Taylor Elementary School

K. E. Taylor Elementary School was established in 1997. The school was named after “Kope Elise (K.E.) Taylor. In 1924, K.E. Taylor was voted to the office of Gwinnett County School Superintendent. He took office in January 1925, and remained in office until his
death in January 1933. While Mr. Taylor was in office, four employee positions were added to the school system: a home demonstration agent, an attendance officer, a supervisor of primary education, and a visiting teacher. Both salaries and requirements for teachers were raised in 1931. In addition, the term for some schools was increased during his tenure from six and a half months to nine months.

The school named in honor of this former superintendent opened as part of the Collins Hill Cluster. It was originally planned as a replacement school for Dyer Elementary School; later it became a relief school for students from Walnut Grove, Dyer, and McKendree elementary schools. Principal Jerry Lehner introduced the Taylor Timberwolves (the mascot) and the school colors of green and blue to the new school community. (The mascot and colors changed in 2011 as Taylor aligned its colors and mascot with the other schools in the Collins Hill Cluster, adopting the Eagle and the colors of green, silver, and white.)

When it opened, the 112,883 square foot facility served students in its 47 classrooms. In 1998, the school received a 20 classroom addition and in 2000 a new activity building. As of 2016, the school’s enrollment was approximately 950 students. While enrollment has ebbed and flowed over the years, Taylor Elementary has the distinction of being a “neighborhood” school as it is physically located in a neighborhood setting. That community feeling is evident in the high levels of parent involvement, an award-winning PTA, the large number of volunteers, and active community partners. Community business partners include Chick-fil-A, Kroger at Russell Ridge, Publix at Old Peachtree, Magic Moments, Bruster’s, 12Stone Church, Cartridge World Recycling, Garden Plaza, UPS Lawrenceville, and Target.