I'm lucky to have a brother who's dedicated his career to education right here in the Roanoke Valley. Will Krause is a principal at Grandin Court Elementary in Roanoke, and he's worked across multiple school divisions including Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Botetourt County. When families ask me about schools in the area, I always tell them—I know a guy.

I recently sat down with Will to pick his brain about what makes our local schools tick, what families should really look for (spoiler: it's not just test scores), and to maybe embarrass him a little in the process. Here's our conversation.

Getting to Know Will

Robert: Alright, let's start easy. When you're not running a school, what do you actually do with your time?

Will: Outside of school, I really value time with my family. We like all the fun things the Roanoke Valley has to offer—great outdoor activities, the wonderful downtown Roanoke area. I'm also a big believer in staying connected to the community, so I enjoy supporting local sports, arts, and school activities. Those experiences help keep me grounded and remind me why this work matters.

Robert: I can vouch for that—Will's the guy you'll see at every community event. Now, I have to ask: we both grew up with Mom as an educator. Is that what got you into this?

Will: I was drawn to education because our mother was a long-time educator and I love working with children. I've always believed in the power schools have to change lives. I started my career wanting to make a difference in the classroom, but over time I realized I could have a broader impact by supporting teachers, families, and students at the school level. Becoming a principal allows me to shape school culture and create environments where both students and educators can thrive.

Robert: Mom would be proud. So you've been a principal in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Botetourt County. That's pretty unique. What has that range taught you?

Will: Working across different school divisions has shown me that while each community has its own character and challenges, the commitment to students is universal. The Roanoke Valley is rich in dedicated educators, supportive families, and community partners. Those experiences have taught me the importance of listening, flexibility, and tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each school community.

Robert: That's actually really valuable perspective for the families I work with. Every neighborhood has its own feel, and so does every school.

What Does a Principal Actually Do?

Robert: Okay, this one's for everyone who hasn't been inside a school since they graduated. What does a principal actually do all day? Because I'm pretty sure it's not just sitting in an office waiting to discipline kids.

Will: A principal's day is incredibly varied—I like to say, there's never a dull moment and no day is the same. It includes instructional leadership, supporting teachers, working with students, communicating with families, and addressing everything from curriculum to safety to school culture. What might surprise people is how much of the job is about relationships—listening, problem-solving, and being present for students and staff throughout the day.

Robert: So you're basically a counselor, manager, teacher-coach, and firefighter all rolled into one. What keeps you going?

Will: The most rewarding part is seeing students grow—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well—and knowing you played a role in that journey. The most challenging part is that schools face complex issues, and there's rarely a simple solution. Balancing the needs of students, staff, and families while making thoughtful decisions can be demanding, but it's also meaningful work.

Robert: I can tell you love it. Your face lights up when you talk about the kids.

The Real Talk on Schools

Robert: Alright, let's get into the stuff my clients always ask about. Everyone wants to know about test scores and ratings. As someone on the inside, what do those numbers actually tell you—and what do they miss?

Will: Test scores can provide a snapshot of academic performance, but they don't tell the whole story. They often miss things like school culture, relationships, extracurricular opportunities, student support systems, and how well a school meets the needs of individual learners. A great school is about much more than a number.

Robert: That's so important. I always tell families to visit schools, not just look at rankings online. What would you say are the real strengths of education here in the valley?

Will: One of our biggest strengths is the sense of community. Schools in the Roanoke Valley benefit from strong partnerships, committed educators, and families who care deeply about their child's education. There's also a real focus on preparing students not just for tests but for life beyond school.

Robert: What opportunities are here that families might not realize? I feel like there's a lot that doesn't show up on a Google search.

Will: The Roanoke Valley offers a wide range of opportunities, including career and technical education programs, dual-enrollment courses, strong arts and athletics, and partnerships with local businesses and colleges. Many schools work closely with community organizations to give students real-world experiences that help them explore interests and career paths early on.

Robert: What about kids on either end of the spectrum? Families always want to know how schools handle students who need extra support versus those who need more challenge.

Will: Schools here are very intentional about meeting students where they are. That includes intervention services, special education supports, and targeted instruction for students who need extra help, as well as advanced coursework, enrichment programs, and leadership opportunities for students who are ready for additional challenges.

Will's Advice for Families

Robert: Last section—practical advice. If a family is relocating here and trying to figure out where to live based on schools, what would you tell them?

Will: I would encourage families to look beyond rankings and visit schools if possible. Talk to administrators, teachers, and other parents. Pay attention to how schools feel and whether it aligns with your child's needs and interests. A strong school-family partnership is often the most important factor in a student's success.

Robert: I love that—"how schools feel." You can't get that from a website. Once a family picks a school, what can parents do to set their kids up for success?

Will: Staying engaged makes a big difference. Communicate with teachers, encourage good attendance, support learning at home, and let your child know that education matters. When parents and schools work together, students benefit tremendously.

Robert: Any final thoughts for families considering the Roanoke Valley?

Will: The schools in the Roanoke Valley are filled with people who genuinely care about students and their futures. No school is perfect, but our educators are committed to continuous improvement and to helping every child succeed. Families moving here will find schools that are welcoming, supportive, and focused on student growth.

Robert: Well said, brother. Thanks for doing this with me.

Find Your Family's Perfect School Zone

Will's right—finding the right school is about more than rankings. It's about finding a community that fits your family. I'd love to help you explore neighborhoods in the school zones that match what you're looking for.

Search homes by school zone →

Or explore our complete schools guide to compare test scores, programs, and more across all Roanoke Valley districts.

Have questions about schools in a specific area? Reach out—I'm always happy to connect you with resources (or with Will directly).