Charter schools are free, public schools that are open to all students.
Charter schools are public schools. They are free to attend, open to all students, and operate alongside traditional district schools. Under Tennessee law, charter schools must enroll any student who applies, regardless of their academic achievement, behavior, or special needs.
There are currently ~17,500 students enrolled in charter schools in Nashville, making up 20% of the student population. On average, charter schools serve a higher percentage of students of color and students who are economically disadvantaged. In Nashville, 81% of charter school students identify as Black, Hispanic, or Native American.
Once families identify their school of choice, they either apply directly through the school’s internal application or through MNPS’s Optional Schools application process. If a school has more applicants than seats, a random lottery must be held to enroll students. Unlike private schools, charters cannot hold entrance exams or academic requirements for admission.
In Tennessee, public education funding is tied to the student. Whether a student attends their zoned district school, an optional magnet school, or a public charter school, the state and local funding allocated to that child’s education follows them.
Yes, public charter schools must provide services for students with disabilities and English Language Learners. Under federal and state law, they must offer the same protections and support as traditional district schools. In Nashville, charter school populations closely resemble traditional district schools in the percentage of students with disabilities enrolled.
Nashville’s charter schools stand out for high academic growth, especially for students from historically underserved communities. In 2025, 82% of Nashville charter schools met or exceeded expectations for student growth (TVAAS Levels 3-5). Data also shows that students of color and economically disadvantaged students in Nashville charters often perform higher than their peers in traditional district schools and, in some cases, exceed the state average for all students.
Nashville is home to dozens of public charter schools that serve students throughout Davidson County. Roughly two-thirds of these schools are authorized by MNPS and operate under renewable, 10-year agreements with the local school board. These schools are technically a part of MNPS, but are managed by independent boards and operate autonomously. The remaining charter schools are authorized by the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, a statewide agency that operates independently of MNPS.
Charter schools must also undergo an annual financial audit and employ teachers who meet the same licensing requirements as other public school teachers. If a school consistently fails to meet academic or financial benchmarks, its authorizer will close the school.
Each charter school in Nashville is unique, with some focusing on specific models like bilingual education or project-based learning, while others are known for robust arts programs or competitive athletics. Some feature-specific staffing models, or offer honors and AP programming. Families interested in enrolling at a charter school are strongly encouraged to explore all available options, tour the school, and learn more from fellow families to choose the best fit for their student.