FSD Recognized as “Exemplary” by the State with 5 Reward Schools

With the release of federal accountability data for the 2024-25 school year, the Franklin Special District is proud to announce that five FSD schools have been named Tennessee Department of Education Reward Schools, and the district has been designated as Exemplary. 

The following schools are 2025 Reward Schools:

• Franklin Elementary
• Johnson Elementary
• Liberty Elementary
• Moore Elementary
• Poplar Grove Elementary

This is the first time that all five FSD elementary schools have received the Reward School distinction in the same year. It is also the first time in its history that Johnson Elementary has attained this honor. Franklin Elementary and Poplar Grove Elementary have been awarded Reward School status for five consecutive years. Both Moore Elementary and Liberty Elementary have been Reward Schools for four of the past five years. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate these schools for earning the prestigious Reward designation,” said Dr. David Snowden, Director of Schools. “This honor reflects the dedication of our students, the hard work of our teachers and staff, and the support of our families, which together led to strong academic performance, steady attendance, and meaningful growth. It’s something our entire community can celebrate, and it shows what’s possible when everyone works together.”

To receive the Reward School distinction, schools must earn a score of at least 3.1 on the 4-point accountability scale. The overall score is calculated based on a school’s results from student achievement on TCAP testing, student TCAP growth, reducing chronic absenteeism, and ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) growth. These results are calculated for all students and by subgroup, and schools with a score of at least 3.1 achieve Reward School status. These five FSD schools earned the marks necessary in all four areas to be honored as Reward Schools.

At the district accountability level, the FSD received the Exemplary designation, the highest level districts can achieve. Like the school formula, district accountability is calculated based on student achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, and ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) growth for all students and subgroups. The district previously earned the Exemplary designation in 2023, and the FSD is one of only fourteen districts across Tennessee to achieve this designation this year.

“This Exemplary designation is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment shown across all eight of our schools,” Snowden said. “Every building, every team, and every student played a part in earning this honor. It speaks to the consistent excellence, growth, and support happening throughout the FSD, and I couldn’t be prouder of what our entire district has achieved together.” 

The TCAP scores indicate that every FSD school performed significantly above the state average in every tested subject—a trend the district has maintained for many years. “We are incredibly proud of these scores, but we also recognize that even high-performing schools have areas for growth,” Snowden added. “Our district consistently engages in rigorous data analysis at both the school and district levels—celebrating our strengths and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement as part of our ongoing work.”