Rutherford County Schools wants the public to provide input about two charter school applications to start by 2026-27.
Both applications show serving primarily children from neighborhoods in La Vergne and Smyrna:
- Novus SMART Academy, which is applying again after state officials rejectedthe previous application appeal;
- Rockship TN 4, a place holder name by the applicant, Rocketship Public Schools.
Rocketship Public Schools plan K-5 school
Rocketship TN 4 organizers seeks to build a K-5 school serving 600 students. The school would start with 250 children in grades K-4, according to the application.
“The mission of Rocketship Public Schools is to catalyze transformative change in low-income communities,” the application said.
Change will come through “a scalable and sustainable public-school model” that propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community,” the Rocketship Schools application added.
“At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. Webelieve that every student deserves the right to dream, discover and develop their unique potential, andthat it is our responsibility and privilege to support every Rocketeer we serve to achieve their potential.Our vision is to create a world with ‘equal access to opportunity for all.’”
The Rocketship Public Schools application lists Daimon Hardy of Nashville as the chief of staff. He and three other Nashville residents serve on the charter school design team, the 1,075-page application shows.
