Our Schools

With the exception of Barger Academy, Spring Creek Elementary and the East Ridge schools, Brainerd students are zoned for schools within the district’s Opportunity Zone, which provides more staff, targeted support and a heightened urgency for improvement in the system’s struggling schools.

Barger Academy of Fine Arts (preK-5)

Enrollment: 358

Students on track or at mastery: 18.9% Level of student growth: 3 out of 5 in English language arts; 3 out of 5 in math

› Barger Academy is the only elementary school in Hamilton County with a dance and drama educator for K-fifth graders and integrates a higher standard of arts-based classes into daily learning, according to its website. The school also offers a garden and outdoor classroom to provide students with a fun and exciting environment to learn and develop their curiosity. A longrange plan for the district calls for moving zoned students to nearby Woodmore Elementary and fine arts students to Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts in another part of town, and replacing the existing building with a brand-new CTE center for the district’s vocational programs.

East Ridge Elementary (preK-5)

Enrollment: 1,064

Students on track or at mastery: 26.7% Level of student growth: 5 out of 5 in English language arts; 5 out of 5 in math

› The school has one of the largest — and most diverse — school populations in Hamilton County, according to its website. Over 25 languages are spoken at the school. A long-range facilities plan for the district recommends transferring some students to nearby Woodmore Elementary, after its proposed renovation. In 2020, ERES was named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, one of only five in the state and 300 worldwide. The Leader in Me process teaches children leadership principles through direct lessons that encourage students to think critically. And ERES is one of several elementary schools across the district with the Chattanooga Symphony’s Strings in Schools program for students.