Chattanooga, TN, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Stacker has released new rankings of the best private K-12 schools in the Chattanooga metro area, considering factors like college enrollment and student-teacher ratio. Schools in Chattanooga, Cleveland, Collegedale, and Dalton received commendable grades. The upcoming school voucher program aims to provide financial assistance for private school tuition, potentially impacting many families and schools in the region. The rankings serve as a valuable resource for families in search of quality education options.
Chattanooga Highlights Best Private K-12 Schools in New Rankings
Chattanooga, TN – Stacker has released its latest rankings of the best private K-12 schools in the Chattanooga metro area, utilizing data from Niche. The rankings consider five critical factors: top colleges score, college enrollment, culture & diversity grade, parent/student surveys, and student-teacher ratio. This assessment aims to provide families with valuable information when choosing educational options for their children.
Among the notable schools highlighted in the rankings are several with commendable student-teacher ratios and grades from Niche. In Chickamauga, Georgia, Chickamauga School boasts an enrollment of 311 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, achieving a Niche grade of B-. In Cleveland, Tennessee, another school shows an enrollment of 102 with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, also receiving a grade of B-.
Hixson, Tennessee, features a school with 399 enrolled students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, earning a B grade. Numerous schools based in Chattanooga received particularly high marks: one institution serves 1,052 students with a 15:1 ratio and a B grade; another with 1,307 students has a ratio of 7:1, achieving a B+; and a school with 1,450 students and an 11:1 ratio received an A- grade. Additional schools in Chattanooga that were recognized include those with grades of B+ and A from approximately 536 and 1,450 students respectively. The Cleveland area features a school with 184 enrollees obtaining an A- grade and a strong student-teacher ratio of 10:1.
Meanwhile, Collegedale, Tennessee, and Dalton, Georgia, also displayed impressive results. Collegedale has an enrollment of 355 students and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, yielding a grade of A, while Dalton hosts 578 students with a remarkable 6:1 ratio, scoring an A in Niche rankings.
Looking ahead, the landscape for private schooling in the region is set to change significantly. Tennessee’s new school voucher program, commencing in the 2025-2026 academic year, is anticipated to impact several private schools in the region. The program will feature participation from 18 schools across the metro area, including one in Bradley County, three in McMinn County, and 14 in Hamilton County.
Participating Hamilton County schools include Chattanooga Christian School, The Montessori School, Brainerd Baptist School, Belvoir Christian Academy, and Beacon Academy. The voucher program aims to assist low-income families by providing up to $9,000 for private school tuition, thereby expanding access to educational resources.
While the initiative has the potential to benefit many students, concerns have been raised regarding the rapid implementation and limited opportunity for public comment. Moreover, data indicates that over 90% of counties in Tennessee would have five or fewer private schools eligible to accept vouchers under the new proposal. Current students enrolled in participating private institutions may also apply for the vouchers, adding further incentive for families to explore private education settings.
Key Features of the Best Private K-12 Schools in the Chattanooga Metro Area
| School Location | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chickamauga, GA | 311 | 12:1 | B- |
| Cleveland, TN | 102 | 11:1 | B- |
| Hixson, TN | 399 | 14:1 | B |
| Chattanooga, TN | 1,052 | 15:1 | B |
| Chattanooga, TN | 1,307 | 7:1 | B+ |
| Chattanooga, TN | 536 | 11:1 | B+ |
| Chattanooga, TN | 1,450 | 11:1 | A- |
| Cleveland, TN | 184 | 10:1 | A- |
| Collegedale, TN | 355 | 7:1 | A |
| Dalton, GA | 578 | 6:1 | A |
FAQ Section
What are the criteria used in ranking private K-12 schools?
The rankings are based on five weighted factors: top colleges score, college enrollment, culture & diversity grade, parent/student surveys, and student-teacher ratio.
What impact will the new school voucher program have on private schools?
The voucher program will provide up to $9,000 to low-income families for private school tuition, affecting 18 private schools across the Chattanooga metro area.
When is the school voucher program set to begin?
The program will begin in the 2025-2026 school year.
Are current private school students eligible for the vouchers?
Yes, current students at participating private schools may apply for vouchers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Top Private K-12 Schools in Chattanooga Offer Diverse Options
Chattanooga Reveals Top Private K-12 Schools in Metro Area
Nashville’s Comprehensive Guide to Private Schools
Tennessee Rallies Surge Over School Voucher Debate
Key Education Legislative Changes in Tennessee Schools
New Charter Schools for At-Risk Youth in Tennessee
Additional Resources
- Stacker: Best Private K-12 Schools in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Private School
- The Mountain Press: Best Private K-12 Schools
- Google Search: Private Schools Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Tennessee Private Schools and Voucher Program
- Google Scholar: Education Vouchers Tennessee
- Tennessee Lookout: Voucher Funding for Private Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voucher System
- Times Free Press: Voucher Program in Tennessee
- Google News: Tennessee Education Vouchers
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
