Duncan Creek Elementary School

     In August of 2003, Duncan Creek Elementary opened its doors to 930 children and 68 teachers and staff members. This shining new facility stands in stark contrast to the three-room schoolhouse called Duncan Creek School that opened in Hoschton, Georgia, in July 22, 1920. That facility, valued at $600, was built on a half-acre of land. Teachers and students depended on wells for water. The students had no playground for recess and no library books or reference materials. Classrooms had double patent (store-bought) desks, a globe, painted blackboards, and two unframed pictures. One bathroom was located in the building and kept in fair condition. Duncan Creek School opened with a faculty of three teachers: Mr. F. J. Hendric, Miss Gwendolyn Mann, and Miss Esther Mauldin. The Duncan Creek school year was 26 weeks long (130-day school year). The original Duncan Creek School was located on Braselton Highway across from Antioch Baptist Church.

     Since opening in 2003, the enrollment of Duncan Creek Elementary has grown and in 2021 it served approximately 1,210 students. In order to accommodate the growth, an expansion of the gym and cafeteria was completed in August, 2006. A 30-classroom addition was finished in August, 2007.

     The school’s mission “to provide a safe, nurturing environment of academic excellence which will encourage children to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens in a global community” is recited each morning.

     During its charter year, the students and teachers established the school’s norms of behavior. A Duncan Creek student is safe, respectful, and responsible. At the November 9, 2003, dedication of the facility, a tile wall memorializing each of the charter students and staff was unveiled.

     The Mill Creek community has embraced Duncan Creek Elementary. Career Week presentations are provided by business and community volunteers. The PTA sponsors a number of academic and family-oriented activities. Parents have raised money to provide the school with books for the Literacy Center, student technology, and new playground equipment. Classroom volunteers enhance the instructional programs. The school’s many extracurricular clubs include Chess Club, Art Club, Tumbling Team, Student Council, and Chorus. As the school’s motto states, Duncan Creek Elementary is the school “Where Excellence Soars!”