Crystal Spring Elementary School - Roanoke, VA

Crystal Spring Elementary (CSE) is an urban school within a diverse socio-economic community. Ninety-two years old, it includes multi-generational community involvement and serves students from preschool through grade five. CSE is a neighborhood school located in South Roanoke and is rich with traditions. Half of our 350 students walk or ride their bikes to school. Our school culture is greatly enhanced by the trusting relationships we develop with parents and our collaborative work with neighborhood businesses. CSE supports Roanoke City Schools’ philosophy of “Strong Students, Strong Schools, Strong City.” Our students are active, engaged, and motivated learners who take advantage of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The CSE PTA provides a variety of monthly after-school social activities. Within the school day, students participate in social and leadership events, as well as musical, artistic, and physical activities. CSE emphasizes the development of the whole child by participating in many civic projects. The curriculum contains the core areas of language, math, science, and social studies based on Virginia’s Standards of Learning. Instruction is based on high expectations and the assumption that every child can learn. CSE uses the Eight-Step Process, which is a data-driven cyclical, continuous improvement approach to close the achievement gap. Staff members value professional development and have received numerous professional recognitions. CSE has a positive environment with a high energy level. We strive for our students to leave elementary school with a firm academic foundation, a sense of civic pride, and warm memories of their elementary school years.