CHATTANOOGA (WRCB)- East Brainerd Elementary School has finally given in to its recent growing pains, expanding to a nearby campus.
Fourth and fifth graders are now attending classes at the David Brainerd Christian School campus on Igou Gap Road, about five minutes from the East Brainerd School, which was built in 1912. In less than seven years, enrollment has rocketed from 485 to 727 students, necessitating a move.
Hamilton County bought the David Brainerd property last year. The private school closed in 2009 due to economic problems. The campus comes complete with a new gymnasium, and 18 acres, which may soon be used to build a replacement school for East Brainerd Elementary. School Board Chairman Mike Evatt says the old school site is surrounded by retail, and is no longer feasible for the growing school community.
Principal Dr. Bryan Stewart says the challenge of operating one school in two locations has been difficult at times, but school is going smoothly.
