Around 850 more students are attending a Hamilton County public school this year compared to the previous school year, according to 20th day enrollment figures released Thursday.
In total, 45,308 students are enrolled in Hamilton County Schools, which includes the district’s charter schools. That’s up from the 44,884 students enrolled at this time a year ago when the district reported a slight enrollment drop, and the 45,059 students recorded near the start of the 2022-23 school year.
Over the past five years, the district has grown by roughly 1,300 students.
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The Howard School remains the largest school in the district with 1,523 students. East Brainerd Elementary is the district’s largest elementary school with 1,116 students, while East Hamilton Middle is the largest middle school with 922 students.
Together, the district’s nine charter schools enrolled 2,912 students, an increase of about 400 students compared to last year. Each of the charter schools reported a greater total enrollment than at this time a year ago.
Part of that growth can be attributed to the opening this fall of ChattAcademy Community School, a Spanish/English dual immersion school, as well as ongoing expansion efforts at other charters as the schools add a new grade level each year until reaching capacity.
For instance, Chattanooga Preparatory School welcomed its first senior class in August, completing its grade span. Ivy Academy’s Skillern Elementary enrolled its inaugural third graders this year as part of its expansion up to fifth grade. It reported 106 more students this year compared to last — the greatest increase of any school in the district.
Contact Shannon Coan at scoan@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.