About Us
About Us
Hamilton County Collegiate High School is a nationally recognized school located on the Chattanooga State Community College campus thanks to a partnership between the Hamilton County Department of Education and Chattanooga State Community College. Recognized as a State of Tennessee Reward School and a National Blue Ribbon School, Collegiate High empowers students in grades 9–12 to fast-track their education and get a head start on college and career goals. Students at Collegiate High participate in Dual Enrollment classes on a college campus, allowing them to earn high school and college credits simultaneously while also learning how to successfully navigate an adult environment. Many of our students graduate high school with both a high school diploma and an Associates Degree. Collegiate High students are some of the most sought-after students and have found continued success in colleges and universities across the nation. Additionally, our ACT composite continues to rank above the state and national average.
Eligibility
Student Eligibility Criteria:
- 9th-12th grade student with satisfactory attendance and discipline history.
- Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be on track for graduation.
- Must demonstrate college readiness by meeting the following ACT criteria, or by demonstrating college readiness on Chattanooga State’s Accuplacer exam with a score of 250 or higher in Reading, Writing, and Math.
- ACT composite score of 19 or higher;
- ACT English score or 18 or better;
- ACT Math score of 19 or higher; and
- ACT Reading score of 19 or higher.
Additionally, students must exhibit the following traits to be successful in a college setting: maturity, discipline, self-advocacy, and time management.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now closed. Applications for the 2027-2028 school year will open in the Fall of 2026. Complete the interest form below if you would like to be notified when applications open.
Attendance Policies
Our students follow the Chattanooga State academic calendar rather than the Hamilton County School academic calendar, including extended breaks, inclement weather, and some holidays. Attendance policies are further explained in the Student/Guardian Handbook. It is important to note that, unlike traditional high schools, CSCC professors may set their own individual policies regarding attendance, which could impact students’ grades, financial aid status, and ability to remain enrolled.
Campus Map
Chattanooga State Campus
4501 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Collegiate High Office: Branch 21 (CAT Building on the map)- Directions can be found in our FAQs.
Tuition and Fees
Dual Enrollment classes are based on the tuition rates set forth annually by the Tennessee Board of Regents. While we do offer grants for qualifying Juniors & Seniors, as well as a hardship scholarship for qualifying 9th-12th graders, any remaining balance is the responsibility of the guardian(s) and student. See the FAQs for more information on these funding opportunities.
Out of state and out of district students will also be required to pay a percentage of the current out of state/district tuition rate to Hamilton County Schools. This tuition may fluctuate annually. Out of state students will also be charged out of state tuition by Chattanooga State.
Please review our FAQs to learn more about tuition and funding opportunities.
Transportation
HCS does not provide direct transportation for Collegiate High students. However, providing it fits with a student’s schedule, students may use the HCS STEM School bus. This bus does not run when Hamilton County Schools is not in session. Students may also ride on Carta Route 28 for free if they have signed up for Chattanooga Public Library’s Read and Ride program. Click here for details on the CARTA Read & Ride program.
