Jefferson County Schools Among the Top: Majority of Schools Earning an A on State Report Card

Director of Jefferson County Schools, Dr. Tommy Arnold – Jefferson County Schools has been recognized as one of only 22 districts across Tennessee to have more than half of its eligible schools earn an A on the Tennessee State Report Card. This distinction places Jefferson County among a small group of high-performing districts statewide and highlights the sustained academic progress occurring across its schools.

Of the 22 districts earning this recognition, 15 are city school systems or special school districts. Many of those districts serve a smaller number of eligible schools. Jefferson County not only achieved the benchmark, but did so while having the third largest number of schools receiving letter grades among the recognized districts.

In the East CORE region, only three districts met this mark: Jefferson County Schools, Maryville City Schools, and Alcoa City Schools.

The Tennessee State Report Card assigns letter grades based on a comprehensive framework that reflects both performance and progress. The grade includes achievement rates on TCAP and End of Course assessments, overall student growth as measured by TVAAS, growth of students in the lowest quartile of performance, and college and career readiness indicators at the high school level. Together, these measures provide a balanced picture of how well schools are supporting all learners.

Director of Schools Dr. Tommy Arnold noted that the achievement is part of a broader district vision.

“This recognition belongs to every school, employee, and student in Jefferson County,” Arnold said. “We are continuing to work a focused plan that is designed around the board’s 5-year strategic plan and supports students, teachers, and administrators with the resources and structures necessary for success. Our mission extends beyond grades on a report card. We are building students who will become productive members of the community that invests in them.”

Trevor Collins, Accountability and Data Supervisor for Jefferson County Schools, said the recognition reflects collective effort while reinforcing the district’s continued focus on improvement.

Elementary Supervisor Kristi Waltke emphasized the strength of individual school leadership and classroom instruction. “Our A schools reflect what can happen when high expectations, aligned instruction, and a culture centered on students come together,” Waltke said. “Seeing four of those schools also earn Reward School status reinforces that our work is moving in the right direction. Our teachers, staff, and principals are building a culture where every student’s growth truly matters.”

Secondary Supervisor, Michelle Walker highlighted the accomplishments of Maury Middle School and Jefferson County High School. “The A status earned by Maury Middle School and Jefferson County High School demonstrates what is possible when systems are aligned and expectations are clear,” Walker said.

At Jefferson County High School, college and career readiness results provide additional cause for celebration. CTE Supervisor Missy Hayes shared that JCHS achieved a 74 percent college and career readiness rate, just one percentage point away from the district’s five-year goal in the first year of its current strategic plan.

“That progress reflects the strength of our CTE pathways and the intentional preparation of students for life beyond high school,” Hayes said. “To be within one point of our five-year target in year one is a testament to the dedication of our teachers and students.”

Jefferson County Schools views this statewide recognition as both an honor and a responsibility. District leaders remain committed to strengthening instruction, increasing proficiency, and ensuring every student graduates prepared for future success.