jason Staggs, who was my 7th Grade Math teacher and is also my cousin, played an important role in helping me build confidence and succeed academically. Their commitment to students is just one example of the caliber of educators who make Mountain View such an exceptional place.
Beyond those personal connections, many of the faculty and staff are people I attend church with, am related to, went to school with, or have come to know through being part of the Blue Ridge community for many years. There is something incredibly reassuring about knowing that your children are being taught, encouraged, and cared for by people whose character and values you know and trust. These relationships create a unique environment where students are not only educated but genuinely supported and invested in.
Mountain View Elementary represents more than just a school to our family. It is a reflection of the community we love, built on relationships, shared values, and a genuine commitment to helping children succeed. The teachers and staff invest in students not only academically but also personally, creating an environment where children feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
For our family, choosing Mountain View was about more than continuing a tradition. It was about giving our children the same foundation, sense of belonging, and opportunities that have benefited generations before them. We are grateful for the strong legacy of excellence that Mountain View provides and proud to be part of a community where dedicated educators continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of children every day.
- MVE 2nd grade parent