About Us

Welcome!

Welcome to J. B. Atkinson Academy for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, home of the Eagles! We are delighted to have your child here and want to invite you to become a partner with us as we strive to provide him or her with the best education possible. Together we can make it happen!

We believe that all students can and will be successful. Keeping with the district’s vision, our school focus is on reading/literacy. We firmly believe that reading is the key to all students experiencing success. Our reading program guarantees that each and every student will learn to read. Help us by listening to your child read aloud to you every day. Become involved.

We can’t do it alone. J. B. Atkinson will only be successful if we work together as a team: parents/guardians, grandparents, students, teachers, the administration, and the community.

Mission

J.B. Atkinson is committed to preparing all students to be college and career ready by educating the whole child while supporting families and the community.

Vision

Atkinson Academy will encircle each child by:

Setting high expectations for academic achievement and behavior
Forming relationships that are nurtured through clear communication
Providing a safe, stable and secure environment
Monitoring each child’s growth and using data to adjust daily instruction to meet the needs of all learners
Utilizing culturally responsive practices within daily interactions

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.

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