The push to open American Classical Education charter schools in Middle Tennessee is over — for now.
The school, backed by conservative Hillsdale College, has withdrawn its applications before the state could vote on its appeal. The private Christian college in Michigan has come under scrutiny for its “1776” curriculum that downplays slavery and racism in American history. Its president, Larry Arnn, also drew criticism for his comments disparaging public school teachers.
Local school boards in Madison, Montgomery and Rutherford counties had originally denied the application to open American Classical Education charter schools in their districts, but a new commission allowed ACE to appeal directly to the state. Now, its chair is withdrawing that appeal, after an unsuccessful request to delay the vote.
In a letter to the state commission, ACE chair Dolores Gresham says it had “limited time to resolve concerns raised by the Commission staff,” and that fall break would prevent some parents and students from weighing in on the appeal.
Roughly three-fourths of people who participated in Rutherford’s public comment period oppose the charter school. Those against said they were concerned the charter schools would take resources away from their public schools in the midst of a teacher shortage, that the curriculum was not fair or balanced and that their school board’s decision would be superseded by the state.
Gov. Bill Lee announced his plan to partner with Hillsdale College during his State of the State address earlier this year. His goal was to open 50 charter schools across the state, but so far, none have opened.
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