CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (Sept. 12, 2022) – The latest release of Hamilton County student testing data from the Tenn. Department of Education shows 13 local schools that earned Reward School status, one school that exited the state’s Priority List, and an overall rating of Satisfactory for the District’s accountability efforts.
Additionally, 13 Hamilton County schools are being recognized as Level 5 schools for the academic growth shown by their students during the spring testing period.
“We are pleased to see the continued growth of students in Hamilton County,” said HCS Superintendent Dr. Just Robertson. “However, as we have said throughout the analysis of 2021-22 test data, there is much work left for us to do. We will continue our efforts to better connect with our students so we can provide them with the supports they need to
thrive. In terms of the District’s Accountability status, it is important to note that we earned a rating of Satisfactory, but our focus will continue to be on providing opportunities and access across all grade levels throughout the district to move the achievement and growth needles in a positive direction for all students.”
District Accountability evaluates six indicators and weighs them equally to determine a school system’s performance. The six indicators are grades 3-5 success rate, grades 6-8 success rate, grades 9-12 success rate, chronically out of school rates, English
Language proficiency assessment results, and graduation rate. For Hamilton County, both achievement and student group determinations were designated as Satisfactory.
Brainerd High School was removed from the state’s list of Priority Schools based on its 2021-22 performance. Priority Schools are those with scores indicating they are in the lowest-performing five percent of schools across the state or have a graduation rate less than 67 percent.
“Brainerd High School exiting the Priority List is an example of how connecting with our students and a focus on academic press and personalization can impact the outcomes of our students,” said HCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart. “Brainerd is a very proud community that has rallied around its high school to provide support in a variety of ways, all of which help build the foundation for greater success in the future.”
Thirteen Hamilton County Schools were recognized today as Reward Schools, a designation for schools that showed exemplary performance and/or progress in academics, attendance, graduation rate, and college readiness. HCS Reward Schools are:
- Bess T. Shepherd Elementary
- Big Ridge Elementary
- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts
- Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences Upper
- Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State
- Hixson Elementary
- Lookout Mountain Elementary
- Lookout Valley Elementary
- STEM School Chattanooga
- Thrasher Elementary
- Westview Elementary
- Woodmore Elementary
Hamilton County schools recognized as Level 5 Schools are:
- Bess T. Shepherd Elementary
- Central High
- Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence
- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts
- Chattanooga Preparatory School
- Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences Upper
- East Hamilton High
- Hixson Elementary
- Lookout Mountain Elementary
- Ooltewah Middle
- Red Bank High
- Tyner Academy
Eight Hamilton County schools appear on the state’s list of Priority Schools. They are:
- Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy
- Dalewood Middle
- East Lake Academy of Fine Arts
- Hamilton County Virtual School
- Hardy Elementary
- Orchard Knob Elementary
- Orchard Knob Middle
- The Howard School