Hamilton County Schools Shine in Tennessee’s Top Education Rankings
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
In The Know with Gino…
In a recent report released by the Tennessee Department of Education, Hamilton County Schools have made a notable mark in the state’s public education landscape for the 2022-2023 academic year. According to the report, a total of 19 schools from the county have secured positions in the upper echelons of Tennessee’s educational hierarchy, marking a significant increase from the preceding year’s count of thirteen recognized schools.
The recognition comes as part of Tennessee’s rigorous school accountability system, wherein schools are evaluated based on various performance metrics including student achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, and support for English learners. This year, a total of 400 schools across the state received the coveted designation of “reward schools,” signifying the highest level of achievement within the system.
Among the distinguished institutions in Hamilton County are Alpine Crest Elementary, Apison Elementary School, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga Preparatory School, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, East Hamilton High School, East Lake Elementary, East Side Elementary, Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State, Loftis Middle School, Lookout Mountain Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary, Soddy Daisy High School, STEM School Chattanooga, Thrasher Elementary, Tyner Academy, Wallace A. Smith Elementary, and Westview Elementary.
Remarkably, many of these schools have consistently demonstrated excellence over the past five academic years, showcasing the enduring commitment to educational quality within the county.
Notably, three schools—East Side Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary, and Soddy Daisy High—have ascended to reward status for the 2022-23 academic year after being designated as targeted support and improvement schools the previous year. This designation, reserved for schools whose overall accountability scores fell within the bottom 5% statewide for specific student groups, underscores the transformative efforts undertaken to enhance student outcomes.
The accolades extend beyond individual schools, as the neighboring Bledsoe County School District also received recognition as one of twelve exemplary districts, securing the top accountability designation for school districts in the state.
The commendable performance of Hamilton County Schools underscores the dedication and diligence of educators, administrators, and students alike, reaffirming the county’s commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all its residents.
