Metro Nashville Public Schools denies three high quality public charter school applications including one by a former student

Pathways in Education (PIE) operates eight public charter high schools for “at-risk” students across the country and the organization has previously operated schools in Memphis under the Achievement School District. The organization is now applying to open a school serving at-risk students in Southeast Davidson County.District charter reviewers found PIE-Nashville partially met state standards for its operational and financial plans but failed to meet academic standards.  Much like Invictus, board members referenced the reviewers recommendation to deny the school as a reason for their vote.“I really did love the idea and the concept of this school, given the uniqueness of the cluster in providing new pathways and providing unique opportunities and different and alternative opportunities ,” said board member Freda Player. “I really do admire the innovation and the idea behind it but we have a certain set of standards and criteria that we have to hold our schools and other schools accountable to.”
Nashville Collegiate Prep High School¶

Nashville Collegiate Prep High School would also be located in Southeast Davidson County. The school’s college preparatory design would offer students access to higher education programs and pathways in art and technology.District reviewers found the school's application partially met state standards for academic, operational, and financial plans and they recommended the board deny it. Board member Cheryl Mayes referenced that review in her vote.“Generally speaking I would welcome the opportunity to have a educational facility that supports our students learning, however based on the findings of the review committee, I would have a difficult time supporting this application,” said Mayes.The board's vote against all three schools stands in contrast to the recommendation provided earlier this Spring by independent reviewers with the Quality Charter Review. Its reviewers looked over the three applications and found they all met state standards for their academic, operational, and financial plans.Under state law, leaders of all three proposed schools will have 30 days to address board concerns by submitting an amended application that board members would make another vote on.This story is breaking and will be updated with additional information.¶