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SCORE provides research and insights on the latest education issues to provide a deeper understanding of policies and practices connected to improving student success. 

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Poster with charts and images showing 2024-25 Tennessee public charter school demographics, focusing on diversity and disadvantaged student representation.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Innovative Models

2024-25 Tennessee Public Charter School Demographics

February 5, 2026

Public charter schools serve a larger proportion of students from historically underserved groups — including Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students — than their traditional public school peers.

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High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Innovative Models

Public Charter Schools Across Tennessee

February 5, 2026

In 2025, there are 119 charter schools in Tennessee, serving over 44,000 students — 5% of the state’s total student population.

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High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Innovative Models | K-12 Success

Nashville Charter Schools Provide Families With an Alternative to Priority Schools in Their Area

February 5, 2026

Charter schools are a free public school option, with many located near Nashville’s lowest-performing schools (priority schools). For the 2024-25 school year, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) had 23 priority schools serving over 10,000 students. All of these priority schools are traditional district-run schools and one is a charter school.

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Infographic on the history of Tennessee public charter schools with a timeline from 2002 to 2019, highlighting key policy changes.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Education Finance | Innovative Models

History of Tennessee Public Charter Sector

February 5, 2026

Tennessee public charter schools are a free, public option available for students and families in Tennessee. This resource explores the timeline of state policy and funding regarding public charter schools in Tennessee.

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Infographic detailing Tennessee Charter School Quick Facts, including growth statistics, locations, and benefits, with images of smiling students.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Innovative Models

Tennessee Charter School Quick Facts

February 5, 2026

Learn the basic facts about public charter schools in Tennessee, including where they're located and a breakdown of the students they serve.

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High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Innovative Models

Who Can Enroll In A Tennessee Public Charter School?

February 5, 2026

Tennessee Public Charter schools are a free public option available for students and families in Tennessee. Learn more about enrollment at these schools.

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Infographic on student group performance in Tennessee charter schools, showing proficiency gaps and percentage comparisons.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Innovative Models

Historically Underserved Student Groups in Tennessee Public Charter Schools

January 6, 2026

Public charter schools serve a greater proportion of students from historically underserved groups — namely  students of color and economically disadvantaged students — compared to noncharter schools across the state. On average, these charter students show faster academic growth and higher proficiency levels than their district peers.

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Infographic detailing the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission's history, timeline, and leadership structure with colorful icons and text.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Innovative Models

Tennessee Public Charter School Commission

January 6, 2026

In Tennessee, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission is the state’s appellate authorizer. The commission hears new-start, revocation, amendment, and renewal appeals from across the state and serves as the authorizer and local education agency (LEA) for any school it authorizes upon appeal. 

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Infographic on Tennessee public charter school achievements, showing growth in English and math scores, charts, and student demographic data.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Innovative Models

Tennessee Public Charter School Achievement and Growth

January 6, 2026

Since 2021, public charter schools have seen significant increases in student proficiency across both English language arts (ELA) and math. Learn more about achievement and growth in Tennessee public charter schools.

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Infographic on Tennessee charter schools' post-pandemic performance, showing improved academic growth compared to traditional public schools.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Innovative Models

Tennessee Charter Schools Excel in Postpandemic Performance

July 30, 2025

Researchers at the University of Kentucky and the University of Southern California examined the academic performance of Tennessee charter school students before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using longitudinal student data from 2017–18 through 2022–23, the study evaluated standardized math and English language arts (ELA) test scores across the state. Their findings demonstrate the significant positive impact that Tennessee’s public charter schools have had on students.

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Infographic comparing Ready Graduate rates and college-going rates between charter and noncharter schools in Tennessee, highlighting students of color.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Postsecondary Success | Innovative Models | K-12 Success

Tennessee Public Charter Schools Are Preparing Students For Postsecondary Education

April 3, 2025

In Tennessee, many public charter schools build a strong postsecondary culture to support students to strive for success in college, career, and life.

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Infographic on Tennessee public charter schools' academic growth, featuring charts and statistics comparing traditional and charter school performance.
High-Quality Public Charter Schools | Data Insights | Innovative Models

Tennessee Public Charter School Students See Strong Growth

April 2, 2025

You may have heard claims suggesting that charter schools target enrollment efforts at high-achieving students, a practice commonly referred to as “cherry picking” or “skimming.” When it comes to Tennessee public charter schools, it’s important to understand the opposite is true.

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