In The Know with Gino: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Receives Top Honors
Graphic Courtesy of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
Chattanooga, Tennessee – In a prestigious recognition of academic excellence and dedication to student success, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) has been honored as one of the top public charter high schools in the state. The accolades came from the Tennessee Charter School Center, which bestowed two significant designations on CGLA: “Overall High School Changemaker” and “Trailblazer Changemaker.”
The Tennessee Charter School Center’s “Overall High School Changemaker” designation is the organization’s highest honor for public charter high schools. CGLA earned this distinction for its exceptional student growth scores, high ready graduate rates, and college-going rates. This recognition underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and fostering a nurturing environment for its students.
Furthermore, CGLA was one of only three public charter high schools to be designated as a “Trailblazer Changemaker.” This accolade particularly acknowledges schools where over half of the student body identifies as economically disadvantaged. CGLA’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for all its students and removing barriers to success played a significant role in securing this recognition.
The school’s extraordinary achievements are evident in the data. In 2022, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy boasted the highest ready graduate rate in the state, an impressive 91.9%. This rate reflects the number of students who graduate while also achieving the essential milestones associated with college and career readiness. The school’s four-year change in ready graduate rates was also ranked in the top 3% of all public schools, further highlighting its consistent pursuit of excellence.
As a result of these outstanding accomplishments, the Tennessee Charter School Center published an in-depth review and case study of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. The report commends the school’s focus on college and career readiness, which is fostered through initiatives such as college visits, a robust mentoring program, and ACT preparation. CGLA’s commitment to equipping its students with the tools for a successful future has earned it praise and recognition from educational authorities.
The celebration of excellence did not end with CGLA, as Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys public charter school, was also honored by the Tennessee Charter School Center. Chattanooga Preparatory School received the “Rising Star” designation, a distinction that recognizes newer public charter high schools that do not yet have graduation or postsecondary data. The school recently welcomed its first 11th-grade class, and this recognition reaffirms its potential to become a driving force for academic achievement and positive change in the community.
The Tennessee Charter School Center’s recognition of these outstanding educational institutions serves as a reminder of the critical role public charter schools play in shaping the future of education and empowering students to reach their fullest potential. Both Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and Chattanooga Preparatory School serve as beacons of hope, exemplifying the transformative power of dedicated educators and engaged students.
