History and Vision
Belfast Elementary began as a one-room log school in 1885. In 1890, a new site was purchased and a three-room weather board school was constructed. In 1899, the building burned to the ground, giving rise to the new school called Stuart Institute, named after H.C. Stuart who donated the land. In 1939, the present school was built and named Belfast School with the White family presented the land. In 1959, 1977, and 1988 additions were added to the building. In the summer of 2009, Belfast Elementary School was completely renovated including the roof, floor tile, and the heating/cooling system. As present, Belfast Elementary serves grades PreK-2 with 6 classrooms, computer lab, library, cafeteria, auditorium, mobile unit, and two offices.
Elk Garden Elementary, the oldest school building in Russell County, was built in 1916. It provided the first school lunch program in the county. A covered wagon drawn by a horse furnished by Governor Stuart and driven by one of the students was the first school bus in the county. Elk Garden served as a Junior High School from 1917 to 1927. In 1957, the all-purpose room was constructed to serve as a cafeteria, auditorium, and physical education facility. At present, Elk Garden Elementary serves grades 3-6 with 6 classrooms, library, computer lab, STEM lab/band room, two offices, and cafeteria/PE facility. Recently, the roof and tile in the main building and cafeteria were replaced.
The Belfast-Elk Garden school buildings are two of the oldest and longest used in Russell County. Each site was an individual school serving grades 1-7 until 1964 when they were merged as one school. Both buildings are located northeast of Lebanon on Route 19 and serve approximately 200 students.