Virginia L. Murray Elementary School

Murray is a gem in the Albemarle County School system. It has excellent, caring teachers and principal, involved parents and and works hard to craft solutions to the inevitable issues that arise from the underfunded and somewhat problematic Albemarle County School system (SOL-driven curriculum, lack of foreign languages until late middle school, overcrowded classrooms, overworked teachers). Parents coming from high-achieving districts should be aware that it is very easy to get an "A" at Murray because the standards in the County schools are fairly low because of some under-performing schools and you may want to supplement your child's education outside of school. That being said, Murray does everything within its power to meet the needs of all the kids, sometimes within the context of very crowded classrooms (26-27 in a class). However, Murray is a wonderful small-school community where every staff member knows your children and does everything possible to make it the best experience within the constraints of the larger Albemarle County School system.
--Submitted by a parent

Murray is amazing. We moved to C'ville when our daughter was going into second grade. Naturally, she was trepidatious about the move, but by the middle of the year she was saying, "It's too bad I wasn't born in Virginia, because I had to miss Kindergarten and first grade at Murray!" The school is a perfect size for an elementary school--about 45 students per grade--and every member of the staff knows every student by face and name within the first weeks of the year. The teachers operate as grade-level "teams" of two and coordinate all of the academics seamlessly. Students seem to be well met at all levels of preparation and ability, even though the county keeps support staff down to pretty bare bones. Front office staff are warm and loving and the children clearly feel trusting and well taken-care-of. Parent involvement is also impressive. There is a lot of "teaching to testing," but that is life for kids these days unless you're going to opt out of mainstream education--they need to be prepared to focus on and succeed at standardized testing, and Murray definitely helps them to do that. I cannot imagine a better elementary experience for my children.
--Submitted by a parent

You can't beat Murray Elementary! We love having our kids here and think the teachers and the staff are wonderful! The principal is super! He is committed to making sure all kids learn and he is actively involved in every aspect of the school! What a wonderful place to have your kids start school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent to the Murray community and have to say that I have been extremely impressed with the quality and expertise of both the teaching staff and administration. We have had wonderful teachers for our kids and the principal has been very supportive of our needs. He seems to have good interactions with the kids and makes everyone feel welcome! We love Murray!
--Submitted by a parent

We were ready to send out kids to a private school in the area but once going to Murray, you realize this is as close to a private school you will EVER find in a public school. EVERY teacher knows your childs' name, the bus driver knows your child and it is a wonderful school. Can not say enough. We have been there for 3 years and couldn't be happier.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm in my last year of middle school now but looking back on after talking to other kids who went to area middle schools, Murray was the best. The school is small so you know everyone. The teachers are great and many times we slipped up and called them Mom or Dad. The afterschool programs are great too and the whole school enviroment makes it actually fun, relaxed and enjoyable.

As a long time parent, I can say that this small community school has a lot to offer. However, the school is often focused on being the top in testing.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent small school in Albemarle County with caring teachers.
--Submitted by a parent