East Knox County Elementary School was built in 1978 to replace four surrounding community schools: Skaggston Elementary, John Sevier Elementary, Mascot School, and Clear Springs, which had previously closed. East Knox originally served grades Kindergarten through eighth. The first principal of East Knox County Elementary was Dr. David Wetzel. Since his administration, there have been seven principals: Ms. Judy Cupp, Mr. Scott Haynes, Ms. Susan Dunlap, Ms. Darlene Justice, Ms. Barbara Clark, Ms. Kay Dawson, and Ms. Kristi Woods.