Appeals withdrawn for proposed charter schools with connections to Hillsdale

American Classical Education informed the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission on Thursday that it is withdrawing its new start charter appeals for American Classical Academy Rutherford, American Classical Academy Madison, and American Classical Academy Montgomery.

Local school districts had voted down each proposed charter school in July following public outcry over American Classical Education’s connections to Michigan-based Hillsdale College and controversial remarks made by Hillsdale President Larry Arnn about teachers, which were captured on hidden video. American Classical Education filed the appeals seeking to overturn those decisions.

The commission held three public hearings on the appeals this month and was scheduled to vote on them on October 5.

American Classical Education released a statement from board member and former Tennessee State Senator Dolores Gresham explaining the decision to withdraw:

"American Classical Education has decided to withdraw its appeals to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. ACE initially asked for a delay to further address concerns and clarify confusion and misconceptions raised by the Commission staff in each of the public hearings earlier this month. We understand that the delay request was not granted. Additionally, when the Commission created additional public comment time for its meetings in October, we heard from many parents and students who will be on fall break during the newly reformatted Commission meetings and would be unable to travel to Nashville. This made us concerned that the Commission would not hear directly from the voices that really matter — the parents and students in these communities."

Gresham emphasized the organization's belief in the growing national movement advocating for parental control over education, stating:

"We believe, with complete conviction, that there will be many future opportunities in Tennessee as there are in most of America. The nationwide movement away from monopolistic public schools is an expression of the fact that parents have a natural love and, therefore, a natural say over how and what their children are taught in school. This parental love was evident in the efforts of the many parents who have supported our efforts and to whom we remain committed."

ACE remains dedicated to empowering parents and students by providing access to high-quality public schools of choice. Gresham concluded by expressing optimism for future applications:

"ACE remains committed to empowering parents and students to have access to high-quality public schools of choice. We look forward to applying for additional charter schools where local parents, teachers, and students desire excellent education alternatives."