Clearview Elementary School opened on September 4, 1979. Our first principal was Littell G. “Skip” McClung. On the occasion of our school’s 25^th anniversary celebration in May 2004, the Connection Newspaper interviewed McClung in which he described visiting the Clearview site in February 1979 while the building was under construction:

It wasn't under roof. It was just four walls. One thing I learned from [being an administrator] at Great Falls Elementary where we underwent two major renovations, get to know the construction foreman. So I took the construction foreman and the guy from Fairfax County schools overseeing the project to lunch. From then on, anything we wanted, we got.

The above photograph, taken in late August 1979, provides an interesting glimpse into just how much work still needed to be done to the school grounds shortly before opening day. Inside the building, work on the classrooms was finished on schedule, but the cafeteria and gymnasium were not ready in time for the opening of school. Clearview’s first teachers spent Labor Day weekend readying their classrooms. Approximately 300 children walked through our doors the following Tuesday. Our school originally had 13 teachers, three classroom wings, and an open library. It was also an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) cluster school. Children needing ESOL services were bused to Clearview, rather than attending their neighborhood school as is done today.

Design and Construction

Clearview Elementary School was designed by the architecture firm of L. B. C. & W. Associates. Our school was built by the V. F. Pavone Construction Company for $2.4 million. The first addition to Clearview was constructed in 1982 by S. & J. Associates for $525,900.

In 1986, Principal McClung was succeeded by our second principal, Bernie Gross, who led Clearview until 1989. During Gross’ last year as principal, construction began on second addition to Clearview. The new six-classroom wing became a center for pre-school children with special needs.

In 1989, Clearview’s assistant principal, Sheila Bertrand, was appointed as our school’s third principal. She served in that role for 14 years, retiring at the end of the 2002-03 school year. Throughout her time at Clearview student enrollment rose and fell several times. Bertrand stated that the opening of Dranesville and McNair elementary schools (in 1988 and 2001 respectively), and the ensuing school boundary shifts, had a significant impact on enrollment. "One year you would have 760 students and the next, 520," Bertrand stated in an interview.

The Sheila Bertrand Library

In July 2003, the Fairfax County School Board passed a resolution officially naming our library “The Sheila Bertrand Library.” This was a fitting tribute because Principal Bertrand began her career with FCPS in 1978 as a reading teacher. She described the library as “the heart of a school,” and believed that reading was the fundamental skill that underlies all learning. “If you can teach a child to read, then that child will succeed,” she said.

Stories from Clearview

Clearview has a way of attracting, and retaining dedicated staff, many of whom were parents who began volunteering when their children were students then stayed on in staff positions. There have been a bunch of us that have left and come back. I started out in 1989 as a parent of a first-grader. Then I taught third grade here, went to Herndon Middle School and came back three years ago. You just return. It's one of the most supportive communities you can work with.
~ Suzi Powell, Former Assistant Principal.

From Blueprint to Reality

Kimberly Willison served as Clearview’s principal from December 2009 to October 2020.  During her administration, Clearview Elementary School served students in the Early Head Start and Head Start programs, and preschool students receiving special education services in addition to elementary school students in kindergarten through sixth grade.   Under her leadership, Clearview’s existing building was completely renovated and an additional wing was added.  The $26,210,644 project was funded by the 2017 bond referendum. 

Work began in late 2018 and was completed in 2021.  As part of the renovation, dedicated rooms were designed to accommodate music and art programs and the library was greatly expanded to adapt to the changing needs of the elementary school students in the digital age.  The building was modified to provide spaces for charging laptop computers and learning spaces were equipped with up-to-date projection and audio systems. Changes were also made to the play areas, the parking lots were expanded, and the bus loop was redesigned.  School Age Child Care (SACC) spaces were also included in the redesign, making it possible for students to participate in before and after school care. A new wing was added to the building to provide new learning environments for primary students and additional small group learning spaces for specialized instruction.

A Beacon of Excellence

In 2021, Clearview Elementary welcomed Mrs. Stephanie Almquist as its new principal, marking a transformative chapter in the school's history. Bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for education, Mrs. Almquist, a distinguished alumna of Fairfax County Public Schools, assumed the leadership role with a vision deeply rooted in fostering positive relationships and creating a supportive learning environment.

A seasoned educator with over 27 years in the field, Mrs. Almquist started her career as a Board of Medicine Certified Athletic Trainer and teacher in Prince William County. Her commitment to education and leadership qualities quickly became evident as she played a pivotal role in establishing the Sports Medicine program and curriculum at her school.

Upon joining Fairfax County Public Schools in 1999, Mrs. Almquist continued to make significant contributions as an elementary physical educator at Churchill Road. Her dedication to student success led her to administrative roles, where she supervised teams, crafted professional development opportunities, and implemented effective systems of support, resulting in improved student achievement across various subjects.

Mrs. Almquist's tenure as principal at Clearview Elementary has been characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and equal access to opportunities for all students. She has prioritized creating a nurturing environment, fostering a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families. Under her leadership, Clearview Elementary has thrived as a warm, friendly, and intellectually stimulating space, emphasizing high expectations for both academic achievement and positive behavior.

As a champion of student empowerment, Mrs. Almquist has aligned her mission with Clearview Elementary's vision, emphasizing the development of confident, reflective, open-minded, and flexible thinkers. Her dedication to providing diverse learners with equal access to opportunities reflects the school's overarching commitment to fostering critical thinking and Portrait of a Graduate skills.

Through Mrs. Stephanie Almquist's dynamic and supportive leadership, Clearview Elementary continues to evolve as a beacon of excellence in education, with a focus on nurturing, inspiring, and empowering students for a bright and successful future. The next chapters of the school's history unfold under her guidance, as Clearview remains dedicated to the principles of positive learning, inclusivity, and the pursuit of academic and personal excellence. 

What's in a Name?

Learn about the origin of our school's name in this video produced for Fairfax County Public Schools’ cable television channel Red Apple 21.