School Information
Office Information
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Student Hours: 9:10 a.m.–3:55 p.m.
Office: 804-378-2530
Clinic: 804-378-2533
Fax: 804-378-5182
Our Stats
School Mascot ~ Coal Miner
School Colors ~ Blue and Gold
Enrollment approximately ~ 950
Bell Schedule
Arrival
9:15 a.m. Breakfast is served. Students may enter the classroom.
9:25 a.m. Tardy Bell
Dismissal
3:55 p.m. School ends. Parent pickup begins in the gym.
On 3 hour early release days, school ends at 12:55 p.m.
On 2 hour inclement weather delay days, students arrive at 11:15 a.m.
Welcome to Watkins Elementary
Our History
J. B. Watkins Elementary School is named in honor of John Benjamin Watkins (1855–1931), founder of Watkins Nursery. Mr. Watkins served as a member and later Rector of the Board of Visitors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.). He was also a Virginia State Senator from 1904 to 1912 and again from 1927 to 1931.
Located in a rapidly developing area of Chesterfield County, J. B. Watkins Elementary has experienced steady growth in student population as the surrounding community becomes increasingly suburban. Today, it is one of the largest elementary schools in the county.
Since 2002, J. B. Watkins has maintained full accreditation and remains committed to academic excellence.
Beginning in the fall of 2025, we will introduce a house system designed to foster a strong sense of community, belonging, and positive school culture. Students will be divided into gem-themed houses, encouraging connections across grade levels. This new system will also create meaningful opportunities for staff and teachers to engage with students beyond academics, helping to build relationships that support a thriving school environment.