SCHOOLS

Operating Schools

21

Total Enrollment

4,301

Because Tennessee limits the charter option to students who are in failing schools, the development of charters has been slow and focused on at-risk students.

Resource

The National Charter School Directory offers complete listings, including school address, program description, and website.

LAW

Grade

D

Rank

28th out of 40 laws

Resource

CER's 2010 point-by-point profile of Tennessee's charter law looks at approval process, operations, funding, and teacher and student provisions.

EQUITY

Funding

Charters have few freedoms and fewer dollars. Tennessee's charter schools receive, on average, $7,637 per pupil.

Resource

More information on equity issues at Charter School Funding: Following the Money.

ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Test Scores

The Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) at the University of Memphis compared charter student achievement  district student achievement. Sixty-three different comparisons were made in middle and high school, and it was found that in 35 of these comparisons, a higher percentage of charter students reached proficient or advanced.

Closures

As of February 2009, only one Tennessee charter have been closed.

Resource

Accountability Report 2009: Charter Schools: In-depth information about charter achievement and accountability, including state-by-state analyses and closure listings.