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2023 High School Changemaker List

April 4, 2026 by Gurinder Singh

In 2022, the Tennessee Charter School Center established our first K-8 Changemaker Charter School List, honoring excellence in achievement, proficiency increase, and TVAAS growth for K-8 charter schools. As we near graduation time for the class of 2023, we are excited to announce our first High School Changemaker Charter School List, honoring the public charter high schools that stand out among their traditional and charter school peers. Using TVAAS allows us to compare student achievement on standardized tests while accounting for the fact that students enter school with a variety of backgrounds and abilities.

Ready Graduate is an indicator of how well high school graduates are prepared for college or a career. A student is considered “ready” if they meet one of several criteria including earning postsecondary credits in high school, achieving a high score on the ACT or SAT, or earning industry credentials, among others. Compared to other measures like graduation rates, Ready Graduate rates are a much stronger predictor of post-secondary enrollment after high school.

A school’s College-Going rate reflects the percentage of graduates who enrolled in a postsecondary institution (4-year, 2-year, and less than 2-year) the year after high school. While we recognize that college is not for every student, research has shown a strong relationship between earning a college degree and higher earnings throughout life. Although not perfect, the number of students who enroll in college can serve as an indicator for how that school is preparing students for life after high school.

METHODOLOGY:

As a first step toward identifying High School Changemaker schools, we ranked all public schools in the state on each of these outcomes using the most recent data available (2022 for TVAAS and Ready Graduates and 2021 for College-Going rates). However, we realize that outcomes in a single year may not fully represent efforts to affect these outcomes. To address this, we also calculated four- and five-year changes in Ready Graduate and college-going rates for each school. This helped us identify schools that were improving on each of these outcomes over time.

Finally, we recognize that not all schools are the same and that these measures, at face value, may overlook important work being done for students. As a result, we identified three groups to receive awards. These, along with the criteria for each are listed below.

CRITERIA:

Overall High School Changemakers [Top Schools Overall]: All public schools in the state were ranked on each of the criteria described above. To receive a top school award, schools must have ranked in the top 25% on at least one of the following:

2022 Ready Graduate rates
2021 college-going rates
Four-year changes in Ready Graduate rates
Five-year changes in college-going rates

Additionally, schools must have received a TVAAS score of a 4 or 5 in 2022.

Trailblazer Changemakers [High Poverty Schools]: Research consistently shows that, on average, poverty puts students at a disadvantage academically. As a result, schools serving large numbers of these students may be doing excellent work but could be overlooked by the criteria described above. To make sure that we recognized these schools, we examined the same outcomes, but did so only among public schools where 50% or more of students identified as economically disadvantaged. Among these schools, an award school must have ranked in the top 25% on at least one of the following:

2022 Ready Graduate rates
2021 college-going rates
Four-year changes in Ready Graduate rates
Five-year changes in college-going rates

Additionally, schools must have received a TVAAS score of a 4 or 5 in 2022.

Rising Stars [High schools without Ready Graduate/College-Going data due to lack of or single year of graduating seniors]: We also recognize that the criteria for our awards focus heavily on graduation and postsecondary outcomes. However, many newer charter schools do not yet have graduating classes. Therefore, they will not have Ready Graduate or College-Going data. However, we want to recognize that these schools are doing great things for students and are on track for strong outcomes for future graduates. For schools that did not enroll 12th graders in 2022, we used the following criteria:

Must have enrolled at least 30 students in 2021-2022
Received a TVAAS score of 4 or 5 in 2022

2023 HIGH SCHOOL CHANGEMAKER CHARTER SCHOOLS

OVERALL

School	City	TVAAS	Qualifying Criteria
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy	Chattanooga	5	The highest Ready Graduate rate in the state in 2022 (91.9%) and four-year change in Ready Graduate rates in the top 3% of all public schools (+24 percentage points).
Intrepid College Preparatory Charter School	Nashville	5	College-Going rate in 2021 in the top 4% of all public schools (82%)

TRAILBLAZER

School	City	TVAAS	Qualifying Criteria
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy	Chattanooga	5	Highest Ready Graduate rate among high-poverty public schools in 2022 (91.9%). College-Going rate in the top 17% of high-poverty public schools in 2021 (57%). Four-year change in Ready Graduate rates in the top 3% of high-poverty public schools (+24 percentage points).
Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering Middle/High	Memphis	4	College-Going rate in the top 25% of high-poverty schools in 2021 (46%).
Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship	Memphis	5	Ready Graduate rate in the top 17% of high-poverty schools in 2022 (31%) and College-Going rate in the top 15% in 2021 (58%).

RISING STAR

School	City	TVAAS	Qualifying Criteria
Chattanooga Preparatory School	Chattanooga	5	Total enrollment of 71
Memphis School of Excellence Cordova	Memphis	5	Total enrollment of 44
Valor College Prep	Nashville	5	Total enrollment of 858

¹ For more information about TVAAS, visit: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/data/tvaas/tvaas_technical_documentation_2016.pdf

² For more information about Ready Graduates, visit: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/accountability/acct/2020-21_ReadyGrad.UserGuide_20210209_Final%20(2).pdfhttps://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/accountability/acct/2020-21_ReadyGrad.UserGuide_20210209_Final (2).pdf

³ In an analysis of college-going rates, Ready Graduate rates, and graduation rates in 2021, we found that the predictive accuracy of Ready Graduate rates was nearly double that of graduation rates (R2 = .33 vs. .55).

⁴ For more information on College-Going data, visit: https://www.tn.gov/thec/research/college-going-reports.html

⁵ https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html

⁶ Only four years of data were available for Ready Graduates whereas five years of data were available for College-Going rates.

⁷ In 2020, requirements for Ready Graduates to have scored at a certain level on several standardized tests was waived by the state of Tennessee and may have artificially increased Ready Graduate rates. However, since this affected all schools, it should not have a significant impact on our analysis. For more information, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/accountability/acct/2020-21_ReadyGrad.UserGuide_20210209_Final%20(2).pdf

Tennessee Charter School Center Names State’s Outstanding Changemaker Public Charter High Schools

April 4, 2026 by Gurinder Singh

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 – Today, the Tennessee Charter School Center announced its first-ever group of public charter high schools honored with the organization’s prestigious Changemaker School designation. This year’s Changemaker Public Charter High School list recognizes the top schools that are preparing students for success after graduation.

In addition, the Tennessee Charter School Center released an in-depth review and case study about one of the state’s most outstanding public charter high schools: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. This overview offers readers a closer look at many of the key components of operating a successful public charter high school.

“We are excited to announce our first High School Changemaker list, honoring the public charter high schools that stand out best among their traditional and charter school peers all across the state,” said Dr. Maya Bugg, CEO and President of the Tennessee Charter School Center. “The hard work of the educators and students at each of these Changemaker Schools puts them among the highest performing high schools in the state in serving students and preparing our future workforce.”

To identify the Changemaker High Schools, the Tennessee Charter School Center focused on three major student-centered outcomes: TVAAS scores, Ready Graduate rates, and College-Going rates. 2023 honorees were then recognized in three different categories:

Overall High School Changemakers – Top Schools Overall

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy – Chattanooga

Intrepid College Preparatory Charter School – Nashville

To determine top Overall High School Changemaker honorees, all public schools in the state were ranked on each of the criteria described above. To receive a top school award, schools must have ranked in the top 25% on at least one of the following: 2022 Ready Graduate rates, 2021 college-going rates, four-year changes in Ready Graduate rates, five-year changes in college-going rates. Additionally, schools must have received a TVAAS score of 4 or 5 in 2022.

Trailblazer Changemakers – Top High Poverty Public Charter High Schools

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy – Chattanooga

Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering Middle/High – Memphis

Freedom Preparatory Academy Flagship – Memphis

Research consistently shows that, on average, poverty puts students at a disadvantage academically. As a result, schools serving large numbers of these students may be doing excellent work but could be overlooked by the criteria described above. To make sure these top performing schools were recognized, the Tennessee Charter School Center examined the same outcomes, but did so only among public schools where 50% or more of students identified as economically disadvantaged. Among these schools, an award school must have ranked in the top 25% on at least one of the following: 2022 Ready Graduate rates, 2021 college-going rates, four-year changes in Ready Graduate rates, five-year changes in college-going rates. Additionally, schools must have received a TVAAS score of 4 or 5 in 2022.

Rising Stars – Outstanding New Public Charter High Schools

Chattanooga Preparatory School – Chattanooga

Memphis School of Excellence – Cordova

Valor College Prep – Nashville

The Tennessee Charter School Center (TCSC) also recognizes that the criteria for our awards focus heavily on graduation and postsecondary outcomes. However, many newer charter schools do not yet have graduating classes. Therefore, they will not have Ready Graduate or College-Going data. However, the TCSC wants to recognize that these schools are doing great things for students and are on track for strong outcomes for future graduates. For schools that did not enroll 12^th graders in 2022, honorees must have enrolled at least 30 students in 2021-2022, and received a TVAAS score of 4 or 5 in 2022.

NOTE: TVAAS (Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System) is the state’s “value-added” measure that shows how a school is helping students grow beyond what their previous achievement might predict. Ready Graduate is the state’s indicator of how well high school graduates are prepared for college or a career. A school’s College-Going rate reflects the percentage of graduates who enrolled in a postsecondary institution (4-year, 2-year, and less than 2-year) the year after high school.

Since 2003, Tennessee public charter schools have become one of the most successful and impactful approaches to transforming educational opportunities and outcomes. Charter schools are public schools, but unique in that they are allowed the freedom and flexibility to be more innovative in their approach to educating children but still held accountable for advancing student achievement. Because they are public schools, charter schools are:

Free
Open to ALL children
Do not have special entrance requirements

In exchange for the autonomy public charter schools are afforded, they are also held highly accountable for the academic, operational and financial performance of the schools they run and must meet the same local, state and federal regulations as their fellow district-run counterparts.

In 2022, the Tennessee Charter School Center released its initial K-8 Changemaker Charter School List, honoring excellence in achievement, proficiency increase, and TVAAS growth for K-8 charter schools.
For more information about the Tennessee Charter School Center, Tennessee’s many public charter schools, and these award-winning Changemaker Schools, please visit TNCharterCenter.org.

2023 Tennessee Charter School Award Winners Announced

April 4, 2026 by Gurinder Singh

Contributors to Tennessee’s Charter School Landscape
Honored at the 2023 Annual Conference

Memphis, TENN. — Nov. 20, 2023 — The Tennessee Charter School Center (TCSC) proudly acknowledged its outstanding Charter School Champions during a Gala Celebration at its Annual Conference at the Westin Memphis Beale Street last month on October 27. The anniversary event not only commemorated two decades of public charter schools in Tennessee, but also symbolized ten years of unwavering support from TCSC as the state’s charter school support organization.

Each year, the TCSC identifies and honors individuals who have displayed exceptional commitment, dedication, and innovation in shaping the future of charter schools in Tennessee.

The 2023 Champion Award Winners are:

Teacher of the Year:
Jarmeisha Gladney
Soulsville Charter School
Memphis, TN

Administrator of the Year:
LaKendra Butler
STRIVE Collegiate Academy
Nashville, TN

Advocate of the Year:
Dr. Edna Varner
Public Education Foundation
Chattanooga, TN

School of the Year:
Intrepid College Preparatory Charter School
Nashville, TN

Community Impact Project of the Year:
Memphis School of Excellence
Verizon Innovative Learning Schools
Memphis, TN

Policy Champion of the Year:
Senator Bo Watson (Hixson/Hamilton County, TN)

Expressing gratitude for the Administrator of the Year award, LaKendra Butler of STRIVE Collegiate Academy remarked, “I am always honored when others see and recognize my hard work. Thank you to every leader who has poured into me, every adult who has allowed me to learn alongside them/lead them, and every family who has given me the opportunity to serve your child. I am truly grateful!”

Founding charter organizations were also recognized as Champions, for their pivotal role in establishing the Tennessee Charter School Movement within their communities and significantly contributing to the success and growth of charter students across the state.

Ivy Academy – Chattanooga
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy – Chattanooga
Circles of Success Learning Academy – Memphis
Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering – Memphis
Smithson Craighead Academy – Nashville
Emerald Academy – Knoxville

“These outstanding individuals and schools have demonstrated unparalleled commitment and excellence in shaping the landscape of charter schools in Tennessee,” said Dr. Maya Bugg, CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center. “The awards ceremony is our opportunity to celebrate, but also underscore our champions’ significant contributions and investments among the charter school community.”

This summer, the latest study from the National Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University found that Tennessee public charter schools are succeeding in raising expectations and closing achievement gaps.

Tennessee is one of the top states in the nation for charter school reading and math gains. Public charter school students are demonstrating greater academic growth in math and English language arts than their counterparts in non-charter schools on average. This academic growth equals an additional month and a half of learning each year for Tennessee’s public charter school students as compared to their traditional school peers.

In 2023, public charter schools earned top TVAAS scores at significantly higher rates than other types of public schools statewide. Specifically, 63% of charter schools earned a 4 or a 5 growth score compared to 38% of traditional public schools.

“Tennessee Charter Schools are some of the fastest-improving in the nation – making historic gains in the national rankings and in the opportunities we are creating for students. Charters disproportionately serve more students of color and economically disadvantaged students. Expanding charter options in Tennessee ensures that more students, particularly those from underserved communities, have access to an excellent education.” said Dr. Bugg, CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center.

Held to a higher standard of accountability than traditional public schools, but with the benefit of added autonomy that puts local school leaders and teachers in charge, Tennessee’s public charter schools are empowered to create a challenging and focused learning environment for students, while giving parents even more direct and meaningful opportunities to participate in their children’s education.

The Tennessee Charter School Center (TCSC) is a statewide charter school support organization. TCSC is committed to advancing the educational outcomes for all students via access to high-quality, public school options. Our mission is to support quality and cultivate innovation in public education while serving as an advocate on behalf of public charter schools.

TCSC Opens Search for Next CEO

April 4, 2026 by Gurinder Singh

Background

The Tennessee Charter School Center (TCSC), as it is known today, is the merged product and evolved impact of two of Tennessee’s previous charter school support organizations: the Tennessee Charter School Incubator and the Tennessee Charter School Association. Since 2013, TCSC has served as the primary charter support organization to the growing charter sector in Tennessee. TCSC is raising the bar of excellence and ensuring all children in Tennessee have access to high-quality education. Its mission to develop and support high-performing public charter schools and drive change in public education stems from a belief in quality and equity, diversity, collaboration, and integrity.

TCSC is well positioned to advance the charter movement in the state. A clear policy window exists over the next few years with pro charter elected leadership. Recent studies have shown that charter schools in Tennessee provide a high-quality education experience for low-income students and students of color. There is a committed group of funders who are eager to invest in the sector. Finally, there is a mature coalition of advocacy organizations working on a wide range of education issues in the state. You can read more about TCSC here.

Opportunity

The Tennessee Charter School Center seeks a credible, politically savvy, charter school advocate to serve as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The CEO will lead and grow a small team of professionals that can anticipate and respond to the sector’s changing needs and build a broad coalition of support for charter schools in the state and engage with a wide array of stakeholders to advance the priorities of TCSC.

TCSC has advanced important legislation and achieved key policy wins, especially when it comes to facility access and funding. Moving forward, the organization has an opportunity to capitalize on the current favorable landscape and make a more significant impact on students and families across Tennessee. The Board has identified the following priorities for the incoming CEO:

● Reframing why TCSC exists and aligning core stakeholders around a vision for impact and a five- year strategic plan with clear goals and milestones;
● Significantly increasing the number of dues-paying members and charter operator engagement in advocacy and policy;

● Owning the narrative around charter schools to dispel the myths and misinformation and reemphasize the critical nature of high-quality charter schools;
● Facilitating and generating buy-in within the existing charter sector for continued quality growth through CMO and single-site replication and expansion and new charter school incubation;
● Advancing and safeguarding the movement through a strong advocacy agenda that continues to prioritize facilities access, funding, and authorization and defending the movement by lobbying against anti-charter bills, specifically those aimed at limiting charter autonomy and adding compliance burdens to school operators;

● Developing strategies to increase the influence of the charter school sector in the Tennessee legislature;

Increasing financial sustainability by stewarding existing funders and cultivating relationships with potential partners to broaden the base of support for TCSC.

Responsibilities

Strategic Executive Leadership

Develop a five-year strategic plan in conjunction with the Board and key stakeholders that clarifies the strategic direction, mission, and vision of TCSC, establishes priorities, and sets measurable goals for the organization;
Define the organization’s advocacy agenda with significant input from charter school leaders and other stakeholders;
Pursue strategic legislative and policy changes and protect existing supportive policies that will strengthen charter schools in Tennessee;
Partner with the Board to support the growth and influence of TCSC.
Team Management

Recruit, build, manage, and develop a diverse, high-performing team, including managing a lobby team and other contractors;

External Relations

Develop a unified narrative and vision for the charter sector and drive coordinated and proactive external communications to positively influence public opinion and improve public perception of the sector;
Deepen relationships and influence with key policymakers and elected officials;
Develop and expand fundraising efforts by cultivating new and leveraging existing relationships, as well as diversifying TCSC’s funding base to ensure financial sustainability;
Elevate the brand of TCSC as a reliable, trustworthy source for policy, advocacy, and school services support.

Partnership/Coalition Building and Mobilization

Strengthen trust among charter school leaders, board members, and other stakeholders to improve information sharing and inform priorities;

● Lead the coalition of statewide advocacy organizations on all things related to charter sector priorities;
● Serve as a collaborative peer leader among a coalition of TN education organizations working to advance improved outcomes for all students;
● Connect and liaise with leaders driving charter sector work in local communities and balance their needs and priorities with those that exist at the state level;

Organize and mobilize school leaders, staff, parents, board members, and other stakeholders to support pro-charter efforts.

Qualifications

Mindset/Values

A passion for educational equity, access, and opportunities and outcome for families combined with a deep respect for charter schools;
A deep-seated commitment to (and history of) leading with integrity, including building long-term relationships that engender trust;
The grit necessary to persevere in achieving policy and advocacy change in a challenging, complex political environment;
A balance of urgency and focus;
Flexibility to act and lead in an entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves environment.
Skills
An ability to persuade, gain support, and motivate a diverse group of stakeholders to action by building strong internal and external relationships;
A clear and effective communication style and an ability to empathize with and understand the perspectives of others;
Acumen for building an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization;
Understanding of education policy and how it informs organizational positions and stances.

Experience

At least ten years of professional experience;
Experience leading and managing others in an organization focused on education, policy, campaign organizing, and/or advocacy;
Political savvy, including a demonstrated track record of effectively navigating complex power dynamics and systems;
Experience operating or at least familiarity with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), candidate PACs, and independent expenditure committees;
Experience uniting different groups/entities around a common goal and/or message and mobilizing others to take action;
Knowledge of the charter school landscape/sector and a personal connection to education; local relationships in the Tennessee charter sector a plus;
Experience building, nurturing, and supporting high-performing teams to achieve ambitious outcomes;
Experience building and stewarding external partnerships and serving as the external face of an organization; fundraising/development experience a plus;
A track record of successfully overcoming obstacles in challenging environments.

Compensation
The proposed salary range is $225,000 to $250,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

To Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email your resume to mmitchell@k12searchgroup.com with the subject line: “TCSC CEO.” Applications must be received by midnight on June 23, 2024.

Download CEO Job Description

TCSC Releases 2023-24 Impact Report

April 4, 2026 by Gurinder Singh

Each year as the Tennessee Charter School Center team works to prepare our Impact Report report, we find so much cause for celebration in the stories and impact of public charter schools across our state. 2023 marked a special anniversary for public school choice in Tennessee: 20 years of public charter schools in the state. Check out the complete 2023-24 Impact Report here.

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