School used to be reading, writing and arithmetic but today’s parents know that the world is different and the tools our children require for success are light years ahead of even one generation ago.  Local government, national government, advocacy organizations and educational research advances have taught parents how critical a good education is to our future and are working to improve how children learn.

Hamilton County students have unique opportunities to learn and 15 area magnet schools, each with its own unique characteristics, share a commitment to providing engaging instruction for all students.

The core curriculum for each school is supported by the required parental involvement that creates a progressive learning environment.

Most of the county’s 15 magnet schools offer admission through an annual Lottery Process and parents can apply online or in person through January 31.  Parents are encouraged to apply online at http://www.hcde.org/magnet.  This HCDE lottery is processed in a computerized system and students are randomly selected for available seats at schools based on their preferences.

Magnet schools are schools of choice. Serving as models for improvement, they provide students with opportunities to succeed academically in a diverse environment with the opportunities available from local, state and federal grant programs.  The innovation, enthusiasm and dynamic atmosphere of learning are on display at Chattanooga’s magnet schools.  Exhibit nights and the upcoming Magnet School Showcase reflect the high level of learning that characterize all 15 of Chattanooga’s magnet schools.

Admission to a magnet school can be gained through lottery application unless a family lives in the school’s attendance zone.  Visit www.HCDE.org to learn more about each magnet school program and to determine the attendance zone.

Expeditionary Learning

Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy, East Lake Academy of Fine Arts and Howard School of Academics and Technology all practice the expeditionary learning model.  Expeditionary learning emphasizes five core practices, the parent involvement component completing a revolutionary model in learning.  Learning expeditions, a school culture of character, leadership, structure and the emphasis on collaborative learning translate into a dynamic environment at these three magnet schools.

Paideia Magnet Schools

There are two Paideia magnet schools that do not participate in the HCDE lottery process, using an admission process that reflects a commitment to supporting a diverse student population.  Chattanooga Schools for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) and Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (CSLA) have an application process available on a first-come, first-served basis in the fall prior to the school year requested.  Students are placed on a waiting list and invited as space becomes available.

Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts was named the top magnet school in the country by the Magnet Schools of America organization, the second school in Chattanooga to earn that incredible distinction.   Additionally, CSLA was named the National Parent Involvement School of Excellence by the National PTA.

Normal Park Museum Magnet School celebrates learning on two historic campuses and has been lauded nationally as the top magnet school in the country.  It’s successful partnership with museums and the Chattanooga community draws legislators, educators, administrators and leaders from communities worldwide to learn how to replicate the success reflected in the student achievements.

Visit HCDE Magnet Schools on January 18 from 9 am – noon.  Each HCDE magnet school will be open for tours and questions during this Magnet School Showcase.

Visit online at www.HCDE.org or www.chattanoogaparentmagazine.com for a comprehensive description of each school – visit them on January 18 between 9 am and 12 noon to start the adventure of your child’s education.  Call each school for more information.

Magnet School Contacts

Barger Academy:  Marie Feely, 209-0348, x 262
Battle Academy: Patty Streip, 209-5747, x 228
Brainerd High School: Karen Jackson, 855-2615, x 2244
Brown Academy: Shadrina Booker, 209-5760, x 238
Center for Creative Arts:  Sarah Malone, 209-5952
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences: Jennifer White, 209-5814
Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts: Cori Hasden, 855-2669
Donaldson Environmental Science Academy: Jerri Fritz, 825-7337
East Lake Academy:  Reginald Smith, 493-0334, x 231
Howard School: Harolda Bryson, 209-5868
Lakeside Academy:  Sandy Knox, 855-6155
Normal Park Museum Magnet:  Mindy Kral, 209-5907
Tyner Academy of Math, Science, & Technology:  Kim Wheeler, 855-2635, x. 225
Tyner Middle Academy of Math, Science & Technology:  Mkiwa Brown, 855-2648, x 357

Important Dates:

January 18 – Magnet School Showcase

January 31 – Magnet School Application Deadline

Karla Riddle, Director of Innovative Programs

423-209-8475