Richard B. Russell Elementary is located in the Concord Covered Bridge-Ruff's Mill Historic Area near the remains of several early pioneer communities and Civil War battlefields. The land itself was once part of the Cherokee Indian Nation until the early 1830's.
Russell Elementary has a tradition of excellence dating back to its construction in 1961 on land donated by the family of the late Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice, Richard B. Russell. At that time, our facilities consisted of one round building affectionately known as "Big Russell." Our first principal, the late Mr. Richard Geer, was well known as a strict, but fair man, who cared about his Russell Family.
In 1961, Russell led the area in technology innovation as one of the few schools anywhere to have a television in every classroom. Many Russell alumni still fondly recall watching the early space flights from classrooms in Russell Elementary.
Big Russell couldn't hold everyone for long, and in 1963 "Little Russell" was built. Construction of the Greer Building, our first "square" facility, was completed in the early 1970's, and in 1996, construction of the Dixie Anderson Building completed our present day campus.
Over the years, we have seen our enrollment multiply as the area has grown from a sleepy rural community to a bustling suburb. Russell continues to distinguish itself in many ways as we strive to be a leader in educational excellence. We welcome you to the Russell Family, and like our school song says, we hope you will be "proud to be at Russell!"
