Proposed public charter school seeks to fill the gap for at-risk students in southeast Davidson County

The Glencliff School Cluster in Southeast Davidson County has one of the most diverse populations in Nashville and some of the lowest graduation rates.Every Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) school in the area falls below the state average in English and Math achievement and very few graduating students are career or college ready.Leaders of the public charter school network Pathways In Education (PIE) say those factors are why they chose the Glencliff neighborhood for a proposed school designed to serve at-risk and under-served students in a flexible environment that meets their needs. The proposed Pathways In Education Nashville school would eventually serve 350 students in grades nine through twelve who have dropped out, are at risk of dropping out, or have struggled in traditional public schools."Pathways In Education-Nashville equips our students with the academic and personal skills necessary to graduate with a high school diploma prepared for postsecondary education in a 21st century workforce,” wrote PIE in its application. “Pathways In Education primarily serves students who enter school below grade level.”PIE says its proposed school would provide a flexible schedule for students that focuses on credit recovery, individualized learning, and college preparatory plans.The public charter school network currently operates 8 schools across Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, and Arizona. Its application included multiple the letters of support from alumni who feel at-risk students in Nashville could benefit from the same educational model.“Pathways has always been the light at the end of the tunnel. I can't imagine what my life would look like if Pathways In Education wasn't written in my story. It would have been devastating. I probably would have never graduated. No, I definitely would NOT have graduated. They supported, pulled, and pushed me to finish. They even came to my house when I tried to drop out. No, without Pathways In Education, I would not be a high school graduate,” wrote 2022 PIE graduate Destiny Smith.PIE Nashville is one of three public charter schools MNPS’ board of education will vote on later this year and one independent review is encouraging them to approve it.The recently launched Quality Charter Review (QCR) praised PIE’s application for its extensive support from community members, parents and alumni, robust counseling services, and its intent to provide transportation assistance with bus passes for students.“Overall, the applicant demonstrates evidence that the school will provide innovative skills-based curriculum and personalized instruction exceptionally well. Curriculum and assessment plans align with state academic standards and district strategic goals exceptionally well,” wrote QRC reviewers.Reviewers suggested PIE include of physical education staff information, clarification on board committee structure and how the school will improve academic performance in its application.Pathways in Education also applied for a location in Memphis that has received a recommendation for approval from QCR.