Simpson Elementary School
Fast Facts
History
Simpson was named for Anna Louise “Ludie” Simpson whose family once owned the property on which the school is situated. The Simpson family also owned a great deal of land in the area now known as Peachtree Corners. “Miss Ludie” (as she is affectionately known) was born in Norcross, Georgia in 1887. She graduated from Roswell High School and earned her teaching degree from the University of Georgia in 1910. Miss Ludie was a dedicated social studies teacher until 1962. She traveled extensively around the world including visits to Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Her meticulous travel notes have been saved in bound journals. These and other memorabilia are now housed at our school. Simpson is proud to be named for this gracious Southern lady who devoted her life to education. Each year, our school celebrates Miss Ludie’s birthday on December 10th and the students enjoy cake in her honor.
Simpson Elementary has a long history of high student achievement. The outstanding staff has high expectations for student learning and behavior. Each teacher has created a learning environment that is stimulating, attractive and welcoming. All classroom teachers are gifted endorsed. Teachers understand the importance of using research based instructional strategies in their teaching. They design assessments reflect student mastery of the curriculum content and provide the data for teachers to differentiate instruction for their students. Teachers collaboratively plan instruction and assessments so all students at each grade level master grade level curriculum.
Simpson opened its doors in the fall of 1993 with 880 students. Over the past 25 years, the student population has risen as high as 1,300 students. In 2019–2020, the school served more than 1,000 students.
Since the opening of the school, our students have consistently earned high scores on local, state and standardized tests. In 2005, Simpson was one of three elementary schools in Gwinnett County to receive the State of Georgia’s highest award— the Platinum Award for Excellence in Achievement on the state assessment. Since then, we have continued to receive the Platinum Award— 6 years in a row! In 2010, Simpson was named a Georgia School of Excellence. In 2012, and again in 2018, we were named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence!
Students have many opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities that support academic achievement. In the spring of 2018, our Odyssey of the Mind team won the International World Championship. Simpson’s Robotics team won the regional division their first year in existence in 2017. Our Readers Rally champions typically place in the final four winning teams across the county, and in 2016, brought home the first place trophy. Simpson students also participate in Student Council, Simpson Singers, WittzlePro Math competition, local and county Science Fairs and other academically oriented clubs.
The PTA contributes unprecedented hours and financial support to provide engaging activities and programs for our students and staff. Over the past years, our PTA has organized exceptional cultural arts programs for all students, purchased special flooring for the gym, financed a complete renovation of our playground with special turf and equipment, given instructional support for teachers, purchased new Chromebooks for every classroom and joined the school in raising funds for a PreK playground for students with special needs. Through PTA, parents serve as classroom coordinators, enjoy working on one of the many committees that support our school or assist in any way they are needed such as coordinating Walk to School Days. On an annual basis, PTA organizes “drives” such as Cars, Cans & Car Seats, Holiday Toys and One Hundred Ways to Give (on the hundredth day of school). This extraordinary organization was name a National PTA of the Year in 2018!
Simpson Elementary is proud to lead the way in academic excellence as we transform teaching and learning. Simpson is a shining star in its community, and we are honored to be a world class school in the Gwinnett County Public School System!