Viola Mahanay Elementary School opened its doors in August of 1973.  It was the sixth school built in the Alief Independent School District.  

Mahanay was named to honor Viola Mahanay, who was born December 13, 1907.  Viola was a longtime custodian for Alief.  She stayed in the Alief community until her passing in 2003.  Her grandson, Gary Budewig, also has an Alief school named in his honor.   

Mahanay currently services about 600 students from Early Childhood through 4th Grade.  Special programs at Mahanay include ESL services, Special Education Services, Gifted Education, Center for Early Autism Intervention, Life skills, Reach, and PACS.