Smith-Barnes
Elementary School is located in the city of Stockbridge, in Henry
County, Georgia, one of the most rapidly growing counties in the United
States. Although currently housed in a modern facility, the
school has a rich history.
Smith-Barnes Elementary first opened its doors in the
fall of 1955. The school was constructed to replace the outdated
Stockbridge Rosenwald School, which was one of thousands built in the
rural South in the early part of the twentieth century to educate young
African - Americans. These schools were built with funding from the
Julius Rosenwald Foundation. established by one of the early presidents
of Sears & Roebuck.
Smith - Barnes Elementary sits on 15 acres of land, six
of which were donated by Mr. Lenard Smith, an African-American leader in
the community at that time. His wife had been principal of the
Rosenwald school. Smith-Barnes Elementary takes its name from the
Smith family and the name of its first principal, Ms. Rena
Barnes.
Our building was completely renovated in 1996, adding
more classrooms and the latest technological facilities. The warm
and caring climate of the school is reflected in the low faculty
turnover and widespread parental
involvement.
