Hamilton County Schools & Education
Hamilton County, Tennessee
School Score
31/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,663
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,215
School Score
31/100
Higher = better
State avg 47/100
State School Rank
#82
of 95 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Hamilton County, Tennessee
Extensive Infrastructure in Hamilton County
Hamilton County supports a massive educational network of 81 public schools serving 45,902 students. The infrastructure includes 42 elementary, 15 middle, and 22 high schools managed within a single district. This robust system provides a comprehensive pipeline from preschool through graduation.
Meeting National Standards
The county achieves an 87% graduation rate, which perfectly matches the national average but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Officials invest $6,663 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $6,215 despite being below national spending levels. The overall school score of 51.2 remains competitive with the national median of 50.0.
One Diverse and Large District
The Hamilton County school district manages all 81 schools and nearly 46,000 students. Choice is a significant factor here, with 8 charter schools representing approximately 10% of the total school landscape. This centralized management ensures consistent standards across a diverse urban and suburban footprint.
Urban Classrooms and Suburban Campuses
Schooling here feels primarily urban and suburban, with 44 schools in city locales and 29 in the suburbs. The average school size is 567 students, though environments range from large hubs like The Howard School with 1,485 students to smaller specialized facilities. Only 8 schools are located in rural settings, reflecting the county's developed character.
Education as a Community Anchor
Families moving to Hamilton County often prioritize proximity to top-performing schools like Signal Mountain Middle/High. With a variety of urban and suburban neighborhoods, school quality remains a primary driver for local real estate value. Explore homes in this region to find the right educational fit for your family.
School Overview
Total Schools
81
in Hamilton County
Total Enrollment
45,902
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
8
10% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Hamilton County
Hamilton County
81 Public Schools in Hamilton County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Howard School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 1,485 |
| Signal Mountain Middle/High School | Hamilton County | 6–12 | High | 1,368 |
| Ooltewah High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 1,266 |
| East Hamilton High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 1,265 |
| East Brainerd Elementary | Hamilton County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,215 |
| Soddy Daisy High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 1,085 |
| Harrison Elementary | Hamilton County | PK–5 | Primary | 1,013 |
| East Ridge High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 1,008 |
| East Hamilton Middle School | Hamilton County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,007 |
| East Ridge Elementary | Hamilton County | PK–5 | Primary | 996 |
| Hixson High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 935 |
| Ooltewah Elementary | Hamilton County | PK–5 | Primary | 874 |
| Red Bank High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 824 |
| Normal Park Museum Magnet School | Hamilton County | PK–8 | Primary | 820 |
| Chattanooga School For The Liberal Arts | Hamilton County | KG–12 | Other | 792 |
| Middle Valley Elementary | Hamilton County | PK–5 | Primary | 782 |
| Central High School | Hamilton County | 9–12 | High | 749 |
| Hunter Middle School | Hamilton County | 6–8 | Middle | 738 |
| Nolan Elementary | Hamilton County | KG–5 | Primary | 732 |
| East Ridge Middle School | Hamilton County | 6–8 | Middle | 701 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,663
State avg $6,215
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hamilton County, Tennessee — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hamilton County, Tennessee?
Hamilton County supports a massive educational network of 81 public schools serving 45,902 students. The infrastructure includes 42 elementary, 15 middle, and 22 high schools managed within a single district. This robust system provides a comprehensive pipeline from preschool through graduation.
How do schools in Hamilton County perform academically?
The county achieves an 87% graduation rate, which perfectly matches the national average but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Officials invest $6,663 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $6,215 despite being below national spending levels. The overall school score of 51.2 remains competitive with the national median of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Hamilton County, Tennessee?
The Hamilton County school district manages all 81 schools and nearly 46,000 students. Choice is a significant factor here, with 8 charter schools representing approximately 10% of the total school landscape. This centralized management ensures consistent standards across a diverse urban and suburban footprint.
What is the school experience like in Hamilton County?
Schooling here feels primarily urban and suburban, with 44 schools in city locales and 29 in the suburbs. The average school size is 567 students, though environments range from large hubs like The Howard School with 1,485 students to smaller specialized facilities. Only 8 schools are located in rural settings, reflecting the county's developed character.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hamilton County, Tennessee?
Families moving to Hamilton County often prioritize proximity to top-performing schools like Signal Mountain Middle/High. With a variety of urban and suburban neighborhoods, school quality remains a primary driver for local real estate value. Explore homes in this region to find the right educational fit for your family.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.