Independent review recommends denial for a proposed fourth public charter school in Rutherford County

Stock image of children (Photo by Novus SMART)

Rutherford County is one of Middle Tennessee’s fastest growing areas. As the population grows, Rutherford County Schools is finding itself in the position of having to rezone and build new schools to address overcrowding and population growth.

Leaders of Novus SMART Academy (K-8) hope to be a part of that growth and provide families with another school option. The proposed public charter school would utilize extended time and blended learning in English language arts and math to prepare students with skills needed to work with their peers, think critically and creatively, and solve real-world challenges.

“Novus SMART Academy (K-8) will provide all scholars access to rigorous curricula and high-quality academic instruction that fosters a love for learning, embraces innovation and creativity, and encourages personal growth to thrive in their chosen college and career paths, making a positive impact on society,” wrote Novus leaders in the school’s application. “Novus SMART Academy (K-8) inspires all scholars to unlock their full potential through extraordinary learning experiences that lead to successful college journeys and fulfilling careers, empowering them to make a positive impact on society and to achieve extraordinary success in all aspects of life.”

The school seeks to serve 990 K through eight students at full capacity in La Vergne and Smyrna, which is experiencing overcrowding. Its program would focus on Science, Math, Arts/Electives, Research, and Technology (SMART) and aim to improve the community’s academic proficiency.

Novus’ program would also include a co-teaching model in literacy and math, asset-based learning in arts and electives, inquiry-based learning in science and research, and project-based learning in math, science, and technology.

If approved by Rutherford County School Board members this Thursday, Novus eventually would join three other public charter schools that are scheduled to open in the county this fall. Charter schools are free public schools operated by an independent contract or “charter” with an authorizing agency.

The independent Quality Charter Review (QCR) evaluated Novus’ application and recommended school board members deny it.

While reviewers praised how the school intends to utilize various measures such as growth to evaluate some aspects of academic program success, numerous letters of recommendations for the proposed school leader, a comprehensive response to intervention process, and a clear start-up plan, they found that the application overall did not have a cohesive educational plan.

Additionally, reviewers felt the application lacked a clear understanding of appropriate services and support for special populations, and the lack of a teacher retention plan.

“The application identifies many instructional approaches that the school plans to implement, however there is little evidence that these will all be incorporated into a cohesive educational model,” wrote QCR reviewers. “Overall, the Academic Plan does not demonstrate a clear plan for implementing the proposed mission and vision of the school.”

Novus SMART Academy is one of nine proposed new public charter schools that are scheduled for votes across the state this month.

The Quality Charter Review and Tennessee Firefly are unaffiliated projects of Tennesseans for Student Success.