As the 2024–2025 school year officially wraps up, Cleveland City Schools is reflecting on a year full of proud moments, student accomplishments, and historic firsts. From academic honors and athletic championships to creative excellence and community service, this has been a year of growth and momentum across the district.
While the Class of 2025 has already walked across the graduation stage, their impact—and that of students across all grade levels—will be felt for years to come.
Academic Excellence Across the Board
Cleveland High School continues to lead the way in academic achievement. This fall, the school once again earned Level 5 status, the highest possible growth score from the Tennessee Department of Education. It was also recognized for receiving the highest academic report card rating of any area high school.
The Class of 2025 raised the bar even higher:
43 students were named Graduates of Distinction for maintaining a 4.0 GPA while completing 12+ honors courses - the largest number in school history.
92 students were recognized as Raider Scholars for their commitment to academic rigor and leadership.
One student earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT and was named a National Merit Finalist.
40 seniors were recognized as AP Scholars, including 5 who achieved AP Scholar with Distinction status.
Six seniors earned associate degrees through a dual enrollment partnership with Cleveland State.
The CHS Mathletes team took first place overall in a highly competitive regional tournament.
Two graduates from the Class of 2025 are headed to Ivy League universities this fall - one to Harvard University and another to Yale University - reflecting the strength of Cleveland High’s college preparatory programs.
A Historic Year in Athletics and the Arts
Cleveland High School teams made headlines all year long:
The football team became county champions for the first time in nearly a decade.
Baseball went back-to-back as regular season and district tournament champions—a first in school history.
The bowling team advanced to State for the first time ever.
Blue Raider Soccer brought home the Region 3 AAA Championship.
Athletes in track, cross country, and wrestling were recognized at both national and international levels.
The arts were equally impressive:
The Blue Raider Marching Band brought home 12 Grand Championships this season, and the concert band earned top ratings throughout the year.
The theater department and Renaissance show choir continued their streak of excellence, with three seniors earning National Honor Thespian distinction.
Winterguard and color guard squads placed in the top tier at competitions across the Southeast.
Students Who Serve and Lead
Cleveland High students also made a major impact in the community:
Key Club seniors volunteered more than 1,140 hours during the school year.
The National Honor Society raised over $3,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Students participated in Model UN, peer mentoring, school-wide leadership teams, and outreach efforts benefiting local families.
Graduates are now headed to 55 different colleges, universities, trade programs, and military academies—including appointments to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Six JROTC cadets have committed to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Several others are entering the workforce with industry certifications earned through CTE programs.
“We’ve witnessed something special this year,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “Our students are achieving at the highest levels - academically, artistically, athletically, and in service to others. The momentum is real, and I’m so proud of the work happening across every school in our district.”