State names 13 Reward Schools, 13 Level 5 Schools, removes Brainerd High from Priority List.

HCS receives a Satisfactory rating for its accountability efforts

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (Press Release) – 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