Proposed public charter school aims to serve the needs of at-risk students in fast-growing Southeast Nashville

Southeast Nashville is one of the fastest growing locations in Davidson County and leaders of the Nashville Collegiate Prep High School (NCPHS) believe their proposed school will be able to cater to the specific needs of that growth.The proposed public charter school is among three now under consideration for Metro Nashville Public Schools this year.“Nashville Collegiate Prep High School’s (NCPHS) mission is to provide a personalized, engaged, supported, and challenging environment that will strengthen students academically, socially, and emotionally. Students will leave NCPHS with the skills and mindset necessary to not only face reality but create improvements for the next generation, along with the skills necessary to succeed in college, trade school, or the workplace,” wrote NCPHS in its application. “We also want to provide a new, high-performing school in an area of Nashville desperate for more quality school options.”Nashville Collegiate Prep High School would eventually serve up to 600 students in grades nine through twelve. The school’s college preparatory design would offer students access to higher education programs and unique pathways in art and technology.The school is designed to serve a large at-risk population of students including economically disadvantage or those in need of learning support.“Based on results of standardized tests, Nashville needs more champions who can inspire our student to their greatness. At NCPHS, our mission centers on being the champion every child deserves.”Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education will vote later this year on whether to approve the school but it’s already receiving support from one independent review.The recently launched Quality Charter Review (QCR) praised the proposed school’s application for thoroughly explaining how they intend to address the needs of English language learners (ELL) and students with disabilities.Reviewers also provided positive reviews of the school’s leadership board and staffing. Both consist primarily of Nashville-based members.“Overall, the application demonstrates evidence that the school will provide innovative personalized blended learning curriculum,” wrote QCR reviewers. “The applicant outlines innovative student support with robust community engagement and staffing frameworks giving creditability to their plans to start and operate a new school.”Reviewers recommended the proposed school reevaluate its special population enrollment projections to better reflect the location’s demographic and add additional staffing for special education counselling in their application.