Great things are happening in the Fayetteville City Schools District that continue to make a difference in students’ lives.

Every school showed tremendous academic growth, according to the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, otherwise known as TVAAS.  Fayetteville City rose to a Level 5, demonstrating the maximum level of academic growth. The Level 5 overall composite includes Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies. 

Fayetteville Middle School earned Level 5 overall in student growth.

Data analysis, achievement gap drill down, Response to Intervention (RTI) implementation, and collaborative strategic planning were keys to success, according to Dr. Claudia Styles, supervisor with Fayetteville City Schools.

In addition, Economically Disadvantaged Student groups made significant gains moving to a Level 4 in ELA.

“The Blue Ribbon Schools Process has been a catalyst driving competitive change within our schools,” Styles said. “The process has encouraged schools to analyze and reflect on a variety of data sources. Fayetteville High School received the prestigious award as Beacon School this past spring. Ralph Askins School and Fayetteville Middle School were recently awarded the Lighthouse School of Distinction, placing them among the finest in our nation 

“The schools have implemented many outstanding programs, ranging from a STEM lab at RAS to challenging technology-based programs at FMS and FHS,” Styles added. “These additions have allowed students to explore career tech and experiment with engineering, math, and technology.”

Students across all three schools scored a Level 5 in Science. 

“Not only are the schools in Fayetteville City making academic gains, but they are exploring creative ways to build 21st century skills needed for students to be successful in all aspects of life,” said Bill W. Hopkins, Jr., director of Fayetteville City Schools.

“In addition, challenging creative programs have been put in place,” he explained. “Each school has implemented a student-led TV broadcast system that streams into the classrooms to provide a morning newscast. This has provided opportunities for students to take on roles ranging from anchors and weather reporters to sportscasters.” 

 A drama department spanning from kindergarten to 12th grade is just the latest in a series of efforts moving Fayetteville City up the ranks to becoming one of the top systems in the state, Hopkins said.