Celebrating Julia Green Elementary

Julia Green Elementary: A Blue Ribbon School with International Opportunities 
Posted on 04/25/2022
Julia Green teacher, two students and director of schools.

Julia Green Elementary School provides excellent academics, cultural awareness and a strong home-school relationship between families and staff.  historic marker outside of Julia Green Elementary

As an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme School, Julia Green encourages learning by asking questions and understanding a variety of cultures. All Julia Green students in kindergarten through fourth grade receive instruction in Chinese. The school’s academic performance – it was among the top five public elementary schools in the state in 2019 – led to national recognition when it was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2020.    

“Our achievements are based on two things,” says Dr. Andy Davis, Julia Green’s principal. “First, every decision we make is vetted against the statement ‘Is this what is best for students?’ Second, we are truly a community school where relationships between the home and the school are tight-knit, and we have constant, open communication between staff, families and students.”   

Every Student is Known to the Green Hills school’s staff. They look at student data to ensure they are meeting or exceeding their projected learning goals while working and developing an IB learner profile for all. The school’s mission is “to create a foundation that encourages compassion, tolerance, integrity and a commitment to learning,” and teachers and support staff work with students, their families and each other to achieve that mission.  students and adult crossing street in front of julia green

The home of the Hornets, Julia Green opened in 1948 and was named for Miss Julia McClung Green, considered a pioneer in public education in Tennessee. Green, who was born at the Maxwell House Hotel in 1873, was raised at “Greenland,” the family home in Whites Creek. She was the granddaughter of Alex Green, a prominent minister and namesake for Alex Green Elementary. 

Julia Green and her siblings were educated at home because they lived too far away to attend school. As an adult, she became the first education supervisor in any district in the state and served in this role for 31 years – traveling throughout the county using street cars, train, and horse and buggy until she finally had one of the first automobiles to visit schools and meet with teachers to learn their needs.  

The first Julia Green Elementary served students in grades 1-8. The current building was renovated and expanded in 2008. The green building design and construction used by MNPS in that project resulted in the school receiving LEED Silver certification in 2010.  

Strong community partnerships, family engagement and a focus not only on academics but also on knowing every student’s needs and interests have made Julia Green Elementary a nationally recognized school. It is a living memorial to “Miss Julia” – and a place where students are always encouraged to reach higher and do their very best. 

Julia Green assembly of students

 

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