DCSC Region Spotlight: Nashville, TN

Why Nashville?

Nashville is poised to become one of the leading epicenters of the diverse-by-design movement. It includes a strong cohort of D-b-D schools currently in operation with a number of D-b-D schools in their incubation phase.

DCSC has partnered with local education support organizations and City Fund, to tap into the talent of potential local school leaders to grow more diverse-by-design schools in Nashville.

Cohort three UnifiED alumnus, Natalie Morosi, received her charter approval in July. Aventura Community School is a dual-language school and is the first charter school in several years to gain authorization by the district.

Nashville Classical Charter School has been approved to open its second campus. It plans to “open in August 2022 with 81 students in kindergarten. They hope to enroll 700 students in grades K-8 by 2026-27 school year, offering the city’s first K-8 school outside of East Nashville.”

Current cohort four UnifiED fellow, Jay Renfro will propose to launch the Tennessee Nature Academy, a free, nature-based 5-12 public charter school for Southeast Nashville. Tennessee Nature Academy exists to cultivate healthy and happy young adults who are knowledgeable about the world, passionate about the outdoors, and committed to doing good work. Click here to support their charter application submission.

Valor Collegiate Academies launched its Compass Camp leading other schools in implementing its Compass model. To date, 8 DCSC members have participated (see below!). The Camp will be hosting a Partnership Preview Event December 8 & 9 for schools interested in enrolling in Compass Camp. You can schedule a call with Taryn, Director of Strategic Partnerships to learn more.

DCSC participants: Boston Collegiate Charter School, Compass Charter School, Detroit Prep, Growth Public Schools, Kairos Academy, Memphis Street Academy, Summit Public Schools, Yu Ming Charter School