Magnet Schools

Karla Riddle ~ Director

Hamilton County operates 13 different magnet schools in the county. Magnet programs feature a theme for the curriculum at that school and represent Hamilton County’s choice school program.

While each magnet school has its own unique characteristics, they all share a commitment to provide engaging instruction for all students. Each program offers core curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. This standard is combined with the need for parent involvement to create a progressive learning atmosphere.

Thirteen of the county’s 15 magnet schools offer admission through the annual Lottery Process. Parents apply online or in person from November through January 31 of each year. The lottery is then run through a computerized system and students are randomly selected for available magnet seats at schools based on their listed preferences.

Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts do not participate in the lottery process, but have an application. New admissions for kindergarten have been established. Please review the process under Magnet Schools, CSAS / CSLA New Kindergarten Admission Process. Parents interested in applying for all other grades should submit an application. All students are placed on a waiting list and invited to attend as space becomes available.

Karla Riddle, Director of Innovative Programs
(423) 209-8475

Sandy Lowman, Administrative Assistant
(423) 209-8475

Magnet Schools:

Barger Academy (K-5), Performing arts

Battle Academy (K-5), Math/Science

Brown Academy (K-5), International Studies

Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy (K-5), Environmental Science

Center for Creative Arts (6-12), Performing Arts

East Lake Academy (6-12), Expeditionary Learning

Chattanooga School for the Arts and Science (K-12), Paideia

Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (K-8), Paideia

Lakeside Academy (K-5), Math/Science/Technology