Atwood Elementary
At Atwood Elementary School, we are proud to be a community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our strong sense of Gator Pride is evident the moment you walk through our doors. Students, staff, and families work together to create a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all.
As a Leader in Me school, we intentionally teach leadership skills and habits that empower students to take ownership of their learning, build confidence, and develop a growth mindset. Our Atwood leaders learn how to set goals, collaborate with others, and make positive choices that extend far beyond the classroom. These skills, combined with high-quality instruction, have led to consistent academic growth in both literacy and mathematics, something we are extremely proud of.
Atwood Elementary is also deeply connected to our community. We are fortunate to have a highly active and dedicated Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) that partners with the school to support students and staff. Throughout the year, the PTC hosts a variety of family events that are well attended and help strengthen the relationships that make our school such a special place.
In addition, our Kindness Matters campaign is woven into the fabric of our school culture. Through lessons, celebrations, and daily interactions, we teach and promote kindness, ensuring every student feels valued, respected, and included.
Together, we are proud to serve our community and inspire every Atwood Gator to lead, learn, and succeed.
history
Atwood Origins - The oldest member of the L'Anse Creuse family
During the early-1800's, the area that is now Atwood Elementary School was a farm owned by the Hall Family. The community soon recognized the educational needs of the children in the area and it was decided that a new school was to be built. In 1841 the owner of the Hall farm, John Hall, recorded the deed that would allow William Atwood and Flavel Greenleaf the right to build a school, and the original Atwood School was completed the same year. The one-room school was built on Hall Road and housed students from first through eighth grade.
New Look, Same School
1893
After 50 years in service to the community, the increased population required a bigger building with more space for students to thrive. During the school board meeting held on July 10, 1893, the old one-room schoolhouse was sold to the highest bidder, Charles W. Pinnil, for $45. The new school was built on the same site, and the old school was moved to Mr. Pinnil's farm where it served as a storage shed.
1932
As the area continued to grow, it became necessary to expand Hall road into the four-lane highway we know today. For the safety of the school children, the building was moved 1,500 feet north onto North Branch Road, now known as North Avenue, where it still stands on what was once part of the Hall Farm.
Pictures of Atwood Renovations
Joining L'Anse Creuse
In 1953, the Mount Clemens Community Schools’ Board of Education notified several school districts that within two years it could no longer accept students from the surrounding areas for high school. The Board of Education from each of the affected schools explored the options of providing high school facilities to students graduating from Atwood, Green, Herman Klix, Jefferson and South River elementary schools.
A decision was made to consolidate these five elementary districts, and Atwood Elementary School officially joined L'Anse Creuse Public Schools in 1954.
The Modern Era
In 1957, the school was torn down to make way for a modern 20-room building on the Skillman Farm owned by Mrs. Skillman, the daughter of Mr. Hall. The official dedication for the new building took place on Sunday, January 26, 1958.
Atwood Dedication and Open House - 1957
In the early-2000's, the population around Hall Road had exploded and a new school was needed to fit the demands of the growing community. Ground broke for the "new" Atwood Elementary School in May 2003. In September 2004, the students and staff were able to attend school while awaiting the finalization of the construction. Atwood Elementary School, as we know it today, was officially dedicated on May 1, 2005.
