The original school opened on September 13, 1949 at 5401 West 60th Street, where Mack Trucking is now.  Jane Addams Elementary moved to the current location in 1961.  An addition was added on the east wing in October 1966.  A new school library was added in 2002.

 The school was named for Jane Addams who   was one of many reformers dedicated to social change at the turn of the century. Her primary contribution was the founding and managing of a settlement house called Hull House. Hull House was founded in 1889 in the slums of Chicago.

A settlement house was a means to mitigate the harsh conditions of poverty found in the cities. The house would be staffed by trained social workers who also lived in the house. These workers would do whatever they could to help their neighbors. They would educate them through lectures and providing books, they would care for the children, they would honor and care for the elderly. They pushed for legislative reforms like child labor laws and clean streets. They did what they could to facilitate the integration of immigrants into the United States, and above all they provided a place for people to get together just to socialize.

In recognition of her efforts, Jane Addams was awarded the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize.