Brainerd Baptist School

🌟 Key Highlights: Brainerd Baptist School

Brainerd Baptist School (BBS) is a private, independent Christian elementary school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is dedicated to providing a high-quality, rigorous academic program in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment, focusing on foundational learning and preparation for the city’s top secondary schools.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent Christian School (Non-denominational)

• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Grades Served: Pre-K (K2, K3, K4) – 5th Grade

• Enrollment: Over 350 students

• Core Mission: To provide a high-quality comprehensive academic program in a loving, Christian environment with the goal of developing children into positive, contributing influences in the community and the world.

• Accreditation: SAIS (Southern Association of Independent Schools), NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), and TAIS (Tennessee Association of Independent Schools).

• Affiliation: Legally separate from, but closely related to, Brainerd Baptist Church.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

BBS distinguishes itself through its specific focus on foundational elementary education and innovative programs:

• Elementary Focus (PK–5th Grade): The school is laser-focused on being the best elementary school in Chattanooga. This specialization ensures all curriculum, resources, and culture are optimized for the academic, emotional, and social development of children up to age 11.

• The “Four Cs” Curriculum: For 4th and 5th graders, the curriculum integrates classes in Coding, Cooking, Chess, and Carpentry into the fine arts rotation, aiming to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

• CAT Days: The annual C.A.T. (Curiosity, Adventure, Thought) Day provides 5th-grade students with unique experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as sports management or media day.

• Small Class Sizes & Support: Maintains small class sizes and places a teacher assistant in every K2 through 1st-grade class. It also features a robust Learning Center with Academic Counselors to provide services for students with more significant needs (e.g., academic evaluations, therapy services).

• Secondary School Preparation: The curriculum is designed to prepare students to be accepted at and excel in Chattanooga’s best college-preparatory middle and high schools (e.g., McCallie, GPS, Baylor, Chattanooga Christian).

🎯 Who Would Enjoy This School?

This school is an excellent fit for:

• Families seeking a Christian, non-denominational private school that emphasizes a strong foundation in academics and character from Pre-K through 5th grade.

• Students who thrive in a small, family-like atmosphere where teachers lead devotion and prayer daily, and Christian values are integrated throughout the week.

• Parents who want a school that is heavily invested in preparing their child for entry and success at Chattanooga’s most competitive middle and high schools.

• Students who benefit from innovative programs like the Four C’s and CAT Day and the availability of on-site academic support services.

🛑 Who Should Consider Other Options?

This school might not be the best fit for:

• Families seeking a middle or high school program, as BBS only serves grades Pre-K through 5th.

• Students who prefer a purely secular or non-religious environment, as Christian faith and daily devotion/weekly Chapel are core components.

• Families who prefer a K-12 school model that keeps students in one campus/system for the entirety of their schooling.

📞 Contact Information