About JICES

Welcome to James Irwin Elementary - Canada Drive

School Overview

James Irwin Elementary School - Canada Drive (JIES-CD) is a Kindergarten through 5th grade elementary school with the James Irwin Charter Schools’ brand of academic excellence and character development. Key to this excellence is the teaching of Core Knowledge™ using Direct Instruction™. The curriculum and methodology have been successfully used in other James Irwin Charter Schools, and this has been enormously successful in producing high academic performance. This performance has afforded James Irwin Charter Schools the honor of the John Irwin School of Excellence Award in the State of Colorado, meaning they all have measured success that places them in the top 8 percent of schools in the State.

A Note from Mrs. Janiece Primrose - Principal

Hi! My name is Janiece Primrose, and I have the privilege of being the Principal at James Irwin Elementary School – Canada Drive. I was born and raised here in beautiful eastern Colorado, where my family have been ranchers and farmers since 1878. It was from my family that I learned hard work, grit, and determination. My husband and I grew up together in the same family church where we were later married. We have four children who are now grown.

I attended Pikes Peak Community (State) College where I received my associate degree in early childhood education. I then transferred to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs where I graduated with a major in history and an emphasis in Special Education.

I have had the honor of serving students in the Colorado Springs community since 2005. Began as an elementary teacher assistant and then a special education assistant before receiving my teaching licensure in Special Education. My subsequent experience as a special education leader in a major school district in Colorado Springs gave me valuable insight and grew my passion and focus to do what is best for students. By far the most fulfilling move I made was becoming a teacher at James Irwin in 2021 teaching 6th grade history, character, and keyboarding at the PTEC campus. During my time at PTEC, I taught 6th/10th grade world history, 7th grade English, and 6th grade character along with many leadership roles that included lead teacher and instructional coach.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be at James Irwin Charter Schools where my morals and values algin with the mission and vision statements. I believe all students can learn and want to learn. It is an honor to work at James Irwin, alongside like-minded individuals that are dedicated, caring and knowledgeable educators.

With gratitude,

Janiece Primrose

Principal – JIES Canada Drive Campus

Chloe Whatley - Assistant Principal

Chloe Whatley first began her journey for James Irwin Charter Schools as an instructional assistant. After realizing just how strong her passion for working with children was, she moved into a homeroom teaching position for the 2nd grade. While working with 2nd grade students, Chloe discovered that she truly enjoyed working with students who needed more support. It was this discovery that fueled her journey to becoming the Special Education teacher after earning her Masters of Education in Special Education. As more changes arose, Chloe was then presented with an opportunity to help James Irwin become larger, and accepted the position of Assistant Principal Intern, as to learn how to be the best she can be and help open up the new James Irwin Elementary School Campus. She is so thrilled ot be a part of this new chapter and cannot wait to be the Assistant Principal for JIES-Canada Drive!

Chloe Whatley has earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Networking Security from Stevens-Henager College and her Masters of Education in Special Education from Colorado Christian University. She is currently obtaining another Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Colorado Christian University and is expected to graduate December 2025.