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Oak Ridge Schools
The Oak Ridge School system was established in 1943 by the federal government to educate children of workers who were brought to the area to help develop the first atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project. The schools started with a most unusual requirement: they had to be top-notch and absolutely nothing less was acceptable.
The district’s approximately 4500 students are enrolled in one high school (grades 9-12), two middle schools (grades 5-8), four elementary schools (K-4), and one preschool (3–4-year-olds). With a support staff of almost 300 and a licensed staff of approximately 400, its full staff of employees work hard each day for their students. Nearly eighty percent of Oak Ridge teachers hold a masters level degree or higher.
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The school system is highly recognized for its educational and athletic programs and its students and teachers yearly receive numerous honors. The Oak Ridge school district has twice been ranked number one in the state of Tennessee in the Niche K-12 Best School Districts. This ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ ACT scores, teacher quality, and public school district ratings. Oak Ridge Schools were given an overall grade of A+ by Niche.
Oak Ridge Schools vision for “every student prepared for college, career, and life success” is exemplified in the Portrait of a Graduate model (http://www.ortn.edu/pog), focusing on whole student education including academic measures, soft skills, career readiness, digital citizenship, and life readiness skills. Oak Ridge has excellent advanced placement, dual enrollment, Naval JROTC, and Career and Technical Education programs including industry certifications. STEM-focused learning occurs in every building. Technology is used daily in many classrooms as Oak Ridge is a 1:1 district, providing age-appropriate devices for all students in grades K-12.
Today, a city of 29,400 people, Oak Ridge remains a scientific and research community known internationally for its production of and research in all forms of energy. The Oak Ridge community has a tradition of supporting excellence in education and provides over 1,000 volunteers who assist the schools every year. Oak Ridge School System spends over $14,000.00 per pupil. Contact Oak Ridge Schools at http://www.ortn.edu/ or by phone at (865) 425-9001.
Dr. Bruce Borchers, Director of Oak Ridge Schools
Oak Ridge Schools Director of Schools: Dr. Bruce Borchers 304 New York Avenue Oak Ridge, TN 37830 865-425-9001 www.ortn.edu
Board of Education
Keys Fillauer
Angi Agle
Erin Webb
Benjamin J. Stephens
Laura McLean