History of J. B. Atkinson Elementary School
The school was first established in 1893 at 26th and Duncan Streets in rented rooms. In 1896, the school board purchased land and an existing building, the Almshouse from J. B. Byrne. The school, located at 29th and Duncan Streets, was named Park School because of its attractive, tree-lined streets.
In 1902, J. B. Atkinson School was completed at the cost of $61,000 and was named in honor of Joseph B. Atkinson, a paint manufacturer who served on the school board from 1890 to 1900.
J. B. Atkinson sits in the heart of west Louisville's Portland neighborhood. Founded in 1811, Portland is one of Louisville's oldest and largest neighborhoods.
About our Administration & Faculty
In the summer of 2022, Arivia Parks became principal of Atkinson, having previously served as the assistant principal. She has been a JCPS employee for over 17 years. Heather Cicchiello Wright became the assistant principal in the summer of 2022. Her previous experience includes classroom teacher, Reading Recovery teacher and Teacher Leader, and an Educational Recovery Specialist at the Kentucky Department of Education before coming to JBA.
JBA has many excellent teachers, including many teachers who have spent their whole career teaching at JB Atkinson! Some of our teachers are National Board Certified and award winners.