Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

chalk talk

Tennessee
April 30, 2018

President of Christian Brothers University talks future of Memphis charters, DACA, and his role in it all

Christian Brothers University President John Smarrelli sees his new work in the K-12 charter sector as explicitly connected to his role as a university leader.

Optional Schools

Tennessee
January 25, 2018

New online application for Memphis’ most popular schools goes live Monday

Though parents laud the move to online applications as a significant step toward equity, the time-sensitive nature could still favor students from wealthier families.

Optional Schools

Tennessee
September 13, 2017

‘Tent city’ is ending in Memphis. Will online admissions to prized schools be fairer?

In January, Shelby County Schools will move its process for applying to optional schools completely online, and it's exploring other changes too.

Principal Q&A

Tennessee
July 20, 2017

Meet the new leader of one of the most popular public schools in Memphis

In a Chalkbeat Q&A, Andy Demster offers his vision for Maxine Smith STEAM Academy — and why he thinks he’s up to the task.

East Bound

Tennessee
February 24, 2017

To convert historic East High into T-STEM school, Hopson taps proven STEM principal

Shelby County Schools turns to one of its veteran educators — and an East High graduate — to transform one of its most iconic schools.

Tent City

Tennessee
January 21, 2016

Here’s the optional school that has Memphis parents camping out in January

"Tent City" emerges again on the lawn of Shelby County Schools' central office as families seek to secure spots for hot schools.