The Create School in Chattanooga: Project-Based Learning for Middle and High School Students

The Create School is a private middle and high school (grades 6–12) in Chattanooga that replaces traditional subject silos with interdisciplinary, student-directed projects tied to real community problems and design challenges. It enrolls approximately 150–200 students and operates on a competency-based model where advancement depends on demonstrated mastery rather than seat time or grades.

What The Create School actually is

The Create School combines elements of project-based learning, design thinking, and advisory-style mentorship into a full-time secondary program. Students work across disciplines—combining writing, mathematics, science, and social studies—to tackle problems like water quality in the Tennessee River, affordable housing design, or local food systems. The school does not use traditional letter grades or a standard curriculum scope and sequence. Instead, students move through competency levels in core skill areas (communication, systems thinking, numerical reasoning, and collaboration) and build portfolios documenting their work. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACSCIS).

Admissions, tuition, and financial aid

Tuition for the 2024–2025 school year is $13,500 annually for both middle and high school students. The school offers need-based financial aid to qualifying families; families should contact admissions directly to discuss aid eligibility, as packages vary. Admissions requires submission of an application, school records (transcript or progress reports from current school), a writing sample or project sample, and attendance at an interview or campus visit where prospective students and parents meet staff and observe the learning environment. The school enrolls students on a rolling basis, though earlier application (ideally by spring for fall entry) increases scheduling flexibility. There is no entrance exam, though the interview process assesses whether the student's learning style and goals align with the school's project-based approach.

Comparison to other Chattanooga private secondary options

Chattanooga's private secondary landscape includes both college-prep traditional schools and alternative models. The Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, also private and also serving grades 6–12, operates on a structured college-preparatory curriculum with arts integration and smaller class sizes; tuition runs roughly $12,000–$14,000 annually, comparable to The Create School, but follows a conventional classroom and grading structure. Bright School, another Chattanooga private option, emphasizes individualized learning but serves a younger age range (pre-K through grade 5). For families seeking a project-based, competency-driven experience specifically, The Create School is the primary option; for families prioritizing AP course options and transcript-friendly GPA reporting for college applications, a traditional college-prep school may feel more aligned with their goals.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

The Create School is best suited to students who thrive with autonomy, struggle under conventional grading systems, or are drawn to hands-on, real-world problem solving. Students who excel in collaboration, are comfortable with ambiguity, and want to see the connection between schoolwork and community impact often report high engagement. It also works well for families who prioritize portfolio-based assessment and worry that traditional grades mask deeper learning.

The school is not a fit for students who need highly structured daily routines, require extensive special education services (the school has limited resources for significant learning disabilities or behavioral support), or whose parents want transcript compatibility with highly selective colleges that expect standard GPAs and AP courses. Students who learn best with clear rubrics and individual accountability may find the collaborative project model frustrating.

What the first visit involves

Prospective families typically start by reaching out to admissions to request a campus visit. Visits usually include a tour of the learning spaces (classrooms, project labs, community areas), observation of students at work on active projects, and a meeting with the admissions director or a school leader. Parents and students are encouraged to ask questions about how projects are assessed, how the school communicates progress to families, and what support exists for students who fall behind on project milestones. Bring questions about college transition; the school helps students prepare transcripts and portfolios for college applications, but the process differs from traditional high schools and families should understand how it works before enrolling.

Hours, location, and logistics

The Create School is located in East Chattanooga and operates a standard school day and calendar aligned with Hamilton County Schools (students are not enrolled in county public schools). School hours are typically 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., though students working on community partnerships or field-based projects may have varied schedules. Parking is available on-site. Confirm current hours and any schedule variations by contacting the school directly, as project calendars and community partnerships sometimes shift the daily or weekly rhythm.

The Create School fills a specific niche in Chattanooga secondary education for families and students who prioritize experiential learning and community connection over traditional transcripts and standardized curricula.