Craig Elementary School

     Robert W. Craig owned one of the largest pieces of land in Gwinnett County. It was built in 1830 and located on what was then known as old Station Mountain Road. This land covered an area that is said to have extended for nearly 10 miles along what is now Five Forks Trickum Road. Cotton, corn, hogs and grains were predominately raised on this land. Robert Craig was known as a kind and gentle man. After Sherman devastated the area during the Civil War, Craig distributed his reserves of seed and grain throughout the county and even to neighboring states to help people make a new start. Craig’s home was often called “Little Egypt”, comparing him to the biblical story of Joseph giving grain to the Egyptians during the seven year drought. “Little Egypt” still stands on Five Forks Trickum Road for all to see. This home has been put on the National Registry of Historical Places. Mr. and Mrs. Craig are buried in a small cemetery on this property.

     Since Robert W. Craig certainly contributed to the successful rebuilding of Gwinnett County following the Civil War, it is a fitting tribute to this man to name a school in his honor, especially since the school is located on his “Little Egypt” land. Craig Elementary sits squarely in the middle of the community that it serves! This fast growing geographic location illustrates the school’s role as the “hub” of the community ever since it first opened in 1993. The Craig “Colts” are a high-achieving student body of approximately 1,000 students, a large group of  committed parents, and a dedicated staff who have joined forces to create a successful learning environment.

     The physical school building includes a three-story addition that opened for the 2005–06 school year. The media center, cafeteria, and physical education building were also expanded at that time. In addition, there are 85 classrooms, four computer labs, one art room, a science laboratory, one music room, and a bookroom. The Outdoor Classroom Committee has involved teachers, parents, and students in extending the school facility to the outdoors, with the creation of an award-winning environmental education center.

     The faculty and staff of Craig Elementary are dedicated, highly motivated and well-qualified individuals. Several staff members have been at the school since it opened. Craig Elementary teachers are content experts who are committed to lifelong learning.

     In fact, 84% of the teaching staff holds Master’s, Specialist’s and/or Doctorate degrees. Craig Elementary has been recognized as a 2001 Gwinnett County and 2002 Georgia School of Excellence. In addition, Craig Elementary received the Gold Award from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement for 2005, 2006 and 2011 as well as the Bronze Award in 2010. Our teachers illustrate daily their genuine concern for each student and their success. Each classroom teacher offers before or after school tutoring sessions with his or her students. In addition, more than 400 students have enrolled in AKS clubs, almost 100 students participate in National Junior Beta Club, more than 100 students participated in chorus, and more than 200 students participated in our annual Science Fair.