Dixon Elementary History

Dixon Elementary School, home of the Bulldogs, is located in Holly Ridge, North Carolina, and serves the rapidly growing communities of North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry, and Holly Ridge. The current elementary school building opened in 1990, originally serving grades K–3. By 1992, the building housed all students in grades K–5. A classroom addition in 1999 and a bond-funded 11-classroom wing in 2008 allowed the school to accommodate increasing enrollment while reducing reliance on learning cottages. The average daily membership now stands at approximately 800 students, with about 63% identified as federally connected, largely due to the school's proximity to Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station, and MARSOC at Stone Bay.

Before the current facility was built, the elementary school operated on what is now the Dixon Middle School campus. Originally, the Dixon School housed grades K–12 before Dixon High School opened in 1967. The original campus later became Dixon Middle School and included elementary grades until the current DES building was completed.

In 2019, due to overcrowding, 5th grade students were temporarily relocated to Dixon Middle School. However, with the opening of Coastal Elementary School in 2021, the student population was divided and 5th grade returned to Dixon Elementary School, restoring it as a Pre-K through 5th grade school. The campus continues to adapt to the needs of its growing community.

The school has a rich history of strong leadership. In the 2010–2011 school year, Mrs. Peggy Kelley served as principal until her retirement in 2014. Mr. Glenn Reed then served as principal, during which time the school earned several notable distinctions: designation as a School of Global Stewardship, recognition as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, and receiving the Purple Star Award for military family support. In 2021, Mr. Reed transitioned to lead Onslow Virtual Elementary School, and Mrs. Teah Bulris was named principal. Under Mrs. Bulris' leadership, DES has maintained its Lighthouse, Global Stewardship, and Purple Star statuses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to its strong academics and leadership, Dixon Elementary maintains meaningful community and educational partnerships. The school collaborates with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Coastal Carolina Community College, and East Carolina University’s teacher training programs, bringing innovative teaching practices to the classroom and supporting the development of future educators.

During the 2022–2023 school year, Dixon Elementary was proudly adopted by the Marine Corps Medical Battalion, strengthening its connection with the military community.

At Dixon Elementary School, our commitment to excellence is rooted in our shared belief that every student has the potential to dream big, be empowered through learning, and succeed in all they do. 

As we honor our rich history and embrace the future, we remain dedicated to growing strong Bulldog leaders—today and for generations to come.