Welcome to Garden City Elementary School, Home of the Stinger Bees!

I am so glad you're here!

Whether you're a returning family or considering Garden City Elementary for the very first time, thank you for taking the time to learn more about our amazing school community. It is truly an honor to serve as the principal of Garden City Elementary, a place where children are loved, challenged, and inspired every single day.

At Garden City, we believe every child deserves a school where they feel safe, valued, and connected. We know that when students feel like they belong, they are more confident, more engaged, and more successful. Our goal is for every child to walk through our doors each morning knowing there are adults who believe in them, care about them, and are committed to helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

For the 2026–2027 school year, our theme is Driven to Win #we'reallin, and it reflects who we are as a school community. To us, winning isn't about being better than someone else. Winning means giving your best effort, embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and celebrating growth along the way. Every member of our school community—students, staff, and families—plays an important role in helping our children succeed. Together, we are committed to creating a culture where every child is encouraged to grow, achieve, and discover their full potential.

As principal, I believe that strong schools are built through strong partnerships. Parents and families are a child's first teachers, and I encourage you to stay involved, ask questions, attend school events, and celebrate your child's accomplishments with us. Together, we can create an educational experience that helps every child reach their full potential.

At Garden City Elementary, we are committed to:

• Providing high-quality, engaging instruction that challenges every learner.

• Creating a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels they belong.

• Building strong relationships that support the whole child.

• Helping students grow as readers, thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers.

• Fostering a culture built on respect, responsibility, kindness, and excellence.

I invite you to visit our campus, meet our incredible staff, and experience what makes Garden City such a special place. We are proud to be the Home of the Stinger Bees, and we look forward to partnering with your family throughout your child's educational journey.

Thank you for trusting us with your greatest treasure—your child. We can't wait to welcome you to our hive!

School Hours

• School Day: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM

• Doors Open: 8:00 AM

• Student Arrival: Students should not arrive before 8:00 AM unless they are enrolled in our paid Extended Day Program.

• Breakfast & Lunch: Free breakfast and free lunch are provided to all students.

• Instruction Begins: 8:30 AM

To ensure every child has the best possible start to the day, we encourage students to arrive on time and ready to learn before instruction begins promptly at 8:30 AM.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Garden City Elementary School, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would love the opportunity to welcome you personally and partner with your family.

With Stinger Pride,
Elisha Carr
Principal, Garden City Elementary School
📧 carre1@duvalschools.org