Memphis, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Memphis is set to transition management of Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle Schools back to the local school district, ending their time under the Achievement School District. This change signals a significant shift in the educational landscape as the ASD faces criticism for ineffective performance. Hillcrest and Kirby have struggled academically, with low proficiency rates and graduation outcomes. As the transition approaches, concerns rise over potential disruptions in student education and displacement during this critical change.
Memphis will see a significant shift in its educational landscape as management of Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle Schools transitions back to the local school district at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. These schools are the last remaining under the state’s Achievement School District (ASD), which is set to be dissolved, marking a notable end to a controversial program that has faced criticism for its effectiveness.
Since 2015, Hillcrest and Kirby have been under the direct control of the ASD, a state initiative established in 2010 aimed at improving low-performing schools by empowering the state to take over and assign these institutions to charter operators. Initially, Hillcrest and Kirby were managed by the charter organization IOTA Community Schools, previously operating as Green Dot Public Schools Tennessee.
However, IOTA’s request for a 10-year extension to manage both schools was denied by the Memphis Shelby County Schools district due to the ongoing poor academic performance of these institutions. The Tennessee Charter School Commission supported this denial, aligning with data that indicates the ASD has failed to produce the intended student performance improvements. In fact, research reveals that the program may have exacerbated low high school test scores among its students.
State lawmakers voted to close the ASD in the spring, necessitating the return of all remaining schools to local control by the specified academic year. The transition marks the conclusion of a program that has drawn scrutiny for its lack of success, especially after the return of LEAD Brick Church, the last Nashville school in the ASD, back to Metro Nashville Public Schools in 2024.
Data reflects the depth of the challenges at Hillcrest and Kirby. Both schools have recorded Level 1 TVAAS composite scoresโthe lowest rating for measuring academic growthโover the past three years. For instance, Hillcrest has a troubling math proficiency rate of only 5% and a graduation rate of 68.4% for the 2022-23 academic year, starkly below the district average of 81.1%. Despite efforts to improve proficiency through streaming math classes from another school, results have remained dismal.
The issue of chronic absenteeism has further complicated educational outcomes at both institutions. Specifically, at Hillcrest, thereโs a significant need for wraparound services, such as therapy and free meals, given that approximately 68% of its students are classified as economically disadvantaged.
As the transition to local control nears, concerns arise over the potential disruptions to the education of students during this change. Questions persist regarding the future of these students should the district find itself needing to close the schools at the end of the current academic year. Whitehaven High School, located near Hillcrest, is already operating at full capacity, presenting hurdles for accommodating any displaced students.
Meanwhile, the state continues to oversee various schools that have transitioned out of the ASD, in addition to the introduction of new charter schools, such as Rocketship TN 4, set to open in Rutherford County for the upcoming academic year. The state recognizes the significant challenges faced by the ASD program over the past 15 years, amid calls for improvements and solutions to ensure better educational outcomes for students.
FAQ
When will Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle Schools return to the local school district?
Management of Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle Schools will return to the Memphis local school district at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
What is the Achievement School District?
The ASD was launched in 2010 to intervene in low-performing schools, empowering the state to take over local schools and assign them to charter operators.
Why was IOTA Community Schools denied a 10-year management extension?
IOTA Community Schools applied to continue managing Hillcrest and Kirby for another 10 years, which was denied by the Memphis Shelby County Schools district based on the poor academic performance of the schools.
What are the current academic performance scores of Hillcrest High School?
Hillcrest has a math proficiency rate of only 5% and a graduation rate of 68.4% for 2022-23, significantly below the district average of 81.1%.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Return to Local Control | Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle Schools will return to Memphis local control in 2026-27. |
| ASD Dissolution | The Achievement School District will be dissolved. |
| Management Change | IOTA Community Schools’ request for a management extension was denied. |
| Academic Performance | Both schools received Level 1 TVAAS scores; Hillcrest has a 5% math proficiency rate. |
| Concerns | Potential education disruption and student displacement as schools transition. |
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Additional Resources
- Nashville Banner: Achievement School District Ends in Tennessee
- Action News 5: Tenn Lawmakers Debate Dissolving Achievement School District
- Local Memphis: Memphis Schools Face Uncertainty After ASD Elimination
- Commercial Appeal: Tennessee MSCS Takeover Bill
- Tennessee Lookout: Lawmakers Push Memphis Shelby Schools Takeover
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- Google Search: Achievement School District Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Achievement School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Achievement School District
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
