Donelson Elementary, a K-5 school, opened its doors in Arlington in 2009 to alleviate overcrowding at Arlington Elementary School. But in its short existence, DES has quickly earned a positive reputation in the community, state and region.

DES truly excemplifies its motto: Dedicated to Excellence for Students. The school has a pattern of academic excellence and continues to be recognized for its successes. Every year since its opening, DES has achieved straight A's on the State Report Card. In years 2014-2016, DES earned the distinction of being a Tennessee Reward School for student achievement. We were also named an A+ School in Elementary Math by the Memphis Business Journal and the 3rd best elementary school in the state by schooldigger.com.

Donelson Elementary, which now serves more than 850 students, joined the Arlington Community Schools system in 2014 when the citizens of Arlington voted to forms its own school district. DES is now part of a four-school system that also includes Arlington Elementary, Middle and High Schools.