With over 100 public and private schools in the metro area, Chattanooga is an increasingly popular destination for families seeking strong educational opportunities in Southeast Tennessee. The city offers a range of school options—from magnet and charter public schools to top-ranked private institutions. If you’re moving locally or relocating long-distance to Chattanooga and want to find a great school in the area, we’ve created this guide to help you make an informed decision before your move.
Compared to other similarly sized U.S. cities, Chattanooga performs well in education innovation and school quality. Tennessee’s statewide improvements in education are reflected here, especially in the city’s growing magnet school network and standout private schools.
Whether you’re a local resident or relocating for work, it can be challenging to find the best schools in Chattanooga. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for your child’s academic and personal development. While we are the best Chattanooga movers, we also understand how important it is to find the right school. With that said, let’s explore the top-rated options—from public to private—and even Chattanooga’s top school districts.
What Are The Best Public Schools in Chattanooga?
Public schools in Chattanooga are managed by Hamilton County Schools, which oversees a variety of neighborhood schools, magnet programs, and specialized academies.
1. Signal Mountain Middle/High School
District: Hamilton County Schools
Highlights: High test scores, AP programs, strong community support
Why It’s Great: Frequently ranked as one of the top public schools in Tennessee, with strong academic performance and a safe, supportive environment.
2. STEM School Chattanooga
District: Hamilton County Schools
Highlights: Innovative STEM curriculum, project-based learning, industry partnerships
Why It’s Great: A magnet high school that prepares students for careers in science, tech, and engineering through real-world experiences.
3. CSLA – Chattanooga School for Liberal Arts
District: Hamilton County Schools
Highlights: K–12 liberal arts education, arts integration, high academic standards
Why It’s Great: Known for its strong academic foundation and creativity-focused programs.
4. Normal Park Museum Magnet School
District: Hamilton County Schools
Highlights: Museum-based learning, hands-on instruction, high parent involvement
Why It’s Great: One of Chattanooga’s most unique and popular public schools, known for innovative elementary and middle school education.
What Are The Best Private Schools in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a variety of respected private schools, ranging from college-prep academies to faith-based and Montessori institutions.
1. Baylor School
Grades: 6–12 (Day and Boarding)
Highlights: College-prep curriculum, honors/AP courses, extensive campus
Why It’s Great: A nationally recognized private school offering academic rigor, athletics, and leadership development in a stunning riverfront setting.
2. McCallie School
Grades: 6–12 (All Boys, Day and Boarding)
Highlights: Leadership training, AP/honors courses, character development
Why It’s Great: One of the top boys’ schools in the Southeast, known for academic strength and personal growth.
3. Girls Preparatory School (GPS)
Grades: 6–12 (All Girls)
Highlights: Rigorous curriculum, strong arts, leadership initiatives
Why It’s Great: GPS empowers girls through strong academics and real-world preparation in a supportive environment.
4. St. Nicholas School
Grades: Pre-K–5
Highlights: Hands-on learning, character education, community values
Why It’s Great: A beloved early education private school with a focus on whole-child development and individualized attention.
What Are The Best School Districts In Chattanooga?
Chattanooga and the surrounding region are mostly served by Hamilton County Schools, though nearby counties offer additional options worth exploring.
1. Hamilton County Schools
Notable Schools: Signal Mountain Middle/High, STEM School Chattanooga, Normal Park Magnet
Why It’s Great: A district known for its innovative magnet programs, diverse school options, and commitment to student achievement.
2. Bradley County Schools (Cleveland, TN area)
Notable Schools: Walker Valley High School, Lake Forest Middle
Why It’s Great: Just north of Chattanooga, this suburban district is recognized for strong community schools and academic success.
3. Cleveland City Schools
Notable Schools: Cleveland High School
Why It’s Great: A smaller district with a strong reputation for student support and growing academic programs.
4. Marion County Schools (West of Chattanooga)
Notable Schools: South Pittsburg High School
Why It’s Great: Offers small-town learning environments with strong traditions in academics and extracurriculars.
5. Dade County Schools (Across the Georgia border)
Notable Schools: Dade County High School
Why It’s Great: Located just outside Chattanooga, Dade County schools offer a close-knit community with expanding academic offerings.
FAQs: Best Schools in Chattanooga
1. What are the top-rated public schools in Chattanooga?
Signal Mountain Middle/High, STEM School Chattanooga, and Normal Park Museum Magnet are consistently top performers in Hamilton County.
2. Are there good private schools in Chattanooga for college preparation?
Yes, Baylor School, McCallie School, and Girls Preparatory School all provide excellent college-prep education and leadership programs.
3. How do Chattanooga school districts compare?
Hamilton County Schools offers the most options, including top-ranked magnet and specialty schools. Neighboring districts like Bradley County and Cleveland City also perform well.
4. Is it better to live in a specific neighborhood for school quality?
Yes, areas like Signal Mountain, North Chattanooga, and Lookout Mountain are known for access to highly rated schools.
5. Do Chattanooga schools offer magnet or STEM programs?
Absolutely. Chattanooga has several magnet schools like STEM School Chattanooga and Normal Park Magnet that focus on specialized learning tracks.
Best of luck on your school search
If you haven’t moved to Chattanooga just yet, you may want to check out our other guides:
The best schools in Chattanooga provide students with a rich blend of academic excellence, creativity, and real-world readiness. Whether considering a top-rated magnet program or an elite private school, Chattanooga offers strong educational choices for every family.
As you plan your move, be sure to explore your options, visit schools, and talk to other parents.
Thanks for reading another one of our city guides. We hope it helped!
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