Tom Joy Elementary School began in 1937 after the death of Mr. Thomas S. Joy, Sr. His property in the East Nashville area was divided among his heirs, and all of his real estate was sold. Because the neighborhood badly needed anther county school, and because a good school would enhance the surrounding real estate, a large tract of land, running from Lischey Avenue to Jones Avenue, was deeded to Davidson County to be used for a school. A building, modest in size, was constructed and dedicated in 1937. The school was named for Thomas H. Joy who had put much time and thought into the transaction involved in the donation of the property for the new school. He died shortly before the dedication of the new school.

Classes began in September of 1937. There were six classrooms, a lunchroom and approximately 260 students. The school was designed to offer eight grades, but because of an unexpectedly large enrollment, the building proved to be inadequate. The seventh and eight grades were sent to other schools with the promise that more room would be added. In 1938, part of the lunchroom was converted into classrooms. When school opened in the fall of 1939, two new classrooms and playroom had been added. Further additions were made during the years 1954-57.

With the clustering and pairing of schools to achieve racial balance, Tom Joy became a kindergarten through second grade school in 1971. In 1983, Tom Joy was changed to a kindergarten through sixth grade school following the neighborhood concept. It is one of the few “walk in” schools in the county school system.

In January, 1989, the student body and staff moved into the new building at 2201 Jones Avenue. Since then, this facility has continued to serve the youth of the community. Due to a new zoning plan, Tom Joy became a kindergarten through fourth grade elementary school during the 2000-01 school year.