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Sunrise Elementary School

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All About Sunrise

  • ALL ABOUT SUNRISE: HOME OF THE BOBCATS
    Meet Our Leaders and Learn About Our School

Meet Your Administrative Team

Mr. Brad Handrich

Mr. Brad Handrich, Principal

Mr. Handrich (pronounced Hand-rick) comes to our school from Albemarle County Public Schools, where he has served as principal of Baker-Butler. He has previous experience as an assistant principal, and he has taught in Colorado and Virginia, as well as in the countries of Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. He has degrees from the University of Colorado at Denver and the University of Northern Colorado. 

Ms. Nicole Keys

Mrs. Nicole Keys, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Keys is the assistant principal of Sunrise Elementary. Previously she was an educator in Albemarle County Public Schools, where she served in a number of roles, including school counselor, restorative practices specialist, testing coordinator, and assistant principal intern. She holds degrees and endorsements from James Madison University and is a proud Duke. 

Mrs. Tracy Coleman

Mrs. Tracy Coleman, Administrative Assistant

Ms. Coleman is a lifelong Bobcat. She came to Burnley-Moran as a student, worked many years in the after-school program, and is now the Administrative Technician.

Uniquely Sunrise

Sunrise Elementary School is off the 250 bypass on the eastern edge of Charlottesville, serving preschool through grade 4 now, and kindergarten through grade 5 starting in the 2026-27 school year. At Sunrise Elementary, we lead and achieve!

  • We use nature as our classroom!

    We learn and play outside every day using our playgrounds, fields, garden, and the Rivanna River just across the street from our school.

  • We are ONE!

    Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat. Our staff, students, and alumni love this school. Join us for a morning meeting to see our school spirit shine!

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.

Sunrise faculty and staff cutting yellow ribbon in front of the school

History of Sunrise Elementary School

Sunrise Elementary (originally named Burnley-Moran Elementary) opened in 1955. In 2025, the school was renamed Sunrise Elementary, a nod to the school being the easternmost school in our city with lovely sunrise views. The name “Sunrise” also conveys a sense of hope, warmth, and new beginnings. It shows the power of students rising through their years in our school.