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

OUR VISION

To cultivate empowered thinkers who are self-motivated, innovative, compassionate citizens of the world.

OUR MISSION

To foster curiosity, creativity and deep understanding through engaging exploration, authentic problem-based learning and collaborative partnerships with museums, families and the community.

OUR CORE VALUES

Appreciation
At Normal Park, every student is valued and recognized as having great potential. We value every student's diverse background and personality - socioeconomic, cultural, learning style and interest level. Individual nurturing and differentiated instruction helps us guide students in developing responsibility for themselves and others.

Collaboration
When working as a whole, we build off one another, become stronger, and make magic. This belief extends from students to teachers to parents to our community.

Creativity
Our creativity fosters dynamic learning environments, innovation, authentic learning, motivation, and enjoyment. It leads us to experiment and stay curious, to demonstrate and exhibit, and to do the most with what we have.

Exploration
It's the foundation of our curriculum. By creating environments that promote meaningful exploration and discovery, we facilitate engaging instruction which fosters a joy of learning and deep understanding of subjects.

Scholarship
Genuine enthusiasm for academic study, understanding and achievement is cherished at Normal Park. We strive to instill this passion in our students by paving a concrete academic foundation, setting high educational goals and celebrating their intellectual journey.

Hopefulness
Through diligent effort, Normal Park has achieved great success. Still, we believe the best is yet to come. This outlook drives our confidence in our students and staff. It energizes us to lead, be progressive, work hard, and enjoy our efforts. Our hopeful nature is infectious and inspirational and makes our entire community stronger.

Normal Park is honored to have been recognized on the local and national level for its innovative curriculum and success in building an exemplary magnet school program.

• Ronald P. Simpson Award, Magnet Schools of America (2005) "America's Number One Magnet School"

• Magnet School of Excellence Award, Magnet Schools of America (2005-2012)

• Magnet Schools of America's National Principal of the Year - Jill Levine (2012)

• 1st Place in East Tennessee for Highest Value Added Scores, Educational Resource Foundation (2012)

• Featured on the Edutopia website, a George Lucas Educational Foundation, as a "School that works" (2014) http://www.edutopia.org/schools-that-work

• National Council of PTA's Hearst Award for outstanding parent involvement (2009)

• J.F. Kennedy School of Distinction in Arts Education (2008)

• Featured in Creating and Sustaining Successful Magnet School Programs, U.S. Department of Education (2008)

• Creative Ticket Award, Tennessee Arts Commission (2006)

• Featured on the Doing What Works website, United States Department of Education.

• Featured in Mind in the Making, Ellen Galinski.

• Featured in Why Are School Buses Always Yellow, John Barell

• A national model for visitors across the country: Massachusetts, New York, California, Maryland, Connecticut, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Tennessee and Canada