Hispanic Population Growing Quickly in Local Schools

CHATTANOOGA, TN. (WDEF-TV)- The focus in Hamilton county schools in recent years has been on lowering the drop-out rate and improving schools in low income areas.
Add to that list the changes that will become necessary as large numbers of immigrants fill the classrooms.

RICK SMITH, HCDE, SUPERINTENDENT "We’re a community that is seeing diversity growing..all throughout our community."

Smith says that’s especially true of the 23rd street, Dodds Avenue corridor.

RICK SMITH "Here are our schools in that area…Clifton Hills, 52% Hispanic right now. Every one out of 2 children attending school at Clifton Hills is hispanic. East Lake elementary..44% hispanic, East Side elementary…63% hispanic."

But perhaps the biggest surprise to many is what’s happening at Howard High School.

RICK SMITH "Howard High School today is at 28% hispanic." "But here’s …98 kids out of 220 in the freshman class are hispanic….do the math on that one."

Howard Principal Zac Brown puts the numbers at 70-30, and the school now has a strong English as a second language program.

ZAC BROWN, PRINCIPAL, HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL "Going in for the second year..the program…you know its been a challenge in a sense for our teachers because some of our students..they need that support..that language barrier has been an issue we’ve had to deal with."

Hispanics are coming to Hamilton county because of jobs and they are living in the Howard zone.

ZAC BROWN "Its been a smooth transition for African American kids, caucasian kids, hispanic kids..because honestly, they live in the same neighborhood."

Smith believes that hispanic population shift, will also impact local schools from now on out.