Bill Haslam

Fourteen of Hamilton County's public schools were honored today for posting test scores among the highest five percent in the state.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced 169 reward schools today, including 70 schools that were highlighted for the highest academic achievement and another 83 schools for the highest growth.

"Tennessee continues to set the standard in education reform as we maintain our focus on high levels of achievement and continuous growth," Haslam said at an event held at Nashville's Percy Priest Elementary. "Our Reward Schools have proven that all students can learn and grow even though their starting lines may be different, a critical part of our effort to prepare our students for the jobs available in the marketplace now and in the future. We are incredibly grateful for the teachers and staff at each of these schools and excited to recognize their efforts on behalf of Tennessee students."

Locally, Thrasher Elementary was honored for both overall achievement and growth.

Hamilton County's schools recognized for top academic achievement included

- Big Ridge Elementary

- Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts

- Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts

- Chattanooga State Middle College High

- Lookout Mountain Elementary

- Normal Park Museum Magnet School

County schools recognized for growth included:

- Apison Elementary

- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (charter school)

- Ganns Middle Valley Elementary

- Harrison Elementary

- Orchard Knob Elementary

- Snow Hill Elementary

- Soddy Elementary