Parents Make the Case for Jackson’s First Public Charter School

Dr. Jean Little (second from the left) and other supporters of the Jackson Museum School (Photo by the Jackson Museum School)

John Williams told members of the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission that he believes his daughter could really flourish if she had the opportunity to attend a school like the Jackson Museum School.

The proposed kindergarten through sixth-grade public charter school would utilize a “museum model” similar to schools in Atlanta and Chattanooga, which infuses subjects like science and math into weekly expeditions to local cultural centers.

“My daughter is a bright, creative young learner who sometimes struggles to stay engaged in a traditional classroom environment. Despite the efforts of caring educators, she hasn’t yet found the right fit, one that sparks her interest and helps her also strive academically,” said Williams.

Charter schools are free public schools that operate under a “charter” with a school district or the state. The Jackson Museum School would be the first in Madison County.

School board members denied the proposed school’s application last July, and founder Dr. Jean Little appealed to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, hoping to overturn that decision.

Commitments from Jackson Families and Cultural Centers

Earlier this month, the commission held a public hearing to give supporters like Williams an opportunity to make the case for the appeal. If it’s approved next month, the school would open with an initial class of 160 students in kindergarten through second grade.

Dr. Little says her team already has commitments from half that number who want to attend.

“Families told us that they want individualized, hands-on, experiential learning with real-world application,” said Dr. Little. “Not a one-size-fits-all model, and that’s exactly what our design delivers.”

Little told commissioners that her team also has partnerships with 13 “cultural centers” that will play a role in each child’s education. This includes the Carnegie Center for Arts and History, the Jackson Arts Council, and even the Memphis Zoo.

Jackson Arts Council Executive Director Dr. Delita Johnson was among those urging the commission to approve the school’s appeal.

“This is more than a school, it’s a gateway to the richness of Jackson’s cultural life and a place where the next generation of creators, innovators, and problem solvers will and can be nurtured,” said Johnson.

Opponents Question Need and Model

The Jackson-Madison County School Board rejected the Jackson Museum School in part because of concerns about its place-based education model.

District Associate Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spight continued to make that case before the commission and questioned how well the “museum model” is working in other school districts.

“Little research indicates that the PBE (place-based education) approach has been an effective means of improving student achievement among students of diverse backgrounds, including poverty, students with disabilities, or students who are lagging,” said Spight.

Multiple members of the Madison County community also spoke out against the school’s appeal, questioning why it’s needed. District 2 County Commissioner Tony Black was among them.

Black said existing district-run schools are making great strides.

“There’s no need for a charter school. With all good intentions that they may have, this district provides what our children need,” said Black.

According to the most recent state testing data, students in the Jackson-Madison County School district have an achievement rate of more than 10 percent below the state average, and Dr. Little says one in four families are choosing not to send their child to their zoned school.