Our School

Artist rendering of the SAES buildingSouth Anna Elementary, home of the Spirit Riders, is located in Montpelier, Virginia and serves 450 students in preschool through fifth grade. Recognized in 2001 as a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education, we have a proud tradition of excellence. Approximately 70 dedicated faculty and staff work as a team to provide relevant, innovative learning opportunities in a safe, nurturing environment. We meet the diverse needs of our students, helping each of them achieve their fullest potential. Family participation and community partnerships are vital to our success.

Noteable Highlights

South Anna Elementary was one of five Hanover schools to receive the 2019 Board of Education Continuous Improvement Award as part of its new Exemplar Performance School Awards program. The award recognizes schools that achieved a state accreditation rating of accredited and met a benchmark for improved performance over three years for reading and mathematics or a decrease in the chronic absenteeism rate.

South Anna Elementary was named a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). We are the second elementary and third school overall in Hanover to be recognized as a RAMP school. As of 2018, only 59 Virginia schools have received this honor. The RAMP designation recognizes schools that are committed to delivering an exemplary comprehensive school counseling program. It encourages school counselors nationwide to strive for excellence. 

As a result of our successful Boosterthon Fun Run and contributions from our PTA, we purchased additional technology for classrooms and the Innovation Studio and texts for our instructional book room to enhance instruction. We are very thankful for the support.

Faculty Recognitions

One of our current teachers has achieved National Board Certification: Ms. Tami Reeping, first grade teacher. Mrs. Maureen Epps, fourth grade teacher, is a past finalists for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Our 2022–2023 recognitions are: Makenzie Smith is our teacher of the year, and Jamie Saacke is our support employee of the year.

Educating the Whole Child 

We are committed to educating the whole child for lifelong success. To that end, we promote good character, focusing on the traits of respect, responsibility, kindness, and perseverance. As a Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS) and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) school, we communicate clear academic and behavioral expectations. Students observe three school rules: be responsible, be respectful, and be safe. We foster good citizenship and provide opportunities for giving back to the community. Our civic-minded students participate in canned food and coat drives, America Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart, penny wars to benefit Make-A-Wish, and other projects. Our SCA, led by classroom teacher Mrs. Susan Symenow, is instrumental in organizing many of these activities. We develop the essential lifelong skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and technological literacy. Students benefit from STEM lessons both in their classroom and in the Innovation Studio, which was funded by a Classrooms of the Future award from the HEF. We continue to promote a healthy lifestyle and receive the Active RVA Certified School award.

Do Your Best; Be Your Best

Our mission is to create lifelong learners and to empower all students to reach their maximum potential. With continued parent and community collaboration, all of our Spirit Riders can live our school motto: do your best; be your best.

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