Tennessee recognizes 377 Reward Schools. Schools of choice led the way in the state’s two largest school districts

Students at Memphis Grizzlies Prep, one of 34 Reward Schools in Memphis (Photo by Memphis Grizzlies Prep)

The Tennessee Department of Education announced the 377 schools across the state that have received the designation as Reward Schools for the 2023/2024 school year. The designation recognizes schools that demonstrate high levels of performance and/or improvement.

Public charter schools led the way in the state’s largest school district, accounting for nearly a third of Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ 34 Reward Schools. A total of ten charters made the list including the all-boys Memphis Grizzlies Prep that will soon be adding a sister school for girls.

Schools of choice also played a big role on Metro Nashville Public Schools Reward School list. More than 40 percent of the district’s 24 Reward Schools are either magnets or public charter schools.

The state recognized 18 Knox County Schools as Reward schools while Hamilton County Schools had 15 schools on the list.

The news release announcing Reward Schools also recognized the following school districts that earned the Exemplary District designation in 2023/2024:

• Alcoa City Schools

• Arlington Community Schools 

• Bells City Schools 

• Clinton City Schools 

• Collierville Schools 

• Dayton City School 

• Jackson County Schools 

• Lebanon Special School District 

• Milan Special School District 

• Van Buren County Schools 

“I am thrilled to highlight the 2023-24 Reward Schools and Exemplary Districts for their dedication to fostering student learning and growth in their classrooms across the state,” said Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. “This annual recognition is the result of our teachers, along with school and district leaders, who are committed to student success every day, and I commend each of you for your valiant efforts in supporting achievement for our Tennessee students.”   

Schools and districts are eligible for designations each year based on their overall performance across indicators the state considers essential to student success, including how they 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. 

The complete list of district and school designations, including the 10 districts receiving the In Need of Improvement designation, is available on the department‘s accountability webpage.