Summary:
ZIP code 37403 contains one high school, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper, which serves grades 6–12 and is part of Hamilton County Schools, a district ranked in the 43rd percentile statewide.
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper is a standout performer in Tennessee, ranking 64th out of 400 high schools (84th percentile) with a 4-star rating in 2025–2026, and its state rank has improved steadily from 96th to 64th over the past three years. The school boasts a 99% graduation rate, a 1% dropout rate, and chronic absenteeism of just 9.1%—roughly half the district and state rates. Academically, it outperforms both Hamilton County Schools and Tennessee state averages across nearly every tested subject, with especially large advantages in English II (87.4% proficient vs. 58.1% statewide), Algebra II (68.5% vs. 37.3%), Social Studies (74.8% vs. 51.4%), and Science (65.7% vs. 46.9%). The school’s middle-grade component also shows strong results, with 8th grade science and social studies proficiency rates far above state averages.
While the school’s overall profile is excellent, there are a few caveats. Year-over-year proficiency dipped in 2025–2026 compared to the prior year in math, ELA, and science, though scores remain well above state norms. Some advanced course-level scores—such as 8th grade Algebra I, 9th grade Geometry, and 10th grade Geometry—are below state averages, which may reflect a broader, less selective group of students taking these courses rather than weaker instruction. Spending per student is $16,140, with no district comparison available, and free/reduced lunch data and student-teacher ratios are not reported. Overall, this is a high-performing school with a strong support culture, but families should watch the recent proficiency trend and consider how course placement affects specific test results.
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