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Class Notes: Center for Creative Arts named National Magnet School of Excellence, and more education news

The Choo Choo Kids perform the musical "Godspell" at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The proposed Hamilton County Schools budget will eliminate school fees, but specialty magnet schools like CCA rely heavily on school fees to help fund their unique educational opportunities.
The Choo Choo Kids perform the musical "Godspell" at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The proposed Hamilton County Schools budget will eliminate school fees, but specialty magnet schools like CCA rely heavily on school fees to help fund their unique educational opportunities. The Choo Choo Kids perform the musical "Godspell" at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The proposed Hamilton County Schools budget will eliminate school fees, but specialty magnet schools like CCA rely heavily on school fees to help fund their unique educational opportunities.

CCA named National Magnet School of Excellence

Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) was recently named a 2020 National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

Only a select group of magnet schools across the country earn the designation each year. Selected schools are eligible for cash prizes and to be named the nation’s top elementary, secondary, or new & emerging magnet school.

Founded in 1998, CCA is Hamilton County’s only 6-12 school that offers a fine arts magnet curriculum. The school offers a variety of “majors” including acting, technical theatre, communications, dance, instrumental music, musical theatre, vocal music or visual arts, in addition to a rigorous academic program.

“Being named a School of Excellence validates the work of our staff, students, and families,” Principal Debbie Smith said in a statement. “Our emerging artists are successful in college and their careers due to the many skills they learn in our arts magnet program. Hamilton County Schools and the community are supportive of our work, and that support is necessary for high levels of achievement in any school.”