August 23, 2023

For Immediate Release

For additional Information, Contact:

Steve Doremus, Hamilton County Schools Communications Officer
Email: doremus_s@hcde.org

Hamilton County Schools Accelerates in

Academic Achievement and Growth
Hamilton County Schools (HCS) values putting students at the center, leading
to positive student learning outcomes on state assessments. HCS students far
exceeded the state’s academic growth standard for the year, earning the top
designation of being a Level 5 school system.

Earlier this year, the district announced continued improvements in

proficiency from TNReady results. The newly released Tennessee Value-Added
Assessment System (TVAAS) data adds to the district's expanding record of
academic achievement, showing that the students in Hamilton County are
growing significantly faster than their peers across the state.

"I am incredibly proud of our students and staff," said HCS Superintendent Dr.
Justin Robertson. "At Hamilton County Schools, we believe all students can
learn, and we are tasked with creating the conditions, resources, and
opportunities for strong learning to occur. Today’s TVAAS results highlight the
effectiveness of our teachers and their dedication to helping children thrive by
providing students with personalized learning opportunities that remove
barriers."

In addition to being honored as a Level 5 district, HCS received Level 5

designation in the areas of Literacy and Social Studies, Level 4 in Science, and
Level 2 in Math. The accomplishments in Literacy reflect the successful three
year implementation of the new English Language Arts curriculum. While this
data shows an opportunity for growth in Math, the district is confident that
the implementation of a new math curriculum will begin to deliver increased
growth in math learning.
 Hamilton County Schools
2020-'21 2021-'22 2022-'23
Composite 5 1 5
Literacy 5 1 5
Numeracy 5 1 2
Science 1 4
Social Studies 4 5

These extraordinary results follow the summer release of TNReady assessment

data, where HCS outperformed the state in 22 of 28 subject areas. Together,
the 2023 growth and proficiency data signal that not only are Hamilton
County students learning, they are learning faster.

Hamilton County Schools

Increase Increase
2020-’21 2021-’22 2022-’23 over 2022 over State
ELA 31.3% 36.8% 39.5% 2.7% 1.5%
Math 30.1% 31.9% 35.8% 3.9% 2.0%
Science 41.4% 40.6% 44.7% 4.1% 1.6%
Social
Studies 40.2% 44.0% 45.5% 1.5% 2.4%

"Our students in Hamilton County are showing exceptional growth and

learning," said Dr. Sonia Stewart, Deputy Superintendent. "The combination of
growth and proficiency data highlights the success of Hamilton County
academics. Our teachers are providing high-quality instruction and meeting
the needs of all students, and because of this, our students are meeting and
exceeding academic standards. "

Twenty-seven schools in Hamilton County earned Level 5 distinction. These

outstanding results are a testament to the district's commitment to academic
press and personalization, which allowed schools to narrow their focus in
order to accelerate student learning. The TVAAS data affirms that as a district
HCS is seeing accelerated student growth and improvements in student
achievement, which support the district’s goals to decrease learning gaps and
move more students to proficiency. As we head into the first full year of
Opportunity 2030, we believe that our commitments to Every Student
Learning and Every Student Belonging will continue to drive excellence in our
classrooms.
HCS Level 5 Schools:

● Alpine Crest Elementary School

● Apison Elementary School
● Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts
● Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence
● Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence Middle
● Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
● Chattanooga Preparatory School
● Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences Upper
● Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts
● Daisy Elementary School
● East Hamilton High School
● East Lake Academy of Fine Arts
● East Lake Elementary School
● East Side Elementary School
● Hixson Elementary School
● Hixson High School
● Loftis Middle School
● Lookout Mountain Elementary School
● Middle Valley Elementary School
● Normal Park Museum Magnet School
● Red Bank High School
● STEM School Chattanooga
● The Howard School
● Tommie F. Brown Academy
● Tyner Academy
● Westview Elementary School
● Wolftever Creek Elementary School