New Memphis public charter school pushing back opening until 2025

Supporters of Empower Memphis Career and College Prep rallying in support of the application (Photo by Empower Memphis)

Empower Memphis Career and College Prep will begin serving Orange Mound and South Memphis students a year later than planned.

Muna Olaniyi (Photo by Sky Arnold)

Chief Executive Officer Muna Olaniyi announced to supporters this week that the public charter school’s opening has been postponed until August 2025 because of facility-related challenges.

“I understand that this news may be disappointing to you, our cherished supporters. However, please rest assured that we are actively addressing these challenges to ensure an environment that exceeds your expectations. Our dedication to providing a safe, nurturing, and cutting-edge educational experience remains steadfast. We firmly believe that the additional time will empower us to not only meet but surpass the high standards we have set for Empower Memphis Career and College Prep,” wrote Olaniyi in an email.

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission approved Empower Memphis’ application last October and the initial plan was to begin serving students in grades K-2 this August. The school would then add grades each year until the school is K-8.The plan for Empower Memphis is to provide those students with a career technical education (CTE) model instills academic and technical skills through hands-on training and experience. The school will also provide a “two-generation’ approach that serves the needs of students and their families struggling with poverty in Orange Mound and South Memphis.

Late last year Olaniyi discussed the challenge of finding the right facility for the school and said her plan was to renovate an existing facility.

“The building that we want, that I really want right away, is basically the long-term site. Meaning that we will grow in that area. If we don’t get that site, then we have incubator spaces,” said Olaniyi in December. “The incubator spaces are like spaces that we’ll use for maybe two or three years until we find the permanent site.”

Empower Memphis was the only new public charter school approved in Memphis last year.  This year school board members are considering three applications.