Applications To Start Charter Schools Jump After Change In State Law

Tennessee saw a surge in applications to set up charter schools over the last year, after the state legislature eased restrictions on how such schools can recruit students.

But the law hasn’t made it any easier to get permission to start a charter. And attracting nationally reputed charters to Tennessee remains a slow process.

The state saw a total of 25 charter applications last year – more than double the usual number. But of those 25, only eight were approved by local school districts.

Matt Throckmorton directs the Tennessee Charter Schools Association. He says the state has long emphasized quality over quantity when it comes to charter schools, so it’s no surprise most new applicants were denied.

“It’s still a very daunting process. Applications run 400-500 pages; we have a very high expectation of quality applicants – none of that changed.”

Throckmorton says successful applicants often prepare for a year or two before they ask permission to start a charter school.

Part of the argument for last year’s change was that it would encourage successful charter groups to expand into Tennessee.

Alan Coverstone oversees charter schools in Nashville. He says that’s not happening overnight, mainly because demand for quality charters is up all over – not just in Tennessee.

“So what has happened at the same time as the laws changed is organizations that have a track record of success and a good model that’s replicable have come under very high demand, often in the place where they’re currently located.”

But Coverstone adds that even so, the state is drawing more interest from national groups, and more quality applications.