School Tours 2026 part 2

Ellison Park Elementary

A recent visit to Ellison Park Elementary highlighted a school community built on teamwork, care for students, and strong leadership. The school serves 530 students and continues to focus on helping every child grow from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Leading the school is Principal Brittany Brimhall, in her first year as a principal after previously teaching 5th grade. She is joined by administrative intern Shane Pearson, whose background includes 11 years as a junior high science teacher, along with experience as a school counselor and Title I coordinator.

School Counselor Nikki Treasure has eight years of counseling experience, seven of those at Ellison Park, and first connected with the school as an intern, giving her strong ties to the Ellison Park community.

One thing that stood out during the visit was the strong sense of teamwork among staff. From the office team to the custodian who regularly goes beyond her role to help students, it’s clear that everyone plays a part in supporting children.

Ellison Park uses a Neighborhood system to help students feel connected and serves as a Hub school with three essential elements classes. Students also have opportunities to lead through Hope Squad and Student Council, and the school benefits from the support of an active PTA and involved parents.

Congratulations to Ms. Usha Mannepalli, special education teacher, who was recently recognized with the Best of Davis Award. Students are also supported through the “Eagles Nest,” a take-a-break room designed to help them reset and return ready to learn.

Next year, Ellison Park Elementary will celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of serving students and families in the community.

Ellison Park truly reflects what happens when great people, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to students come together.

South Ogden Jr. High

At South Ogden Junior High, a clear focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and student growth shapes the daily experience for both students and staff.

Principal Patrick Andrus, now in his fourth year at the school—two as assistant principal and two as principal—brings a background in teaching English and Spanish, along with coaching. Coming from a family of educators, his path into leadership was driven by a deep desire to lead and invest in students as they grow both academically and personally.

Supporting the work is Assistant Principal Ryan Stokes, who brings a unique perspective after transitioning from a contractor background into education and now serves in his fourth year in administration.

Academic support is especially intentional for 7th grade students as they transition into junior high. Through Tier 1 instruction supported by the University of Utah, students strengthen foundational literacy skills and build confidence as they adjust to increased academic expectations.

The school also offers opportunities such as Chinese immersion and supports a diverse student population, including multilingual learners. English language development remains a key focus, with targeted support and incentives that encourage student participation and progress.

With a student body of under 800, South Ogden Junior High continues to build momentum through strong leadership, collaborative teaching, and a focus on meeting students where they are and helping them move forward.

South Ogden Junior High reflects what is possible when collaboration, innovation, and student-centered leadership come together with purpose.

Voyage Academy

Voyage Academy continues to thrive under the leadership of Principal Kami Coleman, now in her third year, alongside a dedicated team that wears many hats, working together to create a unified, supportive environment where students and families feel known and valued.

Founded through the vision of parents seeking a different educational path, with Anna Stanton, Business Administrator, who previously served on City Council and helped lead as part of the founding board, Voyage has built something truly special. This is reflected in strong staff retention, happy families, and a growing waitlist.

With 530 students, the school fosters connection through meaningful programs like community circles, student-led conferences, and the Viking Crew, where older students mentor younger peers. From co-teaching in early grades to collaboration rooms for added support, learning is both personalized and engaging.

What stood out most came directly from the Student Council, who proudly led our tour and shared their experiences:

Dominic shared that what he loves most is how teachers truly know him personally, making school feel like a place he belongs.

Mario highlighted student-led conferences, where students teach their parents what they’re learning, building confidence and ownership.

Lexi loves the hands-on field experiences and how new students are welcomed and known by name by staff, along with the school’s homecoming event at the beginning of each year, centered around their slogan, “Once a Viking, Always a Viking.”

Students take pride in their school, by leading tours, showcasing learning through art, exploring creativity on library excursions, and building connection across grade levels.

The culture shines through in the details where beloved lunch staff provide fun themed days, a well-used buddy bench, and a strong sense of community throughout.

A new building is underway, opening this August, with expanded classrooms, a stage, gym, and dedicated music and art spaces.

Recognized as one of the safest schools in the state, Voyage is a place where students are seen, supported, and inspired every day. Thank you for a fun tour!

North Layton Junior School

Our visit to North Layton Junior High reflected a school where leadership is intentional and student-centered from the moment you walk through the front door.

Principal Corby Eason, now in his third year, leads with a clear purpose, creating an environment that supports students both academically and personally. With a background in counseling, his leadership is rooted in mentorship, connection, and investing in students’ future.

At North Layton, students are encouraged to rise to higher expectations. There is a strong belief that all students are capable of advanced learning, with a focus on progress and readiness for what comes next. As the school builds on the past two years of strengthening its foundation, this year brings an increased emphasis on academic rigor.

A standout effort is the Summer Huddle, where incoming 7th graders connect with peers and staff before school begins, building relationships and confidence early. Literacy remains a priority across all subjects, supporting continued growth into high school, while attendance has steadily improved, helping keep students on track.

North Layton reflects a diverse student body where every student can find connection. Through strong staff leadership, student recognition, and growing opportunities, the school continues to build both community and momentum.

North Layton Junior High reflects what is possible when intentional leadership, high expectations, and meaningful connection come together.

Thank you for the opportunity to visit and see the meaningful work taking place at your school.

Island View Elementary School

Our visit to Island View Elementary reflected the energy of a growing school community, where both students and staff are actively building something new together in just its second year.

Under the leadership of Principal Scott Richardson, Island View has quickly expanded to serve a student enrollment of 850—now beyond capacity. To meet the needs of this rapidly growing community, the school has added three portables while redistricting adjustments continue to be considered.

Assistant Principal Intern Amy Thompson, who previously served in the Salt Lake City School District before joining Davis District, brings valuable experience and perspective to the team. Together, their leadership supports a school environment focused on growth, adaptability, and connection.

Island View emphasizes strong communication with families, using social media to highlight school updates, recognize staff, and celebrate student experiences. Inside the school, additional support systems are in place through teaching assistants and behavioral specialists who help meet student needs in meaningful ways.

A unique part of Island View’s structure is its Pelican Pods, where students engage in a learning model centered on Explore, Connect, Build, and Unite, fostering both academic growth and a strong sense of community.

While the school continues to navigate rapid growth and receive local business partnerships, it is clear that the foundation being built is strong, intentional, and forward-focused.

Island View Elementary reflects what is possible when leadership and vision come together to meet the needs of a growing community.

We appreciate the time, insight, and dedication shared during our visit.

Riverdale Elementary School

Our visit to Riverdale Elementary began with a simple but meaningful moment, a student named Adam greeting us with a handmade sign and a friendly welcome.

In her fourth year, Principal Jennifer Thomas has led remarkable progress, with reading proficiency increasing up to 72% at grade level. Grounded in the Science of Reading, her leadership has strengthened the learning environment, supported teacher retention, and kept a clear focus on strong instruction. Her investment is generational, influencing both current students and the schools that follow.

Assistant Director Kirt Shalberg, who began his career teaching 6th grade at Riverdale and brings 27 years in education, emphasized that consistent, steady change is key to meaningful progress. His experience across both public and charter settings adds a valuable perspective focused on helping every student grow.

Riverdale’s approach is intentional. Students are taught behavior as a skill, supported through daily trackers, and guided to strengthen areas of need. Academic foundations are reinforced through Handwriting Heroes and cursive instruction across grades K–6.

Connection remains a priority, seen in student activities like a T-shirt design contest and opportunities for 6th graders to engage with local police officers in a game of dodgeball. Even with an aging building (1967) and a growing, landlocked community, the school continues to move forward with strong leadership and community support.

Their focus remains clear: Attendance, Behavior, and a strong learning environment.

Riverdale Elementary reflects what is possible when leadership, consistency, and community come together with purpose.