The history of Washington Elementary STEM School can be traced back to 1869, right after slavery, in the homes and churches of its recently emancipated Black slaves in the area.  Named after one of the founders, George Stephen Washington, teacher and journalist, Washington Elementary STEM School was officially recognized as a school in the city of Kenner and parish of Jefferson in 1936 serving students of color from kindergarten to 12th grade.  In 1934 the school board demanded that the Black community had to purchase the land and pay a significant amount of the construction cost.  Six Black men, James Carter, Arthur Dennison, Casimere James, Varice James, Johnnie Small, Sr., and Professor John Martyn, led this effort and successfully met this challenge. The school was dedicated in 1936.

For over 150 years Washington has been an anchor in the greater Kenner community educating leaders and history makers through educational excellence.  As a result of this school, students have achieved local, national and international success because of the foundation they received at Washington. 

Washington Elementary STEM school has a legacy of building future leaders in the community. Separating our children from their history and culture dismantles the very principles the school was built on. Children, especially from underserved communities need advocates that can connect to their values established by their forefathers. Closing Washington doesn't just erase our past, it extinguishes our hope for the future.

●      Our stakeholders, partners and alumni value the preservation of the history and legacy of its founders. 

●      We oppose the merging, relocating and closure of Washington Elementary STEM School.

●      We request Washington Elementary STEM School be removed from the Jefferson Parish proposed 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan dated March 27, 2023. It is the only public school in South Kenner.

●      We request that a broad coalition of parents, students, staff, churches, community organizations, businesses and stakeholders in the Washington Elementary STEM School Community and the school board plan together for the future of our sacred educational jewel.

●      We request a deferment of the vote on the proposal of the superintendent until public hearings are held, and we have an opportunity to study its impact on our children and communities.  The Plan was released on the evening of March 27, 2023, with no time given for public input and for consideration of the psycho-social impact of this plan on children, families, and communities.

●      We request that the school boundary lines are redrawn for students to attend the school nearest their homes decreasing the transporting of students miles away from their neighborhoods.  Both Washington, Bunche, and Woods can remain as public Pre-K – 8 schools if lines are redrawn to allow students to attend the schools nearest to their homes.

●      We request that all elementary schools serve students in grades Pre-K – 8 with in depth training of faculty and staff, appropriate staffing for upper and lower school,  and that new construction and closures reflects this change.

The Supporters of Washington STEM School is committed to advocating for equitable and quality educational opportunities for children in the South Kenner Community and beyond now and for future generations.