Knox County School Board ignored its own district’s recommendation to approve a public charter school. That could change Thursday

“Overall, the academic plan as presented, along with the interviews of the founding team, gave the review team confidence this group can successfully open and operate a school that meets the academic and social-emotional needs of the boys who attend,” wrote the review team. “The past performance of Knox Prep's first school meets or exceeds the criteria for approval, as the review team has confidence based on both the written application and subsequent interview that this applicant can successfully operate a quality charter school.”¶

Review team members additionally gave the application high marks for how the school intends to address staffing, finances, and its plans for facilities and long-term growth.¶

PREP Public Schools has claimed it’s applying to open this school following requests from families in Knoxville who want a similar education option for their children that families in Chattanooga have.¶

Knox County’s review team also found strong public support for the school.¶

“The level of community and parent outreach is substantial as Knox Prep has been working in the Knoxville area for over a year and there were many letters of support for this school. Additionally, Knox Prep presented a solid plan for continuing to engage and involve parents after the school opens and welcomes them on both their governing and advisory boards,” wrote the review team.¶

Despite the application’s glowing review from the district’s charter review team, the proposed school has seen opposition from some community leaders who worry the school will negatively impact traditional public schools in the area.If approved, Knox Prep would only be the second public charter school in Knox County.¶