Tennessee Girls School Earns Top State Honor 9th Time

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy just proved that consistency creates champions, earning Tennessee's prestigious Reward School status for 2024-2025. The all-girls school stands among just 30 charter schools statewide to receive this honor, the highest designation a Tennessee school can earn.

The numbers tell a powerful story. CGLA also achieved Level 5 status on Tennessee's Value-Added Assessment System, marking the ninth time the school has reached this milestone since 2013.

"This is a humbling confirmation that we are doing important work for all of our girls and young ladies," said Principal Sylvia Davis. Her pride reflects years of dedication that transformed everyday classroom moments into measurable excellence.

Reward School status isn't handed out lightly. Schools must demonstrate exceptional performance across multiple measures including test scores, student growth, attendance rates, and graduation numbers. CGLA checked every box.

The recognition highlights what happens when educators refuse to accept limitations. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elaine Swafford credited the achievement to "hardworking students, supportive families and excellent educators" working together toward a shared vision.

The Level 5 TVAAS designation measures something even more important than test scores. It tracks actual student growth, showing that CGLA students aren't just performing well, they're improving at the highest rate possible.

The Ripple Effect

CGLA's success sends ripples far beyond its own hallways. The school provides a blueprint for how single-gender education can unlock potential, particularly for young women preparing to lead in fields where they've been historically underrepresented.

Every student who walks through CGLA's doors now enters a proven environment of excellence. The school's track record of nine Level 5 designations since 2013 means incoming students aren't just hoping for success, they're stepping into a system designed to deliver it.

For families in Chattanooga, CGLA represents more than a school choice. It's evidence that high expectations, combined with excellent teaching and genuine care, produce results that state evaluators recognize as exceptional.

The school's commitment extends beyond academics. By fostering leadership qualities alongside educational achievement, CGLA prepares students not just for college, but for lives of impact and influence.

Nine times in 12 years, CGLA has reached Tennessee's highest mark for student growth, proving that one remarkable year wasn't luck but the foundation of something enduring.