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Ranked 161 of 232 in Tennessee
Top schools in JacksonRanked 161 of 232 in Tennessee
See top schools in JacksonThelma Barker Elementary School is a public K–5 institution within the Jackson-Madison County School System, located at 1470 Ashport Road, Jackson, Tennessee. The school serves a diverse student body and emphasizes academic growth, cultural inclusion, and community connection. Its mission promotes a safe, structured environment where students master academic skills, cultivate citizenship, and develop attributes of lifelong learning. The school supports core instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside specials in art, music, physical education, and technology.
With a significant ESL (English as a Second Language) population, Barker celebrates cultural heritage and delivers support for multilingual learners. Staff include classroom teachers, special education, ESL, counselors, and specialists in art, music, and media. The school’s colors are purple and white, and its mascot is the Lion. Barker partners with local businesses and families through its PIE (Partners in Education) initiative and maintains active family engagement and volunteer opportunities.
715 Students
With a student-teacher ratio of 15 : 1
25%
Percentage of minority students
356 : 1
Student to counselor ratio
New Playground Name
We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....
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Read MoreAll Grades: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM
Note: Doors open at 7:45 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.
Information coming soon
September to June
School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.
Being Updated
In 2025, Thelma Barker launched a new family STEM night program, inviting students and guardians to explore hands-on science stations in the library and tech lab.
The school was featured in a spotlight video by Jackson-Madison Schools highlighting its multilingual student body and inclusive practices.
In early 2025, the YMCA of West Tennessee expanded its on-site before- and after-school care (Y-Care) program to include Barker, offering extended hours for families.
Q1. What is the ESL program like at Thelma Barker?
A. Barker maintains one of the largest ESL populations in the district, employing multiple full-time ESL teachers to support language acquisition, differentiated instruction, and cultural inclusion for multilingual learners.
Q2. How many students attend Thelma Barker and how is the school’s size impacting instruction?
A. As of the 2023–2024 school year, the school enrolled around 715 students in grades K–5.The scale requires collaboration, small-group settings, and stable support staff to maintain individual attention.
Q3. What special programs or services are offered beyond core academics?
A. Barker offers Gifted & Talented programming, library/media services, art, music, physical education, and support for students with learning differences or special needs.
Q4. Who is the principal, and what is her background in education?
A. The principal is Karen Edwards, holding degrees in Elementary Education and Curriculum & Instruction plus a master’s in Educational Leadership. She has served in roles as teacher, instructional coach, magnet facilitator, and assistant principal.
Q5. How does Thelma Barker coordinate with community and external partners?
A. Through its PIE (Partners in Education) initiative, the school invites business and civic support. It also works with the YMCA of West Tennessee to operate on-site before and after school programs (Y-Care), enhancing wraparound services for families.
Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.
If you’re a parent, please share the highlights of your experience with Thelma Barker Elementary School
The information provided about schools is for general reference only and may not be 100% accurate or up to date. We recommend contacting the respective school directly to confirm the latest details and ensure accuracy.
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