Memphis Holds an Event to Support Families of the Now-Closed Promise Academy Hollywood

Teacher instructing Promise Academy Hollywood students in 2023 (Photo by Promise Academy Hollywood)

One of the oldest public charter schools in Tennessee has closed its doors.

Promise Academy Hollywood opened in 2005 in Memphis to serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade with a foundational philosophy of nurturing not just academic skills but also overall development.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman announced Promise Academy Hollywood’s voluntary closure at Tuesday night’s meeting.

MSCS Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman

“To support these students and families connected to the school and surrounding community, Memphis-Shelby County Schools will host a parent meeting to share enrollment options for the upcoming 2025/2026 school year, provide registration support, and answer any additional questions,” said Coleman.

Board members did not say why the school is closing, and Promise Academy has not made any public announcements on its social media platforms or website.

Support for Parents

The district is planning to host the meeting Coleman announced today at 5 p.m. in the Promise Academy Hollywood facility at 1246 Bryan Street.

Families will be able to enroll their children in their zoned school, and would additionally be able to use the optional schools or general choice application options to send them to a school outside their zone if slots are available.

Promise Academy additionally operates Promise Academy Spring Hill nearly six miles north of the Hollywood campus. That school also serves K-5 grade students.

History of Success

Promise Academy currently has a grade of “C” on the state’s School Letter Grades. That’s above its two nearest district-run elementary schools.  Additionally, the school earned state Reward school status last November for the performance of its nearly 250 students in the 2023/2024 school year.

“We are SO PROUD to earn the status as a 2023-24 Tennessee Department of Education Reward School for exemplary growth and achievement,” wrote school leaders on Facebook.

Leaders initially founded the school in Memphis’ Frayser community but moved it to the vacant Hollywood School property two years later.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools provided Promise Academy Hollywood with a new ten-year charter in 2020, according to Memphis media outlet Chalkbeat.