In 1976 Elkins First Ward Elementary School opened as part of the Randolph County Schools System. The unique design is due to the energy crisis the country was experiencing during those years. The earth mound around the outside of the building and windows that do not open were going to save heating costs. The board members at the time of construction were: Elmer Goddin, President, C.M. Dolly Jr., Richard Gadd, Ralph McDonald, Mrs. E. Clifton Hyre, and J.J. Meadows Superintendent.

The school name was later changed to Jennings Randolph Elementary School to honor the late Jennings Randolph, a West Virginia United States Senator. A letter, dated 4-30-85, from President Ronald Reagan states, "By naming this school in honor of former Senator Jennings Randolph you pay tribute to a West Virginia Patriot and one of the nation's supreme public statesmen."