School History

Nesbit Elementary opened its doors to 1,129 students in the fall of 1993. Nesbit Elementary is named for Miss Clara Nesbit, a teacher in Gwinnett County from the early 1920s to the 1960s. Miss Clara’s first teaching experience was in a one-room school house. Well-known for her community service, Miss Clara frequently taught piano lessons and helped adult African-American males learn to read. Even in her retirement, Miss Clara continued to share her love of learning with Gwinnett children as a substitute teacher.

In 1993, Mrs. Connie Greenman-Vance opened Nesbit Elementary and remained as principal until her retirement in June 2002. Succeeding Mrs. Greenman-Vance was Mrs. Cecilia Garcia, who served until Mr. James Rayford was appointed as principal in February 2007. Clayborn Knight was appointed to serve as principal in 2009. The rich diversity of the school began with students representing 43 different countries.

The school has experienced growth over the years and in 2015 it received much-needed relief with the opening of Graves Elementary. With the opening of the new school, Mr. Knight was given the opportunity to open the new school. As he and a number of the school’s students and staff moved to the new school, Dr. Marketa Myers was named to lead Nesbit Elementary. In 2023, Nakia Miller was appointed to serve as principal. 

Over the years, much has changed at Nesbit Elementary. However, one thing remains constant... the school’s pursuit of excellence for students. The school culture is focused on educating, equipping, and empowering students. Clubs such as Robotics, STEM, Music Tech, Earth Patrol, Art, Running and National Junior Beta help students develop as leaders. In addition, the school’s green efforts are evident in the school’s garden and recognition as a Green & Healthy School by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful.

The school has developed strong partnerships between the school and parent community. Dozens of parents regular attend weekly English classes taught in the Nesbit Parent Center. The parent center also provides powerful workshops for parents, helping to foster involvement in their child’s learning at home. The All Pro Dad program helps fathers and father figures stay involved with students.

In addition, the school has earned recognition in a number of areas. It has earned a reputation for teacher development, serving as a proven training ground for the development of new teachers. The school also has earned kudos for its Relay for Life fundraising efforts. Nesbit Elementary was also recognized by the Georgia Department of Education with Emerging status for implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS).