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Summit Elementary School

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All About Summit

  • ALL ABOUT SUMMIT: HOME OF THE BEES
    Meet Our Leaders and Learn About Our School

Meet Your Administrators

Carmella Johnson

Mrs. Carmella Johnson came to Summit as principal in 2022. Prior to that, since 2017, she had been at Johnson School as assistant principal or instructional coach, and she previously served as a teacher and leader at Greenbrier since 2007. She earned degrees from Virginia State University and Western Governors University with additional professional studies at UVa and JMU. Throughout her career in Charlottesville and in Hopewell, Mrs. Johnson has received teaching awards and has held school and division leadership roles in areas from equity to science education.

Pamela Davis

Pamela Davis, Assistant Principal

Uniquely Summit

Summit Elementary School is in the heart of the Belmont neighborhood, serving preschool through grade 4 now, and kindergarten through grade 5 starting in the 2026-27 school year. At Summit Elementary, we take care everyday!

  • We are Belmont!

    From our annual Buzz by Belmont 5K to trips to downtown Belmont, our students & staff are deeply connected to this vibrant neighborhood.

  • We use nature as our classroom!

    Whether in unstructured play or outside learning, we spend a lot of time at our playgrounds and active garden classroom.

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 professionals, 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.

ribbon cutting for Summit Elementary in the school cafeteria

History of Summit Elementary

Summit Elementary (originally named Clark) was built in 1931. In 2024, the school was renamed Summit Elementary to evoke the school’s mountain views. It also encourages students to both reach new heights and consider themselves “a gathering of leaders.”