W. G. Rhea Elementary School Information

   W. G. Rhea Elementary School was founded in 1968 as a K-5 school. In 1989, the Paris Special School District decided to cluster its three schools into like grades and Rhea became a K-1 school. In 1995, an addition was built onto Rhea and the second grade moved here to make our school K-2.  A large preschool wing was added and opened in 2008.  Phase one of a three phase construction project was completed in 2012.  Phase one encased the courtyard and added more classroom space to the existing school.  Phase two was completed in 2017.  New traffic lanes and a new wing to house first and second grade classes, a new office area, and a new reading center were constructed.  Phase three was completed in 2018.  Demolition of the old north part of the school happened, 4 new tornado safe classrooms were built, and a new cafeteria was constructed. 

   Our principal is Mr. Chris Hudgins and our assistant principal is Mrs. Lynda Searcy.  Certified, highly qualified teachers teach all of our classes and we have about one educational assistant per every three classes.  We have three Headstart preschool classes (plus two preschool classes for developmentally delayed children), nine kindergarten classes, eight first grade classes, and eight second grade classes. We also have a Comprehensive Development Classes (CDC) to meet the needs of our special learners by providing a smaller, structured learning environment.  Students who need specialized tutoring in reading can visit our R.T.I. (Response to Intervention) teachers for a brief time during the day.  Our class sizes range from 18 to 20 students per class.       

   We have approximately 595 students in our school. Every day, each K-2 class goes to one of the special area classes: S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), library, music, or physical education, for 45 minutes. A guidance counselor is available to consult with individual and groups of students and families. Our students get technology training with our mobile laptop computer labs.  A before and after school program is offered on every school day called Kids Club. Students who participate in Kids Club get organized play time, help with homework, and a healthy snack.