School Information

The Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS) is a K–12 public magnet school serving students across Hamilton County from its historic campus on East Third Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 1986 after years of planning and collaboration among community, business, and educational leaders, CSAS began as a middle school before graduating its first senior class in 1991. Today, CSAS continues to provide a unique K–12 educational experience grounded in academic excellence, the arts and sciences, and the Paideia philosophy.

CSAS has built a strong reputation for student achievement and college readiness. More than 95 percent of graduates continue on to post-secondary education, and the school consistently maintains attendance rates well above the district average. CSAS students not only enroll in college at exceptionally high rates, but they also persist and succeed in higher education at rates among the highest in Hamilton County.

At the heart of CSAS is the Paideia philosophy, inspired by Mortimer Adler’s The Paideia Proposal. The school is committed to providing all students with a rigorous, liberal arts-based education that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and lifelong learning. Instruction is grounded in three core approaches: didactic teaching, Socratic seminar, and coaching. CSAS is proud to be the oldest National Paideia School in the country, maintaining its commitment to Paideia principles throughout its history.

The impact of the Paideia approach is evident in the success of CSAS graduates. Students develop strong speaking, listening, collaboration, and analytical skills through years of seminar-based learning. College professors frequently note the distinction between CSAS graduates and their peers, often citing their confidence, communication abilities, and preparedness for collegiate-level work. These outcomes are the result of intentional instruction and a school culture centered on inquiry, dialogue, and intellectual growth.

The CSAS campus itself is deeply rooted in Chattanooga history.

• 1917 – Land for the school building was purchased.
• 1922 – Wyatt Hall, now known as the Gallery, was completed and named in honor of Professor Henry D. Wyatt, founder of Chattanooga’s public school system.
• 1935 – The Trimble and McDonald wings were added through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression.
• 1941 – The Chattanooga High School Memorial Football Stadium was completed.
• 1955 – The John B. Steele Gymnasium was added to the campus.

Over the years, the campus has served multiple educational purposes and carried several names:

• Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (1986–Present)
• Erlanger School of Nursing and Continuing Education Program (1983–1985)
• Riverside High School (1963–1983)
• Chattanooga High School (1922–1963)

Today, CSAS continues its tradition of cultivating lifelong scholars through a commitment to character, leadership, academics, service, and seminar while preparing students to thrive in college, careers, and civic life.

CSAS Mission

The mission statement of CSAS is from The Paideia Proposal by Mortimer Adler which states all children should receive the same high-quality education. Adler writes, “All have the same three elements in their futures; the demands of work, the duties of citizenship, and the obligation of each individual to make the most of him or herself that his or her capabilities allow to lead rich and fulfilling lives.  Their treatment in school should be such that it serves these three fundamental principles for all. Since education is a lifelong process, of which schooling is only a small but necessary part, our mission is to impart all our students the skills they need to learn and give them the stimulation that will motivate continued learning. We will create a climate of respect that will give students and parents’ confidence in their ability to reason, to question, and to learn.”

CSAS Vision 

Deeply rooted in the Paideia Philosophy, CSAS provides a Classical, Liberal Arts Education that cultivates lifelong intellectual and civic development through the practice of civil discourse. 

Before or after the school day, all students must be either off campus or under the direct supervision of an HCS employee.