Support Us Button Widget

Hamilton County Schools updates its Choose Hamilton: School Choice

Applications are almost open for the Hamilton County Schools Choice lottery system, and the initiative is getting an expansion to 70+ schools in the area for children and families to choose from.

NOOGAtoday | Southside school zone with a school speed limit sign

Seats will be opening up across the Hamilton County Schools district during this lottery-style program.

Photo by NOOGAtoday

Table of Contents

While we know it seems the school year just started, it can never be too early to prep for your kiddos’ education. Hamilton County Schools will soon open applications for its Choose Hamilton: School Choice program for 2024-25.

School Choice offers a way for students to have access to options and programs outside of their designated school zone. This initiative is open for K-12th graders + spans the district from workforce development and college schools to open enrollment schools.

Quick facts

  • Applications + admissions timeline is uniform across all options
  • Schools with more applicants than seats will use a lottery-style selection system
  • Families will complete a single application for all choices (available in English + Spanish)
  • Applications can include up to five schools and programs + be ranked from 1-5 (1 being top preference)

Note: Students who are already in Choice schools do not have to reapply unless they are graduating to a higher education system (i.e. elementary to middle school). This excludes schools that encompass K-12th + 6th-12th graders.

See the list of Choice schools + availability.

Info and support sessions

Parents will have five opportunities to attend informational sessions that will delve more into the program + offer help with applications.

Note: Each session will happen from 5:30-7 p.m.

  • Thursday, Nov. 30 | Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, 4850 Jersey Pk.
  • Thursday, Dec. 7 | Dalewood Middle, 1300 Shallowford Rd.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 12 | East Side Elementary, 1603 S. Lyerly St.
  • Thursday, Jan. 18 | Middle Valley Elementary, 1609 Thrasher Pk.
  • Thursday, Jan. 25 | Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, 865 E. 3rd St.

Bonus: There will be a school fair on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the East Brainerd Annex with representatives from each school.

Applications will be open Monday, Nov. 13 through Wednesday, Jan. 31.

More from NOOGAtoday
From seating and snacks to preserved history, here’s what to expect at the new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Check out our tips for what to do, where to eat, and places to stay in the Scruffy City.
How the $153M e2i2 project will help keep local waterways clean during heavy rain.
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
See your neighbor’s porch become a stage at this annual festival, offering free live music.
Chattanooga has an incredibly rich history that is showcased in museums throughout the area. From the Hunter Museum of American Art to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, pay a visit to these various spots to learn all there is to know about the Scenic City.
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these local businesses to come and spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
A new tri-state collaboration will work to conserve natural areas found in Tennessee, Georgia + Alabama.
Your favorite free bluegrass festival is almost here — check out the lineup.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.