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Greenbrier Elementary School

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All About Greenbrier

  • ALL ABOUT GREENBRIER: HOME OF THE READING STARS
    Meet Our Leaders and Learn About Our School

Meet Your Administrators

Dina Fricke

Principal Dina Fricke

Mrs. Fricke, has been a dedicated educator with Charlottesville City Schools since 2008. Prior to joining the division, she served as a special education teacher at Armel Elementary School in Frederick County Public Schools in Winchester, Virginia. Throughout her time in Charlottesville, Mrs. Fricke has held a variety of roles, including elementary special education teacher, first-grade teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. Her diverse experiences across multiple school communities, including Jackson-Via, Sunrise (formerly Burnley-Moran), and Summit (formerly Clark), give her a deep and well-rounded understanding of the needs and strengths of Charlottesville’s students and families. Mrs. Fricke holds degrees and endorsements from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Mary Baldwin University, and Longwood University.

Juanita Eddy

Assistant Principal Juanita Eddy

Mrs. Eddy, has been with Charlottesville City Schools since 2011. She was previously an assistant principal at Burnley-Moran and Clark. Prior to coming to Cville Schools, she taught for 11 years in other divisions in Virginia. A graduate of Albemarle High School, she received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University, and continued to graduate school at Mary Baldwin College. She has completed additional graduate coursework through the University of Virginia.

Uniquely Greenbrier

Greenbrier Elementary School is in the heart of the Greenbrier neighborhood, serving preschool through grade 4 now, and kindergarten through grade 5 starting in the 2026-27 school year. At Greenbrier Elementary, “Everybody is Somebody.”

  • We use nature as our classroom!

    We learn and play outdoors! Our gardens, fields, trails, koi pond, and more turn nature into a classroom full of discovery and joy.

  • We consistently perform at high levels!

    Greenbrier has received recognitions such as “Title I Distinguished School” and the Virginia Department of Education’s “VIP Award of Excellen

  • We love to learn with CHS Black Knights!

    High school students come to our school, or we visit them at theirs, to learn about everything from science to theater to public speaking.

Choose Charlottesville City Schools for Elementary

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.

Greenbrier school main entrance sign on the lawn

History of Greenbrier Elementary School

Greenbrier Elementary is named for its neighborhood, a residential area in the north of Charlottesville. Construction of Greenbrier Elementary (previously referred to as Rutledge-Greenbrier Elementary) began in 1961 in anticipation of annexation of county neighborhoods (including Greenbrier and Rutledge) into the city in 1963. The school opened in September 1962; although the students attending Greenbrier were not technically city residents until Jan 1, 1963, they began attending Greenbrier at the beginning of the school year in 1962 to avoid midyear school transfers.