Taylor Elementary School
Principal: Tawanda Sanks
600 Taylor School Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
School Highlights
Taylor Elementary is dedicated to providing high-quality Tier One instruction, building teacher capacity, and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. We value and celebrate our diverse community, and we are committed to strengthening teacher collaboration and collective efficacy to ensure every student succeeds.
The following school highlights showcase how Taylor Elementary School is fulfilling Gwinnett County Public School's four strategic priorities of Empathy, Equity, Effectiveness, and Excellence. Visit the School Profile Dashboard to find more detailed data on our school.
- Taylor Elementary was recognized as a Georgia Literacy Leader School for its commitment to ensuring students become confident, proficient readers. This recognition honors schools that demonstrate exceptional achievement or significant growth in the percentage of students reading on or above grade level, with a special emphasis on third-grade literacy. The award reflects our dedication to high-quality literacy instruction and ensuring every student receives the targeted support needed to become a confident, successful reader.
- At Taylor Elementary, we believe that exceptional student outcomes begin with exceptional teaching. Our teachers are committed to continuous learning and regularly collaborate through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and job-embedded professional learning to strengthen instructional practices and improve student achievement. Their willingness to learn, lead, and serve creates a culture where both educators and students are empowered to grow, take risks, and pursue excellence every day.
- Taylor Elementary's Play 2 Learn staff has cultivated strong partnerships with our families and community to ensure a smooth and successful transition for our youngest learners. Our Play 2 Learn team provides children with a strong educational foundation that prepares them to enter kindergarten with confidence and a love for learning. In addition, Taylor's Play 2 Learn program partners with the GCPS Science Department to provide our preschool learners with meaningful, hands-on science experiences that foster curiosity and inquiry from an early age. Our youngest students also proudly participate in the school's annual Science Fair, giving them opportunities to explore, investigate, and share their discoveries while developing a lifelong appreciation for STEM learning.
- At Taylor Elementary, we believe that every student deserves to learn in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom and is reflected in the outstanding work of our cafeteria and custodial teams. Taylor Elementary proudly earned 100% on our cafeteria health inspection. In addition, our custodial team received a perfect 4.00 rating on the district's custodial inspection, recognizing their dedication to maintaining a clean, well-maintained, and inviting school environment.
- At Taylor Elementary, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover new interests, develop their unique talents, and experience a true sense of belonging. Through our "Clubs for All" initiative, every student participates in a club during the school day once each month, ensuring equitable access for all learners regardless of transportation or after-school commitments. They have an opportunity to explore their passions, build leadership and collaboration skills, and connect with peers across grade levels.
- At Taylor Elementary, we believe our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We are committed to creating a school community where every student and family feels welcomed, valued, and celebrated.
Throughout the school year, we honor the many cultures represented within our school through events such as International Family Night, cultural heritage month celebrations, and schoolwide learning experiences that encourage students to share their traditions, languages, and unique perspectives. - Taylor's Family Center serves as a welcoming hub where families can access resources, educational workshops, language support, and community partnerships tailored to their unique needs. By building strong relationships with our families and connecting them with the support they need, we create meaningful partnerships that help every child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
- Our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) supports our school by providing resources to classrooms, students, and teachers. The PTA also plans many special events to build positive relationships among families.
- Taylor Elementary is proud to offer a comprehensive Fine Arts program. From music and dance to instrumental performance and musical theater, our students experience a rich and engaging arts education that nurtures their talents and encourages lifelong appreciation for the arts. Throughout the year, highlights include a schoolwide production of Finding Nemo, performances at the Lawrenceville Courthouse, a variety of concerts celebrating diverse musical genres and cultures, and the distinguished honor of performing the National Anthem for a Georgia professional baseball team.
- Taylor Elementary hosts a wide range of events throughout the year that bring students, families, and the community together in meaningful and memorable ways. Signature events such as the Winter Candlelight Luncheon, Community Tree Lighting Celebration, Fine Arts Night, and Community Fall Festival provide opportunities for families to connect, celebrate, and build lasting memories within our school community. Our Literacy and STEAM Night further engages families in hands-on learning experiences that bring the curriculum to life. In addition, opportunities such as Conversations with Sanks strengthen school-family communication and partnership. Taylor Elementary is also deeply committed to inclusivity and support for all learners, highlighted through our recognition and celebration of Exceptional Children’s Week, as well as our annual Thanksgiving Special Education Feast, which honors and celebrates our students and families.