Arlington Community Schools is a two-time Exemplary School District, ranking among the top districts in Tennessee for growth, achievement and innovation.

Serving families in Arlington, Tennessee, just outside the Memphis area, Arlington Community Schools has been named an Exemplary School District for the second consecutive year, placing ACS among just 14 districts statewide to earn this distinction. This recognition reflects strong academic outcomes, consistent student growth and a learning experience designed to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

For families searching for one of the top public school districts in Tennessee, Arlington Community Schools stands out as a destination for excellence.

What does exemplary school district mean?

The Exemplary designation is Tennessee’s highest accountability rating and is awarded to districts demonstrating high performance across achievement, student growth, graduation rate and readiness indicators. Arlington Community Schools earned an overall score of 3.2, firmly within the Exemplary range, reflecting success for both all students and student subgroups.

In addition to the district designation, three ACS schools were named Reward Schools, a federal recognition honoring strong student performance and growth across student groups. Arlington Elementary School, Donelson Elementary School and Arlington High School each earned this distinction, highlighting consistent success from early grades through high school.

Highest student growth in Tennessee

Student growth is a defining strength of Arlington Community Schools. The district earned a Level 5 TVAAS rating, the highest possible designation for student growth in Tennessee. Donelson Elementary School also earned a Level 5 growth designation, reflecting the impact of high-quality instruction and intentional support for students. Growth ratings show how effectively schools help students make academic progress year over year, regardless of where they start.

Top academic achievement across grade levels

Beyond growth, ACS students consistently perform among the best in the state academically. On state assessments, Arlington Community Schools ranked in the Top 10 statewide in 24 of 28 tested subjects, including top rankings in elementary literacy, science and high school coursework. These results reflect a district-wide commitment to strong instruction across all grade levels and content areas.

Portrait of an ACS Graduate + Project-Based Learning + STEAM Education

Everything in Arlington Community Schools is guided by the Portrait of an ACS Graduate, which defines the skills and experiences students develop from PreK through graduation. ACS graduates are prepared to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate intentionally and apply their learning to real-world situations. This vision ensures students leave ACS ready for college, careers and life.

Project-based learning is a core instructional approach across ACS classrooms. Students regularly engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that connect academic content to authentic, real-world challenges. These learning experiences encourage creativity, collaboration and deeper understanding, helping students see relevance and purpose in their work.

Arlington Community Schools is also home to two STEAM-designated schools, providing expanded opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Through design thinking, experimentation and innovation, students develop problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

FutureReady through community partnership

Preparing students for the future takes a strong partnership between schools, families and the community. Through the FutureReady initiative, Arlington Community Schools works alongside parents, local businesses and community partners to help students explore career pathways, post-secondary options and workforce skills. These connections allow students to see what is possible and understand how their learning today connects to their future.

“These accomplishments reflect the collective effort of our entire ACS family,” said Superintendent Dr. Allison Clark. “From our teachers and staff who dig into the data every day to our students who rise to the challenge, this community should be proud to live in a place where so many people care deeply about the success of our children.”

Why families choose Arlington Community Schools

Families choose Arlington Community Schools for more than strong test scores and statewide recognition. They choose ACS for the unique balance it offers — a small-town community with big-world dreams.

While Arlington maintains a close-knit, hometown feel, ACS provides students with expansive opportunities typically found in much larger districts. From robust academic pathways to a wide range of clubs, athletics, fine arts and extracurricular organizations, students are encouraged to explore their interests, discover new passions and grow into confident learners and leaders.

Another defining strength of Arlington Community Schools is its people. Employee turnover remains very low, meaning teachers and staff stay, build relationships and invest deeply in the students and families they serve. This continuity creates a sense of stability and belonging that families value — a place where educators know students by name and where it’s not uncommon for siblings to share the same teachers over the years.

ACS’s unique structure further strengthens this sense of connection. All four district schools are located within two miles of one another, allowing for seamless transitions between grade levels and strong collaboration across campuses. Students grow up together, relationships carry forward and families experience a true sense of unity across the district.

Families choose Arlington Community Schools because of:

• Consistent academic growth and statewide recognition

• Project-based and STEAM-focused learning

• Strong teacher retention and stable school communities

• Close proximity of all schools within the district

• A shared commitment to student success and belonging

While the state’s Exemplary designation measures achievement and growth through data, Arlington Community Schools believes excellence is also defined by who we are as a community. It’s reflected in the relationships we build, the pride we share and the commitment to developing not just high-achieving students, but well-rounded individuals prepared to make a positive impact in the world.

At ACS, exemplary isn’t just a label; it’s a reflection of our people, our values and our dedication to building the very best students we can.