Apalachee Elementary

Apalachee Elementary was founded in 1969, alongside the establishment of five other schools in Leon County. During its planning phase, several alternative names were considered, such as Rolling Hills, Lafayette, and San Marco. Ultimately, the School Board unanimously decided on the name Apalachee Elementary School. Initially, classes were conducted in a nearby building until the new school's construction was completed.

In 1999, Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts (ATMSA) emerged as Leon County’s pioneering elementary magnet school program. This initiative was the vision of six dedicated teachers: art teacher Pam Brewster, first-grade teacher Debby Bennett, Exceptional Student Education teacher Tracy Dennis, third-grade teacher Frances Homme, art teacher Cheryl Meighan, and second-grade teacher Karen Noel. These educators conducted extensive research, visited other art magnet schools in the Southeast, and successfully persuaded the school board to approve the program. The program was graciously hosted by Principal Mr. Ross Witherspoon at Apalachee Elementary, which was then renamed Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts. The school's identity was further solidified with a logo designed by Jefferson Tavares and a school song composed by Mary Register, performed by students daily and at school events.

Under the guidance of subsequent leaders including Principal Dr. Iris Wilson, ATMSA flourished in its educational endeavors, emphasizing artistic integration. The school achieved heightened academic success, earned the Florida Arts Achievement Model School endorsement, participated in numerous community performances, including those at Disney, and formed a professional development partnership with the Kennedy Center. With the arrival of Dr. Pam Hightower, the school embraced a renewed dedication to excellence, characterized by data-driven instructional practices, new arts partnerships, increased parent and student engagement, and spirit weeks. The administration, faculty, students, and community celebrated the school's progress in improving its grade, nearly reaching a B, and adopted Dr. Hightower's school-wide slogan: “Destination A.”

ATMSA’s program integrates the arts into a data-driven, state-approved core curriculum. Over the years, the school has offered a diverse array of arts programs, such as violin, graphic arts, gardening, band, chorus, visual arts, leadership, dance, and theater alongside core academic subjects. The educators and staff at ATMSA are committed to fostering a passion for learning while nurturing students' inherent creativity, aiming to cultivate a holistic educational experience.

Principal History

• Dr. Pam Hightower
• Tiffany Williams
• Jennifer Ricardo
• Dr. Iris Wilson
• Ross Witherspoon
• Freda Winn
• Rachel Hemmerly
• Gloria Gant