RECOGNIZED ON a national stage through the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, while still retaining the family atmosphere where students are not just a number, Fayetteville City Schools is a true reflection of its motto, “Big enough to make a difference … small enough to care.”
Fayetteville City Schools boasts two Lighthouse Schools, Ralph Askins School and Fayetteville Middle School, and a Beacon School moving toward Lighthouse status in Fayetteville High School. This recognition through Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence demonstrates our system’s commitment to meeting and exceeding performance areas indicative of high-achieving schools.
We are not content to rest on our laurels, striving each day to continually improve our schools and welcoming input from stakeholders in order to best serve our Tigers.
With a low pupil-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, our teachers know children individually; however, our small size doesn’t mean small offerings. Students in all grade levels across all three of our schools are offered the opportunity to participate in drama classes designed to engage students in the performing arts and theatre. We offer numerous clubs and activities in all schools, allowing our Tigers to find their niche. Students in many of our organizations, such as Beta Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA), compete with their peers statewide, often advancing to nationals.
Fayetteville City offers a robust curriculum, including honors courses, Advanced Placement programs and dual credit/dual enrollment opportunities on the high school level.
Our Career Technical Education (CTE) program is changing lives, providing our students with the necessary skills to pursue well-paying jobs after high school. Thanks to our community partnerships with institutions such as Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Fayetteville High students are training for their careers in high-skill, high-demand areas while completing their high school diplomas. Our Cosmetology program is recognized by the state of Tennessee Board of Cosmetology, resulting in professional training while our students are still in high school. One of our newest offerings, Medical Science, is an excellent option for students with interest in the healthcare field. FHS has partnered with local organizations to provide job shadowing and certification opportunities, and we have had students earning industry certifications and job placements already. Additionally, our outstanding criminal justice program is preparing our students for careers in the legal field or law enforcement.
Fayetteville High School’s Project Lead the Way Engineering program is nationally certified – one of the first in the State of Tennessee to be certified – and we boast a number of FHS graduates in our short history who are enjoying careers in engineering fields thanks to the foundation laid during high school.
Our Fayetteville City graduates who have now moved on to the next stages of their careers almost exclusively say that the small environment and the personal attention from teachers who cared about students helped shape the adults that they have become today and played a key role in their success after high school. That personalized attention afforded in a small school environment by career counselors advocating for our students continues to help our Tigers pursue their dreams – last year’s graduating class was offered $3.4 million in scholarships and awards upon graduation, an average of $42,937 per senior.
We are blessed to have a diverse student body in Fayetteville City Schools reflective of our city’s overall diversity, along with some of the finest educators in the field. Our teachers are invested in each one of our Tigers and want to see them succeed in whatever paths they choose after high school. We value our partnerships with our Tiger families and foster communication and teamwork with our parents and families to ensure students’ success.
We appreciate our parents trusting us with their children. We know families have a choice when it comes to educating their children, and we appreciate the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of these young people. Fayetteville City is truly a special school system, and we invite new and existing residents to join our Tiger family on our journey to success.
The Fayetteville City School System offers open enrollment throughout Fayetteville and all of Lincoln County. Whether you live in the city limits or not, come meet us and see if being a Tiger is the best fit for your student and family. As always, go Tigers! GN
