Signal Mountain Schools
On Signal Mountain, we take great pride in the quality of our schools. Over 68% of our community has a college diploma, and we view our children’s education as a high priority.
Mountain Education Foundation (MEF)
Our emphasis on education is evident in our commitment to the Mountain Education Foundation - the private, nonprofit organization that enables us to invest in the schools and students we love!
MEF provides resources to help our schools achieve educational excellence far beyond what is possible through public funding alone. The fundraisers may feel like small-town, community events, but through them, we have donated over 6 million dollars in the last 25+ years.
Through the efforts of MEF, our students enjoy benefits such as computer classes, art education, and the services of over 16 talented educators.
Signal Mountain Middle/High School
The Signal Mountain Middle/High School enjoys a beautiful campus bordering Shackleford Ridge State Park. The facility was completed in 2008, after a nearly 50-year effort to open a public high school on the mountain.
SMMHS is one of two schools in Hamilton County with an International Baccalaureate Program. Every student in grades 6-10 is included in the IB MYP, a curriculum that prepares students for IB coursework and challenges them to make connections between their academic studies and the real world.
As part of the IB MYP, all 10th-grade students complete a personal project. Then 11th and 12th students are encouraged to participate in IB courses and strive for an IB diploma.
SMMHS students also excel in extra-curricular activities. Our school offers five different fine arts programs and over 12 different TSSA-sanctioned athletic teams. The Signal Mountain Eagles have won over 15 state championships.
Signal Mountain High School At A Glance:
Total Enrollment: approximately 1360
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Average SAT Score: 1250
Average ACT Score: 28
Nolan Elementary
Less than a mile away from SMMHS, Nolan Elementary also enjoys the beautiful natural surroundings of the Shackleford Ridge area. The school was built in 1999, and the PTA has provided upgrades such as water bottle refill stations, outdoor classrooms, and fresh sod for the playground. Nolan Knights have earned level 5 reward status, the highest award available in the state of Tennessee.
Nolan Elementary At-A-Glance:
Total Enrollment: approximately 729
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
What Parents are Saying:
“One of my favorite things about Nolan is the strength of relationships our family has built with the teachers and school administration. During the COVID-19 years, when Nolan was forced to move to distance learning, these teachers were somehow able to understand my boys’ unique strengths and weaknesses from the other side of a computer screen. However, nothing can replace the personal relationships they have formed since coming back together in the classroom. I always feel a bit sad when a school year comes to a close, and we have to say goodbye to the teachers who have nurtured and cared for my boys.
We are also fortunate to have incredible leadership at Nolan. Dr. Wilson has a special way of creating an atmosphere of positivity in the school. Although there are around 700 children in the building, the Principal and Vice Principal make it a priority to know each of their names. I believe that children learn better when they are surrounded by encouragement and joy, and the success of Nolan students seems to be evidence of this.”
-Meg Sokohl
Thrasher Elementary
Thrasher Elementary is a top-rated elementary school located in the heart of Signal Mountain. Since its opening in 1961, many second and third-generation Thrasher Panthers have proudly participated in the school’s long history of academic excellence. Thrasher earned a level five award status and was one of six Tennessee elementary schools honored nationally as a blue ribbon school in 2021.
Thrasher Elementary At-A-Glance:
Total Enrollment: approximately 572
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
What Parents are Saying:
Our kids transitioned into Thrasher during the pandemic, so now that things are opening up, it’s been really fun for me to go back to Thrasher with them. It’s impossible not to be taken back in time when you walk in and see things like the library named after Mr. Wheeler, the principal during my time. It reminds me of the teachers I had and the supportive, positive environment I experienced being a kid there.
Our girls have loved it from day one, and we really feel they are loved and supported by everyone, from their teachers to the staff and administration. It’s awesome to see them growing in a place that brings back so many memories for me.
But mainly, I’m just enjoying the opportunity to use the word “cafetorium” for the first time in over 30 years!
Nick Nichols
Signal Mountain Christian
Signal Mountain Christian School offers a classical, Charlotte Mason-style education in a loving environment. Constructed to resemble homes, each classroom has a porch space where students enjoy learning outdoors. With a small student-teacher ratio and shorter school days, Signal Mountain Christian provides quality education in a Christ-centered, family-like atmosphere.
Signal Mountain Christian At-A-Glance:
Total Enrollment: approximately 100
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1