CALVIN DONALDSON ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ACADEMY

Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Hamilton County school district, located in Chattanooga, TN with about 476 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 30 teachers, Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy is a magnet elementary school located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that distinguishes itself through a specialized curriculum centered on environmental stewardship and hands-on learning. As part of the Hamilton County Schools district, the academy integrates traditional core subjects with immersive, nature-based education. Students are encouraged to explore the natural world through outdoor classrooms, gardening initiatives, and scientific inquiry, fostering an early appreciation for ecology and sustainability that extends beyond the classroom walls.

The school serves as a focal point for the local community, emphasizing academic excellence alongside the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By utilizing the local landscape and environment as a teaching tool, Calvin Donaldson provides students with a unique, experiential approach to education that prepares them for future academic success. Its mission is to cultivate well-rounded students who are not only proficient in literacy and mathematics but are also environmentally conscious citizens prepared to engage with the world around them.

For more information, contact Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy at (423) 825-7337 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.