Stonewall Jackson Elementary School is a three floor traditional brick facility housing self-contained Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade classes.  Designed by the locally renowned architect, C. B. Kearfott, the school is named in honor of the famous Civil War general, Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson and opened in September 1948.  An addition to the main building was completed ten years later and opened in 1958.  The school is situated on approximately two acres and amenities include an outdoor softball field, tennis courts, and fenced playground area.  With a current enrollment of approximately 300 students, it is the second largest elementary school in the city system. 

          Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Stonewall Jackson Elementary successfully completed an accreditation review in the Spring of 2004.  The Review Committee cited numerous school strengths.  Among them were the learning environment created for students, outstanding faculty, and level of parent support.  Fulfilling the purposes of Stonewall Jackson Elementary School by providing an environment in which each student enjoys opportunities to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, Stonewall Jackson faculty and staff have dedicated themselves to excellence in education.  The common goal to share in enabling every student to become a contributing member of society is taken seriously.  “Learning for Life” is more than just a mission statement.  Each student is encouraged to develop to full potential through personalized programs providing a variety of learning activities within an atmosphere of challenge and acceptance. 

          Beginning with a new federally funded Title I Pre-Kindergarten program, Stonewall Jackson offers services specifically designed to meet the needs of four (4) year old children.  The program is based on the belief that young children learn through play with the goal to help each child become an active learner, excited about school and working together.  A second Pre-School program, housed at Stonewall Jackson, provides services designed to meet the needs of children identified as developmentally delayed.   Within a self-contained classroom, students enjoy a variety of activities prescribed to meet their individual needs. 

          Regular Kindergarten officially begins the educational journey of the school-age child.  An entire wing of the building is dedicated to the Kindergarten program.  The large, bright space lends itself beautifully to the open, flexible, fun-filled academic program provided.  Students move between dedicated centers which have been carefully designed to meet their academic needs.  Resource teachers team with classroom teachers to insure instruction is tailored to meet the needs of individual students.   

           Because all students are considered unique and individual, needs are met in a multitude of ways.  Differentiated instruction is provided students identified as gifted as early as Kindergarten.  Beginning in Third Grade, students whose “…abilities and potential for accomplishment are so outstanding that they require special education programs to meet their educational needs…”, are cluster-grouped by grade levels..  In addition to daily classroom differentiation, students work individually or in small groups with a gifted resource teacher.  Students participate in VISIONS, a pull-out enrichment program, and those with exceptional academic ability are invited to participate in ÉCLAT, an academically based resource program.   

           As students progress through primary and upper elementary grades, Stonewall Jackson offers a variety of support services.  Included in these services, is instruction in speech by a certified speech pathologist.  Areas addressed in speech therapy include articulation, language, voice, fluency, and hearing.  Stonewall Jackson also enjoys the services of a part-time nurse and a full-time guidance counselor.  Classroom guidance, small group counseling, individual counseling, and parent/teacher consultations are provided.  Special emphasis is placed on good nutrition.  Well-balanced meals are provided by an experienced cafeteria staff and all students in Pre-School through Grade Five receive instruction in physical education from a certified teacher several times a week.  The belief in sound body…sound mind is evident, as is the emphasis placed on overall wellness.   

          Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive curriculum, Stonewall Jackson also places special emphasis on creating an understanding and appreciation of the fine arts.  Instruction in music and visual art are provided on a regular basis.  All grades receive weekly instruction in music from a music specialist and students in Grades Three through Five receive art instruction from an art specialist.  Students regularly attend performances at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Theater Bristol, and the William King Regional Arts Center.  A number of faculty members have received special training in fine arts instruction through the Getty Foundation’s Discipline Based Arts Education program.

          The diverse student population found at Stonewall Jackson is noteworthy.  Special Education programs provide instruction designed to meet the needs of students with a variety of physical, social, and academic needs.  Children who qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have been identified with disabilities which affect educational performance.  Stonewall Jackson Elementary School provides quality services for these children in the least restrictive environment. To the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities are educated with students who are not disabled.   Special populations served at Stonewall Jackson include students who have been identified as Developmentally Delayed, Learning Disabled, Mentally Handicapped, and Other Health Impaired.  A variety of Related Services are provided for students with disabilities.  Services may include, but are not limited to, the following: early identification and assessment, diagnostic medical services, physical and occupational therapy, school health services, transportation, psychological services, counseling and other programs determined to be necessary for a child with a disability to benefit from special education.  Students identified with Specific Learning Disabilities are provided access to instructional programs through three full-time teachers.  Programs are sequential and services include perceptual training and academic instruction.

          Tutorial in-school and after-school programs support and extend daily learning opportunities at Stonewall Jackson Elementary.  Additionally, students attend extended day care programs such as Girls, Inc., Boys and Girls Club, and other accredited private and parochial operations.  The Bristol Virginia School System also offers summer school services to selected students to provide remediation and to strengthen language arts and math skills.  Unique opportunities, therefore, exist for children at Stonewall Jackson to experience and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses found in all people.  From developmentally delayed students to physically challenged students to students identified as academically gifted, all Stonewall Jackson students live and learn together. Faculty and staff assume the responsibility of instructing students not only in basic skills, but also in developing intellectual curiosity, self-esteem, and a desire for learning that will extend well beyond the school years.