Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Achieves Historic Milestones

Students at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy collaborate on a robotics project during a recent competition.

News Summary

The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) celebrates its remarkable achievements this school year, earning its fifth designation as a Tennessee Rewards School and achieving TVAAS Level 5 recognition. With enrollment growing from 170 to 350 students under Dr. Elaine Swafford’s leadership, CGLA focuses on academic excellence, particularly in empowering young girls of color through STEM opportunities. The recent robotics competition showcased creativity and teamwork among students, emphasizing critical skills for future success. The academy’s future looks bright as it prepares students for college and careers.

Exciting Times at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy!

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) celebrates a remarkable leap forward in education and achievements this school year. Known as the only public charter school in Tennessee, CGLA is heralding a historic double achievement for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Recognition and Growth

This incredible school has just received its fifth designation as a Tennessee Rewards School and continues to shine brightly with its eighth Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) Level 5 recognition. Under the leadership of principal Dr. Elaine Swafford, who has nurtured the school since 2012, CGLA has grown from an initial enrollment of 170 students to an impressive 350! This growth is a testament to the high standards and commitment to excellence that permeate the school community.

Focus on Academic Excellence

One of the core philosophies at CGLA is ensuring that students enter the sixth grade ready to tackle their coursework. The focus is not just about numbers and tests; it’s about truly nurturing every student’s potential. The educators are dedicated to closing the gap for young girls of color by actively promoting STEM opportunities to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Inspiring STEM Experiences

This school year, senior Amaya Dieng has shared her journey in STEM, providing an encouraging look at how pursuing this career path can lead to success and fulfillment. Through events like the recent robotics competition at Chattanooga State Community College, students are gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for future educational and career pursuits.

Robotics Competition Unleashes Creativity

The robotics event saw the participation of 28 teams from various schools across Tennessee and Georgia, showcasing a thrilling display of creativity and teamwork. With two competitions—one for high school students and another for elementary and middle school students—competitors were engaged in building robots, coding, and developing team strategies critical for navigating real-world challenges.

A Team Effort

CGLA educators, such as Sheila Femal, emphasize the importance of fostering skills like critical thinking and collaboration that are crucial for success in any future workforce. The competition was not just about robots—students learned valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, all while having tons of fun!

Sharing Inspiration

Let’s talk about motivation! During this year’s Odyssey luncheon, four CGLA graduates will return to share their success stories. This event aims to inspire current students by highlighting the paths they can take after graduation, particularly in post-secondary education and careers. With a strong emphasis on standardized testing and a serious push for ACT preparation, the academy is meticulously working towards ensuring all students are college-ready.

Encouraging Participation in STEM

As local students rally around their love for robotics, they are eager to encourage classmates to get involved in community STEM programs. With engaging activities and the thrill of competition, CGLA continues to lead the charge in making STEM fun and educational.

Conclusion: The Future is Bright for CGLA

The future indeed looks bright at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, where academic achievements and participation in dynamic competitions are just the beginning. As students continue to explore their passions and find footholds in various career pathways, it’s easy to see why CGLA stands out in the Tennessee educational landscape.