About

Conestoga Valley School District At a Glance

2025-26 Why CV? Brochure

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helpful Links:

• Mission & Vision Statement
• Profile of a CV Learner
• Comprehensive Plan
• Instructional Model

About:

Conestoga Valley is a public school district located just east of Lancaster City in Lancaster County. It has an approximate student enrollment of 4,000 students across grades K-12. The district boasts four elementary schools (grades K-5), one middle school (grades 6-8) and the high school (grades 9-12).

CharacterStrong

Character education is a district-wide initiative based on character traits identified by the community as being important. In 2021-22, the district introduced a new social-emotional learning tool, CharacterStrong, to enhance its existing focus on character and character traits. CharacterStrong is a curriculum and professional development organization with a goal to create a better world through education. The mission is to help schools more effectively teach strong character and social-emotional skills to their students.

Educational Technology

The district is a leader in technological innovation and infrastructure. Every student receives an iPad and in grades 1-12, an integrated keyboard case. Additionally, students have access to desktop or laptop computers based on the courses they select. A robust wireless network supports connectivity throughout the district. All core classrooms are also equipped with interactive whiteboards, iPads, and classroom performance systems. The district’s technology infrastructure is maintained by 9 full-time employees and supports some 5,000 users.

Academic Assessment

Conestoga Valley is committed to an assessment program reflecting national, state, and local measures. Each year, CV administers the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams in grades three through eight, and science in grades four and eight. High school students take the state’s end-of-course Keystone Exams in algebra, literature, and biology. CV maintains a balance of diagnostic, benchmark, formative and summative assessments at all levels, including locally-developed assessments.

Student Services

The district provides numerous special services to its students, including gifted education, learning support, emotional support, life skills support, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), speech and language programs including English as a Second Language (ESL), Safe2Say Something program, bullying prevention programs, and the Student Assistance Program (SAP). There are school counselors and psychologists in each building, three district-wide home school visitors/social workers, and nurses and nurse assistants in each building.

Special Education

All CV schools offer special education services based on a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These supports could involve modification of lessons or instruction outside of the regular classroom. CV’s special education services aim to enable all students to achieve to their fullest potential.

Libraries

Each school in the district has a quality library staffed with a certified school librarian. CVSD patrons have use of more than 80,000 print volumes that can be shared through Destiny, the online library catalog. All CV students have access to online resources, including grade-level appropriate specialty databases, ebooks and electronic tools. Online resources are available 24/7 for use at home. District libraries offer video collections and the capability to download streaming audio and video. The libraries at CV High School and Gerald G. Huesken Middle School offer extended hours for student use.

Facilities

CV has excellent, modern facilities for learning. The district boasts classrooms that feature digital science and music equipment, 3D printing, three television studios, three 500+ seat auditoriums, synthetic turf fields (including the stadium), all-weather track, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 2,000-seat gymnasium. The most recent highlight was the renovation of the old middle school which now houses Smoketown Elementary, the District Offices, and the Conestoga Valley Virtual Academy elementary learning center. Leola Elementary is also in the midst of renovations followed by renovations to Fritz Elementary.

Student Safety

CV takes a proactive approach to keep students in a safe learning environment. CV has a Director of Safety and Security in addition to two School Resource Officers (SROs) who are full-time officers with the East Lampeter Township Police Department. Buildings are designed to route all visitors through secure entrances, and the district’s Safety Task Force meets regularly to review plans and make further recommendations, including recent installations of cameras and barriers. 

CV Virtual Academy (CVVA)

Since 2007, CVVA has provided a personalized, flexible, and connected educational experience for students seeking an alternative to the traditional classroom. CVVA serves K-12 learners by offering both fully online and blended learning options taught by certified CV teachers and by providing access to three on-campus learning centers: the Elementary Learning Center at Smoketown Elementary and two secondary Internet Cafés. CVVA students also have full access to CV events, clubs, extracurriculars, and athletics, ensuring they remain active members of the Buckskin community. More than an online program, CVVA is a bridge to opportunity, belonging, and graduation. 

First 10

Research shows that the First 10 years of a child’s life provides the foundation for later learning, growth, and development. CV has worked diligently on increasing its First 10 efforts and CV now offers 100 Pre-K classroom spots across all four of our elementary schools. 

CV Education Foundation (CVEF)

The Conestoga Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) is an independent, non-profit organization that has provided nearly $2 million in funding for educational initiatives. CVEF’s Board of Trustees looks to fund creative and innovative classroom projects that are not funded through the regular district budget.

Communications

CV emphasizes communication with employees, parents, community members, and students. The district’s public relations department uses multiple platforms to promote programs and accomplishments.

Volunteers in Action (VIA)

CV has a tradition of strong, enthusiastic parental support. Volunteers in Action (VIA) is an organized volunteer program that assists teachers and administrators. The only organization of its kind in Lancaster County, VIA is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this school year!

Proven Excellence

CV students post some of the highest test scores regionally; test scores in 2023-24 showed a five percent increase in math at the elementary level and Keystone scores remained consistent in all areas. In addition, the high school boasted three National Merit Scholars in 2023-24. The entire district was also recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a 2025 Best Community for Music Education and the district also routinely excels at the state TSA conference.