When it comes to K-12 education, every learner is unique. Luckily, Chattanooga offers a number of public, private, and specialty schools to suit a variety of learning styles and educational needs. Both our private institutions and our public Hamilton County School system are committed to providing quality education, opportunities for accelerated learning, and high graduation rates.

Hamilton County Schools remain dedicated to the goal of preparing students for success beyond the classroom. As a result of the Future Ready 2023 initiative, 89.5% of Hamilton County students in the class of 2023 graduated on time according to the Tennessee Department of Education – a stark improvement from the 86.6% graduation rate in 2018 when the initiative began. The continued success of the program is a testament to Chattanooga’s community values as our educators, local business owners, and the community at large have come together to support our students.

With the goal of making Hamilton County Schools the fastest-improving district in Tennessee, college and career advisors are available throughout the district, along with opportunities for students to participate in advanced, dual enrollment, and STEAM classes. Students have opportunities to earn transferable credits to jumpstart their college education and increase their chances of success in postsecondary education.

Students also have unique opportunities to gain real-world experience in a number of highly competitive career fields. In partnership with local businesses such as Rock City, U.S. Xpress, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, EPB, as well as local hospitals, a total of 28 Future Ready Institutes have been established in high schools throughout Hamilton County. These institutes provide programs of study that allow students to get hands-on experience in a variety of industries, such as entrepreneurship, aviation, engineering, business and marketing, healthcare, robotics, logistics, and more.

Hamilton County also offers the School Choice program, an individualized approach to education designed to help all students develop a passion for learning and pursue their unique dreams. This program allows open enrollment in schools that have seats available, giving students access to educational opportunities beyond the limits of their neighborhoods’ officially zoned schools. With this program, students can choose between college and career programs, magnet schools, Future Ready Institutes, charter schools, and more. This program will expand in the 2024-2025 school year to offer choice seats in over 70 schools.

There are 10 magnet schools in Hamilton County with concentrations in liberal arts, fine arts, science, environmental science, math, and technology. Additionally, six charter schools, as well as several specialty and public K-12 schools, provide specialized educational opportunities in the area. Hamilton County is also home to more than 38 private schools, many of which rank among the most prestigious in the country.