Meet the Principal
Chris Nelson, HVE Principal
Chris Nelson, HVE Principal
Dear Happy Valley Family,
My name is Chris Nelson and I am honored to serve as your elementary principal for the 2024-2025 school year. After studying Psychology and minoring in Education Studies at UCLA, I earned my teaching credential, administrative credential and Master's degree from CSULB. I have taught multiple grades, including two years in Kindergarten and four years in junior high. Prior to being Junction School's principal for the last four years, I was a Catholic School principal for the Diocese of Sacramento, starting at a small school in Auburn then transferring to a larger school in El Dorado Hills. For the past four-plus years now, my wife, three children and I have truly found a home in the Northstate.
I am excited to work with our school board, Superintendent Gina Murphy, and the entire HVUSD staff to build relationships with students and help them grow in character, citizenship and academics. I enjoy working in a small school environment where I can get to know students and their families personally and I love being at a school that is valued by the surrounding community. Because of this, I am thrilled to be here at Happy Valley Elementary and part of the Happy Valley Union School District.
I look forward to a great year and... GO VIKINGS!
Best regards,
Chris Nelson