Emerald Academy Awarded for Third Grade Reading Scores

Local Philanthropist Gives Emerald Academy $20,000

Emerald Academy has been awarded $20,000 for outstanding achievement in third grade reading scores.

The award was funded by David Coffey, a former Tennessee legislator and longtime public education advocate. It was presented by Dr. Tanna Nicely, a former winner and now affiliated with Carson-Newman University. The award will support Emerald Academy and its leadership as they continue to build on exceptional results for the 450 kindergarten through eighth grade scholars.

“The data is crystal clear,” said Nicely. “If a student is reading proficiently in third grade it impacts them significantly throughout their entire educational journey. And this award is completely data driven. Emerald is producing real results. And it is not just the third-grade teachers…it takes quality teaching all the preceding years as well.”

Emerald results show a 59.6% ELA proficiency. That is twice the state average for their demographic. 

“I am incredibly proud of our scholars, faculty and families for their achievements during the 2025-2026 school year, and how they are so invested in Emerald Academy,” said School Director Carlissa Weeks. “We remain focused on ensuring these results continue through academic rigor, pacing and urgency in third grade and across all grade levels,” she said.

The check was awarded Weeks during a presentation that included Emerald Academy faculty and scholars.

Additional results from Emerald Academy during 2025-2026 include:

• Schoolwide proficiency across all tested subjects over the past five years nearly doubled, increasing from 21% to 38%. This reflects five consecutive years of increases in proficiency.
• Results in every tested subject area were equally impressive:
  • Reading: Increased from 19.1% to 34.2%, a 79% increase (+15 percentage points).
  • Math: Increased from 20.3% to 38.7%, a 91% increase (+18 percentage points).
  • Science: Increased from 26.2% to 37%, a 41% increase (+11 percentage points).
  • Social studies: Increased from 17.5% to 47.7%, a 172% increase (+30 percentage points), the largest gain by far.

“We are grateful for Mr. Coffey’s generosity. His recognition and support of Emerald Academy’s faculty and scholars is deeply appreciated by our entire team,” said Steve Diggs, President, Emerald Charter Schools.

Coffey previously made similar awards to schools in Knox and Anderson County. In the future he hopes the program honoring achievement in this critical phase of education, third grade reading, can become a unique statewide program run by the state, with financial awards for the extra effort exhibited by the top schools.