Charter Schools
Contact: Charter.Schools@tn.gov
Charter schools are public schools operated by independent, non-profit governing bodies and can be authorized by a local education agency (LEA) or the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. In Tennessee, public charter school students are measured against the same academic standards as students in other public schools.
The Tennessee Public Charter Schools Act of 2022 established the purposes for charter schools in Tennessee, which are to:
- Improve the learning for all students and close the achievement gap between high and low students;
- Provide options for parents to meet educational needs of students;
- Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods, and provide greater decision-making authority to schools and teachers in exchange for greater responsibility for student performance;
- Measure performance of pupils and faculty, and ensure that children have the opportunity to reach proficiency on state academic assessments;
- Create new professional opportunities for teachers; and
- Afford parents substantial meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.
Charter Schools in Tennessee
To find charter schools in Tennessee, or a particular school district, please visit the Tennessee School Directory. The search can be narrowed by clicking on the “advanced search options” and selecting “Public Charter” in the School Type field.”
Charter State Agencies
In Tennessee, there are three state agencies that work with charter sponsors, operators, and authorizers. Each agency serves a different function but work collaboratively to provide support and oversight.
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
Charter School Rules and Policies |
Supports charter schools and charter authorizers in the implementation of rules and policies | Sets rules and policies for K-12 public education, including charter schools and charter authorizers | Sets rules and policies for the charter school appeals processes |
 |
Charter School Applications (New Start, Amendment, Renewal) | Maintains record of charter authorizer decisions for charter school applications | Develops and publishes charter school applications | Appellate body responsible for hearing appeals of charter authorizer decisions on charter school applications; may also receive applications directly in specific instances outlined in law |
 |
Charter School Authorizing | Does not authorize charter schools | Does not authorize charter schools | Can authorize charter schools upon appeal and in specific instances outlined in law |
 |
Charter Oversight and Accountability | Monitors state reporting requirements for charter schools |
Ensures the effective operation of charter authorizers and evaluates authorizer quality |
Oversees and evaluates the charter schools it authorizes |