Who We Are
If you're looking for a quality K-8 school that . . .
- goes beyond the basics;
- believes in daily "hands-on, minds-on" learning;
- focuses on the individual learning strengths and needs of each student;
- follows a standards-based curriculum;
- ensures in-depth studies in history, science, social studies, language, technology, art and music for all students;
- encourages daily parent involvement and ideas; and
- builds strong community ties and partnerships
. . . then you're looking for Normal Park Museum Magnet!
We were named the top magnet school in the country in 2005!
Established in 2002, Normal Park Museum Magnet School is a public school in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Housed in two historic facilities in North Chattanooga, is unlike any other K-8 school in the United States.
On the grounds:
- Metal sculptures, woodworking and other artistic displays by local artists
- "Edible garden" planting areas, used in the school science curriculum
- A growing adventure playground, frequently used as an outdoor classroom
- Full size football field and gymnasium
In the school:
- Colorful murals and 3-D sculptural arches
- An aquarium and waterfall garden in the main school hallway
- Museum-quality exhibit galleries
- Additional student artwork in hallway displays
- Quarterly exhibit nights highlighting curriculum work, hosted by student docents
In the classroom:
- Individual and small group activities
- Creative, motivated and dedicated teachers
- ActivBoard technology in classrooms
In the community:
- Strong parental involvement and volunteerism
- Daily environment of energy, excitement, inclusion and new ideas
Normal Park partners with seven area museums to enhance each student's learning experience:
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- Chattanooga African-American Museum
- Chattanooga Regional History Museum
- Chattanooga Nature Center
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Chattanooga Zoo
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2006 Featured in Creating Meaning through Literature and the Arts, Claudia Cornett
- 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 Magnet School of Excellence Award
- 2006 and 2008 Creative Ticket Award, Tennessee Arts Commission
- 2005 Ronald P. Simpson Award, Magnet Schools of America
- 2005 Featured in Creating Successful Magnet School Programs, US Dept. of Education
- 2008 John F. Kennedy Center School of Distinction Award (one of five schools in the nation selected)
- Partner in a three-year, $500,000 grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences to further develop museum connections
- A national model for visitors across the country: Massachusetts, New York, California, Maryland, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, and even Quebec, Canada