Best Public Schools in Chattanooga, TN

The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee is home to a diverse school district with 48 schools, including 25 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 13 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The district faces a mix of high-performing and low-performing schools, with significant disparities in academic achievement across the system.

Several schools stand out as exceptional performers, including Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper, which ranks 94th out of 389 high schools in Tennessee and has a 5-star rating. Other top-performing schools are STEM School Chattanooga, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, and Normal Park Museum Magnet School. These specialized schools demonstrate exceptional test scores, with 60-90% of students proficient or better in core academic areas.

However, the district as a whole faces significant challenges, ranking 87th out of 139 in Hamilton County and earning a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. Chronic absenteeism is a concern across the district, ranging from 18.9% to 18.9%. Additionally, there is a wide disparity in per-student spending, from $11,988 to $23,299, with the highest-performing schools receiving the most resources. Addressing these systemic inequities will be crucial for improving educational outcomes for all students in Chattanooga.