In 2006, Kingsport City Schools realized the need for an additional elementary school to support annexation and overcrowding at other elementary schools.  A plan was developed and construction began on a new school. John Adams Elementary School was established in the Edinburgh Community off Exit 6 in the Rock Springs area of Kingsport and was ready for students in the fall of 2009. 

John Adams Elementary was built as a Pre-K through 5th grade school that was designed with a unique approach to classroom arrangement and collaboration abilities between classrooms.  Each grade level in the school was designed with their own “neighborhood” consisting of 4 classroom spaces. All classrooms were designed with retractable walls to allow for enhanced collaboration among classes and teachers.  When the school opened in 2009, there were two teachers per grade level in each of the 6 “neighborhoods” within the school. By 2019, all classroom spaces were occupied with a total of 25 homeroom classes in the school. In addition, John Adams currently offers an Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) for students from ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.      

Currently, John Adams Elementary houses over 500 students ranging from infants through 5th graders.  Adams Elementary is known for its Adams P.R.I.D.E. character building program (Personal Best, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Extraordinary), exceptional student achievement and strong enrichment opportunities for students.  Families, students and educators who have been part of the Adams family realize what a special opportunity it is to be part of establishing traditions in Kingsport’s newest elementary school.  

John Adams Principals:

Dr. Dwain Arnold, 2009-2012

Dr. Stephanie Potter, 2012-2016

Mrs. Christy Free, 2016-2019

Dr. Kelley Harrell, 2019-present