State names reward schools
“This achievement is just another example of the success and quality of our schools. I am extremely proud of our teachers, students, families and staff for their hard work to ensure success at all levels.”
— JUSTIN ROBERTSON, HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
Nineteen Hamilton County schools ranked among the top public schools in the state for 2022-23, according to data released by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Across the state, 400 schools were recognized as reward schools, the top designation under Tennessee’s school accountability system. Reward school recognition is based on a variety of performance indicators, including student achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism and support for English learners.
“As we said earlier this year, our schools are excellent,” Superintendent Justin Robertson said in a news release. “This achievement is just another example of the success and quality of our schools. I am extremely proud of our teachers, students, families and staff for their hard work to ensure success at all levels.”
Hamilton County saw an increase in reward schools compared to the 2021-22 academic year, during which the district received 13 reward school designations.
Of the 19 reward schools in Hamilton County, most had also been recognized for their performance in one or more of the last five academic years.
Three schools — East Side Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary and Soddy Daisy High — achieved reward status after being deemed targeted support and improvement schools the previous year. That designation identifies schools whose accountability score fell in the bottom 5% statewide for the performance of a specific student group.
The school district in neighboring Bledsoe County was also recognized as one of 12 exemplary districts, the top accountability designation for school districts.