Clinton City Schools named ‘exemplary’
The Tennessee Department of Education has recognized Clinton City Schools as “exemplary,” its highest level of distinction.
Just nine other schools received this designation for the 2023-24 school year.
An official state news release explains how the state decides this honor.
Each year, schools and districts are eligible for designations based on their overall performance across several indicators.
They include how the schools prepared students to be proficient accelerated student learning, encouraged students to attend school regularly, prepared students for postsecondary success, and supported English learners acquiring language skills.
All three individual Clinton City Schools: Clinton Elementary, North Clinton Elementary, and South Clinton Elementary, received reward school status, which is the highest honor given by the state Department of Education, based on federal accountability.
This year, 377 schools across the state got the distinction, which refers to high levels of performance or improvement across the indicator categories.
This is the first time that all Clinton elementary schools have been named Reward Schools and the district has been Exemplary District in the same year.
“This is not an easy bar to reach,” said Director of Schools Kelly Johnson. “Clinton City Schools has maintained a tradition of excellence for 130 years.
“There is a culture of high expectations with an abundance of support at all three schools,” she said. “Our staff is committed to doing whatever it takes to provide a learning environment where students excel.
“We have strong community and parental support which is one of the foundational pieces to our success,” Johnson said.
“The Clinton City School Board and City Council see the benefit that our community schools play in the success of our city, and they work diligently to support our needs and vision.
“It is the collective effort of everyone that contributes to the continued success of Clinton City Schools,” she added.
Anderson County Schools
The state designated Andersonville Elementary, Clinton High School, Grand Oaks Elementary, Norris Elementary and Norwood Middle School as reward schools, and the Anderson County School district an “advancing district.”
Oak Ridge Schools
The state designated Oak Ridge schools Glenwood Elementary, Willow Brook Elementary and Oak Ridge High as reward schools.
