Exceeds State Growth Expectations for Learning – Earning Level 5 in All Content Areas
November 12, 2026 – Hamilton County Schools (HCS) earned a Level 5 district TVAAS rating for the 2025–2026 school year, as well as Level 5 growth scores in all five tested content areas: Literacy, Numeracy, Literacy & Numeracy, Science, and Social Studies. Additionally, 78% of Hamilton County public schools received a Level 3, 4, or 5 TVAAS rating, indicating students either met or exceeded the state’s growth expectations.
As a measure of student growth over time, TVAAS ratings are one of two primary learning markers used to evaluate student, school, and district success. Over the previous two years, the district sustained a Level 3 rating, showcasing that students have been meeting state growth expectations. This year’s Level 5 rating indicates students grew significantly above state expectations in the most recent academic year, highlighting continued forward progress of district learning momentum.
“The continued success Hamilton County Schools is seeing in both growth and achievement is evidence of a healthy district,” said HCS Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson. “I encourage our families, community partners, business owners, and leaders in Chattanooga and Hamilton County to join me in celebrating this achievement. Please take the time to thank an educator; this work is incremental, but it isn’t easy. I’m incredibly proud of the outstanding efforts of our educators and school leaders for making this possible. Student success in our public schools is critical to the vitality of our community in the long term.”
In June, HCS announced districtwide proficiency gains on the 2026 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.
Supporting Growth Through Strong Instruction
HCS continues to build on its Tier 1 First work, which focuses on strong core instruction for each and every student and ensures students have access to grade-level curriculum with high expectations.
“Our growth data, combined with our most recent release of TCAP proficiency, shows that our students are sustaining momentum in their learning,” said Dr. Blake Freeman, Chief of Academics. “High-quality instructional materials are one of the most important tools we can use to ensure students have the opportunity to grow. Students must access grade-level content that pushes their thinking forward, regardless of where they start. It is our job to integrate those materials in the classroom and create access to grade-level content for all students.”
This year, the district is expanding our Tier 1 First focus to include Accelerate and Elevate, a strategy that supports efforts to ensure all students are challenged and have opportunities to grow toward content mastery.
“Excellent educators have a powerful impact on students’ lives,” said Dr. Zac Brown, Deputy Superintendent. “This growth result is the outcome of the skill, care, and commitment educators bring to their classrooms. Students thrive when educators set high expectations and believe that they can meet them through strong instruction, meaningful support, and opportunities to engage with challenging, grade-level content. When these conditions exist, students can — and do — continue to grow.”
Growth for All Students
Additional success metrics in the HCS TVAAS growth data include growth at level 3 or higher across all student grade bands and all student groups, including student demographic groups and economically disadvantaged students.
“In Hamilton County Schools, we firmly believe all students can learn,” said Dr. Elaine Harper, Chief of Schools. “Our students bring different strengths and barriers into our school buildings, and our school leaders work to understand and respond to both. Principals are the single most important factor in a successful school climate and culture. I’m so proud of our school leaders for the work they do every day that empowers educators, connects students, and strengthens communities. Our data reflects what we already know: when we have leaders who intentionally create the right conditions for learning, all students can achieve and grow.”
HCS will continue to use growth and achievement data to evaluate which learning strategies are working, identify areas for continued focus, and support students across the district.
Celebrating Our Schools
In 2025-2026, 78% of Hamilton County public schools received a Level 3, 4, or 5 TVAAS rating, indicating students either met or exceeded the state’s growth expectations. This number increased by 13 schools compared to the previous year, and 11 additional schools earned a Level 5.
Level 3, 4, and 5 Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year:
- Alpine Crest Elementary School
- Apison Elementary School
- Battle Academy for Teaching and Learning
- Bess T Shepherd Elementary School
- Big Ridge Elementary School
- Brainerd High School
- Brown Middle School
- Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy
- Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts
- Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Lower
- Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Upper
- Chattanooga School For The Liberal Arts
- Clifton Hills Elementary School
- Daisy Elementary School
- Dalewood Middle School
- East Hamilton High School
- East Hamilton Middle School
- East Lake Academy Of Fine Arts
- East Lake Elementary School
- East Ridge High School
- East Ridge Middle School
- East Side Elementary School
- Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State
- Harrison Elementary School
- Hixson High School
- Howard Connect Academy
- Hunter Middle School
- Loftis Middle School
- Lookout Mountain Elementary School
- Lookout Valley Elementary School
- McConnell Elementary School
- Middle Valley Elementary School
- Normal Park Museum Magnet School
- North Hamilton County Elementary School
- Ooltewah Elementary School
- Ooltewah High School
- Ooltewah Middle School
- Orchard Knob Elementary School
- Orchard Knob Middle School
- Red Bank Elementary School
- Red Bank Middle School
- Rivermont Elementary School
- Sale Creek Middle / High School
- Snow Hill Elementary School
- Soddy Daisy Middle School
- Soddy Elementary School
- Spring Creek Elementary School
- STEM School Chattanooga
- The Howard School
- Thrasher Elementary School
- Tommie F. Brown Academy School
- Tyner Middle High Academy
- Wallace A. Smith Elementary School
- Westview Elementary School
- Wolftever Creek Elementary School
- Woodmore Elementary School
