Shelby County Schools is moving in the right direction with increased graduation rates. Among the schools with notable strides are charter schools!

Congratulations to Memphis School of Excellence and Power Center Academy –  both boasted a 100 percent graduation rate! Additionally, KIPP Memphis Collegiate High; Memphis Academy of Health Sciences High; Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering; Memphis Business Academy High; Memphis Health Careers Academy; and Soulsville Charter achieved rates of 87 percent and above. 

Tweet these schools and congratulate them on this huge accomplishment! Don't forget to tag #TNcharters!    

We're excited about all of these schools and we wish them continued success. Click the link to read more about graduation rate progress in Shelby County Schools.

The National NAACP confirmed their stance on charter schools at their recent convention this Fall. Collaboration on all fronts – from the Legislature to classrooms – is going to be essential looking ahead.

“Going forward, we all must continue to rally around the belief that, with common goals and an unwavering focus on what is best for students, we can improve the future for every Tennessee child. The good news is, many of the local members of NAACP members and leadership across our state do understand. They are open to conversation, serve on charter school boards, they visit schools, and ultimately appreciate the benefits that public charter schools add to the local education landscape.  It will be through this open dialogue and community effort that we must transform this controversy into real change. We are ready to commit to this mission and hope you will join in too,” Maya Bugg reiterated in a letter to charter leaders.

TCSC continues to collaborate with the local branches of the NAACP to advocate for high-quality education for all students in Tennessee. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to let your voice be heard by following us on Twitter & Facebook.

More than $19 million will be heading to charter schools across the state thanks to the Tennessee Department of Education with support from the Tennessee Charter School Center. While the funds have been allotted to Tennessee, potential applicants must await until approval from the legislature before disbursement. Once approved, TDOE hopes to initiate a statewide grant cycle after the first of the year. 

Additional support from CSP funding will not only better equip operators and districts with the tools they need to recruit, staff and direct our students and schools towards further success, but will play a role in supporting high-quality growth, sharing best practices and strengthening accountability. TCSC remains passionately committed to our mission for educational equity and opportunities for all students across Tennessee, and consider it both an honor and an even greater responsibility to see that these funds are put to great use.

The Nashville Education Foundation awarded Stem Preparatory Academy the inaugural Inspiring Innovation Award for their work with Newcomers Academy. As an inaugural program for English Language Learners, Newcomers is advancing the academic achievement and social integration of new arrival students and to bolster the instructional capacity in schools serving English Learners. Check out the video above to see this in action and congratulations again!

The Tennessee Charter School Center’s Memphis office has relocated. We are now located in The Commons at Teacher Town at 477 S. Main, 4th Floor, Memphis, TN, 38103.  Please update your contact records and we look forward to hearing from you!