History

When B.B. Harris Elementary School opened in the fall of 1966, it was considered to be one of the most contemporary and modern facilities in the state. Mr. B.B. Harris, who at that time was Gwinnett County School Superintendent, believed that the individual needs of students were not being met. His belief was that a school building should be designed to adapt to the curriculum instead of adapting the curriculum to the building. Located on Claiborne Drive in Duluth, the school was built with few inner walls and presented a new concept of freedom and open movement for students and teachers. Harris soon became a model for many buildings in this area. It was “not by accident or happenstance” that the school was named to honor Mr. Harris. He served  

Accomplishments & Awards

• Harris Elementary earned recognition as a 2018 Georgia Department of Education Reward School in the “Highest Performance” category. The award honors high-performing schools among the top 5% of Title I schools in the state with the highest performance over three years for the “all students” group on statewide assessments.
• Harris ES implemented PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) school-wide with much success. Students focused on being safe, being respectful, and being responsible.
• In partnership with the American Heart Association, the students and staff at Harris raised almost $5000 through the Jump Rope for Heart program. The school also participated in fundraisers for United Way and Relay for Life.