Public charter schools in Shelby, Davidson, and Hamilton County recognized for being changemakers
The Tennessee Charter School Center recognized 5 middle schools and 8 high schools for having the greatest positive impact on student academic growth and achievement.
Nashville’s Voyager Academies headlined the annual changemaker list with three of the charter operator’s schools winning four Changemaker award categories including Valor Voyager Academy that won K-8 Overall Changemaker and Valor College Prep that was one of three High School Overall Changemakers.
The organization determined the K-8 Overall Changemaker award by ranking each public charter school in the state in English language arts and math scores along with the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) scores for academic growth.
High school changemaker awards focused on TVAAS scores, Ready Graduate rates, and college-going rates.
“We are thrilled to announce our 2023-24 High School and K-8 Changemaker Lists, which recognize the top public charter schools that are particularly excelling among both charter and traditional public schools statewide,” said Elizabeth Fivevash, interim CEO for the Tennessee Charter School Center. “These students, families and teachers should be immensely proud of their efforts in ensuring that Tennessee continues to provide a learning environment where public charter school students can thrive.”
The Tennessee Charter School Center also recognized public charter schools that are succeeding in high poverty areas. Research shows that economically disadvantaged students frequently face disadvantages academically. Schools receiving the Changemaker Trailblazer award in K-8 and high school have at least 50 percent of their students identifying as economically disadvantaged.
Charter schools are free public schools operated by an independent contract or “charter” with an authorizing agency. Under Tennessee law they must be operated by a non-profit group and be free and open to all children.The full list of Changemaker awardees includes:
K-8 Overall Changemakers - Top School Overall
Valor Voyager Academy – Nashville
K-8 ELA Changemakers - Top Performers
Valor Voyager Academy – Nashville
K-8 Math Changemakers - Top Performers
Valor Flagship Academy - Nashville
Valor Voyager Academy - Nashville
Memphis Rise Academy – Memphis
K-8 Trailblazer Changemakers - Top High Poverty Public Charter Schools
Journey East Academy - Memphis
Southern Avenue Charter School – Memphis
High School Overall Changemakers - Top Schools Overall
Valor College Prep - Nashville
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy - Chattanooga
Soulsville Charter School – Memphis
High School Trailblazer Changemakers - Top High Poverty Public Charter Schools
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy - Chattanooga
Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship - Memphis
Memphis School of Excellence - Memphis
Soulsville Charter School – Memphis
High School Rising Stars - Outstanding New Public Charter Schools
Chattanooga Preparatory School - Chattanooga
Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence High - Chattanooga
Memphis School of Excellence - Cordova