History of Jacksonville-Thompson Elementary School

Jacksonville Elementary was originally constructed in 1941 as an elementary school serving 1st through 8th grade.  In 1954, the school was officially renamed Walter Thompson Elementary School in honor of former Superintendent Walter Thompson.  During the 1950's, additions to the school were made with the construction of the cafeteria, a new classroom wing, and the final addition, which included the auditorium and lobby, in 1957.  In 2003, through a federal grant obtained by Dr. Kay B. Gresham, Thompson was renovated to provide a developmentally appropriate educational setting for preschool children including open centers, child-sized bathrooms, and furniture.  The school was renamed the Thompson Early Childhood Center in 2004.