News Summary
The University of Memphis is set to make a significant addition to the educational landscape with the opening of the Campus School Kimball in August 2025. This new facility, generously gifted by the former St. George’s Independent School, aims to accommodate students from kindergarten to fifth grade, initially enrolling 132 students. Utilizing a slow growth model, the school will provide personalized attention to its students. This marks a pivotal moment as the Campus School Kimball becomes the first elementary school launched under the University Schools system in over a century, promising innovative educational pathways for the community.
Exciting New Chapter for Education in Memphis
Memphis is buzzing with excitement as the University of Memphis has announced its plans to open a brand-new school building, the Campus School Kimball, in August 2025. The University of Memphis Board of Trustees recently gave the green light during a special meeting held on April 7, 2025, and the community couldn’t be more thrilled about this new addition to the educational landscape.
A Generous Gift Turns into New Opportunities
The building in question was generously gifted to the university by the former St. George’s Independent School and will be transformed into a functional and inviting space for young learners. With this move, the Campus School Kimball will expand the University Schools’ ability to cater to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, allowing for 132 students to enroll in its inaugural year.
Slow and Steady Growth
The proposed enrollment strategy follows a “slow growth model”, eventually allowing a maximum of 228 students to fill the classrooms. This carefully designed approach ensures that the school can deliver personalized attention and create a supportive learning environment for all its students.
Funding and Support for the First Year
As the first school operated under the Innovative School District, the Campus School Kimball has unique funding arrangements. Thanks to a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2024, the Innovative School District can now operate as a public school district. However, for the initial year, the school will rely on private philanthropic donations to sustain its operations because state funding calculations typically depend on the previous year’s enrollment numbers.
Despite this hurdle, the university has secured crucial financial backing to ensure that the school can hit the ground running. This will help cover any initial shortfalls, providing a smooth start for Campus School Kimball.
Classroom Structure and Future Plans
The Campus School Kimball will feature a well-thought-out structure with one classroom for each grade level. For kindergarten, however, there will be two classrooms to accommodate the anticipated interest from families in the area. All elementary students currently enrolled at St. George’s will be welcomed to remain with University Schools as they progress into middle and high school, creating a continuity of education for them.
Empowering Education Through Innovation
The Innovative School District Act, initially proposed by local officials, has granted the University of Memphis the ability to operate its schools independently from the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system. This shift is a significant milestone as it opens doors for new learning pathways and educational innovations tailored to the community’s needs.
A Legacy of Excellence
University Schools has a distinguished track record of excellence, having previously operated educational institutions such as the Campus School, University Middle School, and University High School. These schools have consistently excelled in academic performance metrics, creating a strong foundation for the new Campus School Kimball to build upon.
The First Elementary School in More Than a Century
This new facility marks the first elementary school to be opened under the University Schools umbrella since its inception alongside the University of Memphis in 1912. A momentous occasion for the institution, the Campus School Kimball aims to create an engaging and immersive learning environment for its students, fostering curiosity and a love for learning.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown begins to the opening of Campus School Kimball, the University of Memphis is brimming with opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced educational impact within the Memphis community. This new addition paints an exciting picture for the future and promises to leave an indelible mark on the city’s educational narrative.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: New K-5 University Schools at U of Memphis
- Google Search: University of Memphis
- Action News 5: U of Memphis Approves Acquisition of St. George’s School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Memphis
- Knox News: UT, Knox County Schools Pipeline
- Google News: Innovative School District
- WREG: MSCS Board Votes to Renew Charter
- Google Scholar: Innovative School District Tennessee
- University Business: Should Universities Become Their Own K-12 Districts?
- Daily Helmsman: Simone the Dog Story
