Madison County’s First Public Charter School Approved to Open in 2026
The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission unanimously voted to overturn a Jackson-Madison County’s School Board decision and clear the way for the Jackson Museum School to open in 2026.
Tennessee Commission Unanimously Approves a Rocketship Charter School in Rutherford County
The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve Rocketship Public Schools’ expansion into Rutherford County, overturning the local school board’s previous denial. The decision clears the way for the county’s fourth charter school, which will open next August and serve students in La Vergne and Smyrna.
Austin Peay to Cover Military Tuition Assistance if Federal Shutdown Continues
As the federal government shutdown threatens to pause Military Tuition Assistance payments, Austin Peay State University has pledged to cover tuition for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard students enrolled in Fall B courses—continuing its long-standing support for military learners near Fort Campbell.
Knox County Leaders Oppose Knoxville Sales Tax Increase as Early Voting Begins
Knox County and state leaders are urging voters to reject Knoxville’s proposed $47 million sales tax increase, arguing the measure would add to residents’ financial strain as early voting begins for the November 4 election.
New Partnership Provides Nashville’s High School Grads with Tuition-Free Technical Training
A news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly says the program expands access to high-wage career training in areas such as industrial trades, construction, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Nashville Named One of Six U.S. Cities for Amazon Skills to Jobs Alliance
Nashville has been selected as one of six U.S. cities to join Amazon Web Services’ Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, a national initiative bridging education and workforce needs in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Memphis-Shelby County School Board Approves Sale of Historic School Elvis Presley Attended
The expense of maintaining and repairing both buildings played a key role in each decision, as the district has faced challenges in recent years keeping up some of its older facilities.
Rutherford County Board Backs House Rep. Mike Sparks’ Push to Lower School Bus Driver Age Amid Shortages
The Rutherford County School Board voted 5-2 to support state legislation reducing Tennessee’s minimum school bus driver age from 25 to 23 in an effort to ease ongoing driver shortages.
New Research Backs Up Public Charter School’s Argument for Expanding into Rutherford County
New data compiled by the Tennessee Charter School Center and SCORE found economically disadvantaged students at Rocketship Dream Community Prep scored in the top 7 percent in the state for both math and English language arts (ELA) proficiency.
Weapons Detection Systems Headed to Nashville Middle Schools
This decision expands a program school board members initially approved last February to install Evolv detection systems in all high schools.
Tennessee Lawmakers Debate Future of Algebra II and Other Core Subjects as Graduation Requirements
Tennessee lawmakers and education leaders clashed this week over whether students with a career and technical education (CTE) focus might be able to substitute CTE courses for core subjects that are currently required for graduation.
Tennessee Tri-Star Reads Contest Winners Log Thousands of Summer Reading Minutes by Traveling to ‘Different Places’
A wizarding world. A magical farm. Other places human beings can scarcely imagine. These are just some of the places the Tri-Star Reads summer reading contest winners traveled to this summer…
Every Memphis-Shelby County School Board Seat Will Be Back on the Ballot in 2026 Following Commission Vote
All nine Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seats will be back on the ballot in 2026 after commissioners voted to move up the election cycle, shortening terms for members elected just last year.
Rutherford County Parents Make the Case to Launch a New Public Charter School
The Rutherford County School Board narrowly voted down Rocketship’s application to open a new public charter school last July, and the operator appealed that decision to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, hoping to overturn it.
Memphis Residents Champion Proposed Charter School as a Fix for a District That’s “Failed Thousands”
Memphis-based community members, including parents and retired educators, spoke out in support of a proposed public charter school they hope will help bandage a school district they say has “failed thousands.”
New Volkswagen Career and Technical Education Academy Will be a Part of Chattanooga’s Skyline
The Volkswagen Engineering Preparatory Academy at the Franklin Roberts Future Ready Center will provide students with access to early engineering education and create a pathway for students to explore engineering concepts and technical skills beginning in their freshman year.
Wilson County Schools Considers Adjusting Start Times Amid Bus Driver Shortage
Wilson County Schools is considering changes to school start times as part of an effort to address an ongoing shortage of bus drivers that has left some routes uncovered.
Dream Catcher’s Academy Charter Proposal Sparks Debate in Memphis
At a recent public hearing, Memphis community members rallied behind the proposed Dream Catcher’s Academy, a K-12 charter school designed to serve students experiencing homelessness.
Parents Make the Case for Jackson’s First Public Charter School
If the Jackson Museum School’s appeal is granted next month, the school would open with an initial class of 160 students in kindergarten through second grade.
Williamson County Schools Joins Other Tennessee Institutions Disciplining Staff for Social Media Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
WCS confirmed an employee has been suspended pending investigation, after district leaders were alerted to a social media post made over the weekend about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.