Tag: Shelby County

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News The Fly-By

Health Department Says Ebola Isn’t a Threat in Shelby County

CREDIT: Louis Goggans

The severe, and often fatal, virus known as Ebola has claimed more than 4,500 lives in West Africa. After the disease was detected in Dallas, a sense of panic spread throughout the U.S.

But Dr. Helen Morrow, health medical officer for the Shelby County Health Department, said the likelihood of Ebola spreading to the county is miniscule.

“I think people should be concerned, aware, [but] I don’t think they need to panic,” Morrow said. “We have been reaching out to the community to try to educate them about this disease and the control of it.”

Since Ebola’s most recent outbreak in March, more than 9,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus. However, the World Health Organization estimates the number of people infected is possibly 2.5 times higher than the number reported.

The virus has become an epidemic in the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. But on September 30th, Thomas Eric Duncan became the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the U.S.

A Liberian man visiting family in Dallas, Duncan, 42, died at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital on October 8th, after receiving treatment for several days. In the weeks following Duncan’s death, two Texas Health nurses, 26-year-old Nina Pham and 29-year-old Amber Vinson, tested positive for Ebola.

Since then, the amount of Ebola cases in the U.S. has risen to eight. The increase in cases have caused many to fear the virus will spread and become an epidemic in the U.S. False alarms have been reported, some flights have been cancelled, and international airports are now screening people flying into the U.S. from the West African countries impacted by Ebola.

“The risk to the general public is very, very low,” said Health Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Hart. “You’re nearly 100 times more likely to get the flu than you are Ebola.”

The health department has held conference calls with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding guidelines for personal protective equipment and infection control. And helpful information on Ebola is being provided by the Health Department via social media and its newly-formed Ebola Speakers Bureau.

Louis Goggans

County Mayor Mark Luttrell with county health department officials at an Ebola press conference

This week, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell held a media briefing to discuss response methods that would be utilized if Ebola spread to Memphis.

“We know that we can control Ebola through identification and isolation of patients who have the disease. And [we would] identify and monitor contacts within 21 days,” said Yvonne Madlock, executive director of the Shelby County Health Department. “We can prevent the spread of Ebola through infection control, provision [and use] of the appropriate personal protective equipment, and by safely handling bodies of those who might have died from Ebola disease.”

Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, such as urine, saliva, semen, or vomit, from an infected person. Initial virus symptoms include fevers, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The average person begins to experience symptoms within two to 21 days after they’ve been exposed to the virus. If a person experiences any of the aforementioned symptoms, they’re encouraged to notify a local hospital and the Health Department.

The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the largest thus far. The virus was discovered in 1976. It was reportedly passed from fruit bats to primates and other wild animals. And humans seemingly transmitted the virus from hunting and eating Ebola-infected animals.

Dr. Michael Whitt, chair of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, recently co-edited the book, Biology and Pathogenesis of Rhabdo- and Filoviruses, which includes information on Ebola, how it evades the immune system, and vaccines in development to treat it. Currently, there is no vaccine for Ebola.

“This is not something that, in the U.S., is going to spread across the country like, for instance, the West Nile virus,” Whitt said. “Ebola, you can only catch from another person who has symptoms. If there are indications, it can be contained, and it’s not going to spread. We don’t have a pandemic on our hands.”

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News The Fly-By

Greenprint Plan Proposes 500 Miles of Greenways

CREDIT: Bianca Phillips

A plan will soon move forward that could eventually connect Shelby, Crittenden, DeSoto, and Fayette counties with a network of 500 miles of greenways. 

It’s the first recommendation from those who have guided the Mid-South Regional Greenprint plan for the past three years. 

Shelby County won $2.6 million in 2011 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a long-term vision for the area’s green spaces, including parks, greenways, community gardens, storm water management, and waterways.

The planning process has so far included 80 organizations, 18 municipalities, four counties, three states, and input from thousands of residents, as well as civic and business leaders.

Bianca Phillips

The overall plan is broad, covering everything from fair housing to bus transit. But Greenprint leaders said they wanted to focus on greenways first.

“One of the things we quickly found is that everybody — regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, or race, or gender — saw a passion in connecting our communities through greenways and trails,” said Paul Young, Greenprint program administrator.

Young was speaking to a group last week comprised mostly of city mayors from within the Greenprint boundaries. Young, Greenprint Program Manager John Zeanah, and others told the mayors that the planning phase will be done in November and that their help was needed in the next step — implementation. 

A draft of the greenways plan will be made public in a couple of weeks, Zeanah said, and the review process will be completed in November. Greenprint leaders will then take the plan to the elected bodies in 18 cities and four counties for their approval. He called this a “critical point” as the plan moves from discussion to implementation. 

“We want to get uniform adoption so we can demonstrate regional buy-in,” Zeanah said. “This will be particularly important as we try to leverage funding from state, federal, and local governments and from private sources.”    

No price tag for the greenways project has been made public so far.

The notion of such a large network of greenways was sold to the group of mayors as more than just a recreational amenity but also as a portal for community development, improved transportation options, and for better health and environment. But it was mainly sold as a possible tool for economic development.

“You can locate a business anywhere in the world today,” Ed McMahon, with the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Land Institute, told the group. “Why in the world would you locate it in Memphis, Tennessee over any other place across the globe?”

The answer he gave: quality of life. McMahon said the Memphis region could use the system as a tool to attract employers and employees alike. The system could also help brand the city, he said. 

“Wouldn’t it be nice if Memphis, Tennessee, was thought of as the greenest city in the southern United States?” he asked. “I think you have an opportunity to build that brand.”

The plan was also made attractive to the gathered mayors since it can be implemented piece by piece, instead of all at once. No construction timeline is available yet. 

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton preached vigilance to the group for when the time came to implement the plan.

“Do not be afraid to get knocked down a whole bunch of times,” Wharton told the group. “The [Shelby Farms] Greenline died in late 2001. Of course we resuscitated it. Taking over the CSX line died two or three times. Even in its short life, the Harahan Bridge project [Main Street to Main Street Multi-Modal Connector project] has died so many times.”

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News The Fly-By

Covert Cameras Catch Trashy Crooks

Hidden cameras have been placed at certain spots around Shelby County to help catch and prosecute some of the trashiest criminals — illegal dumpers.

The cameras are trained on sites around the county that have long been hot spots for illegal dumping. The first camera went up early last week, and it has already aided in the arrest of an illegal dumper in Northaven.  

Trash lingers at a dead end street in Northaven where hidden cameras caught an illegal dumper last week.

Shelby County Public Works Director Tom Needham applauded the work of the cameras and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office’s arrest but said, “my goal is not necessarily to have [dumpers] caught in the act. My goal is to get them to quit dumping.”

The county spends about $100,000 each year cleaning up illegal dump sites, Needham said. Three sanitation crews — each comprised of a county employee and inmates from the Shelby County Division of Correction — are dedicated to picking up litter and trash. That work includes checking on and cleaning up about 50 dump sites each month.

Needham explained that putting a stop to illegal dumping is about more than money. Dumping and litter are the beginnings of a cycle that could lead to rodents, health hazards, decreased land values, vacant houses, blight, and increased crime.

Southeast Memphis resident Willie Banks said about 50 to 75 tires lay in the backyard of the vacant house behind his. He said it would be hard to find out who put them there and that it would probably take the city “forever to correct the problem.”

Banks is a member of the Tamble Terrace Neighborhood Watch program. Cutting back on littering and dumping are high on his priority list because he’s seen the cycle in action: litter becomes blight, people move away, and then the vacant houses bring criminal activity. He wants an anti-litter program in Shelby County Schools but said the cameras “are a good start.” 

“We’ll take any help we can get,” Banks said. “If we can get everybody on the same page, we can make a big difference. [Litter and dumping] are a bigger problem than people think.”  

The idea to install hidden cameras came from a citizen at a public meeting in 2012, Needham said, as the county was weighing the option to begin countywide trash collection. Shelby County commissioners passed on trash collection, but Needham and his team remembered the camera idea. 

At first, they put up game cameras, which are used around tree stands or other hunting sites to let hunters know what kinds of animals are in an area. But those cameras did not offer the level of detail needed to aid in a criminal investigation, Needham said. 

The cameras installed now are from California-based Q-Star Technology and are rugged, solar-powered, and produce high-quality images that can clearly show faces and vehicle license plates.

Last week’s dumping arrest came after an eyewitness told police that people in a burgundy truck dumped 12 bags of trash at the entrance of Meeman Shelby Forest. That same truck showed up in pictures from the hidden camera at the illegal Northaven dump site. 

Amy Bazarte admitted to both illegal trash dumps after she was interviewed by police and shown the pictures of her truck. She was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal littering.

The charge could come with fines or up to 160 hours of community service (either picking up litter or working in a recycling center) and picking up the trash she dumped. 

More cameras are on the way, Needham said, but he wouldn’t say how many or where they will be posted.

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News News Blog

Which Shelby County Neighborhood Has the Most Adulterers?

ashleymadison.jpg

Collierville is home to more cheaters per capita than any other area in Shelby County, according to a new list from AshleyMadison.com, the hook-up website for extra-marital affairs.

A little more than nine percent of the 50,000 Shelby Countians who are registered to use that website live in Collierville. Raleigh, however, is home to the most faithful Memphians, according to the website. They make up about six percent of the site’s local users.

Here’s the AshleyMadison.com list of Shelby County’s least faithful neighborhoods.

1. Collierville 9.1%
2. Arlington 8.8%
3. Downtown 8.6%
4. East Memphis 8.3%
5. Germantown 8%
6. Midtown 7.7%
7. Barlett 7.3%
8. Lakeland 7.2%
9. Millington 6.9%
10. Raleigh 6.4%

Additionally, they found that 43 percent of adulterers in Memphis are female with an average age of 35. Bartlett cheaters tend to have the most children, and Lakeland cheaters tend to have the most affair partners.

Noel Biderman, CEO and founder of the site, said their study of stats across the country tended to show the most cheating occurring in more affluent neighborhoods. But that may be more related to the digital divide than anything else. Cheating in lower-income areas may not necessarily be arranged on hook-up sites.

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Opinion

Fact and Myth: Numbers Behind the Tax Numbers

10609193-home-for-sale-sign-isolated-on-white-representing-the-concept-of-real-estate-sale-of-a-house.jpg

Notes from a meeting Thursday with Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir, who can’t send out tax bills until the Shelby County Commission sets the property tax rate at $4.38 or $4.36 or $4.40 cents or something else.

The population of Memphis has increased since 2010. This doesn’t necessarily mean there are more taxpayers, but population is the most basic measurement of a city’s health. The increase rebuts to some extent the contention of some Memphis City Council members that Memphians are “voting with their taillights.” A U.S. Census report that came out in May says Memphis is the 20th largest city in the country and its population has grown by more than 7500 people since 2010. The report says the population of Memphis grew from 647,612 in 2010 to 655,155 in July, 2012. The population of Shelby County increased from 928,792 to 940,764 during the same period.

More people (51 percent) are working in Memphis and living elsewhere than living in Memphis and working there (49 percent). This means Memphis does not get the benefit of their property taxes, the biggest contributor to the tax base.

DeSoto County has the opposite situation. Most people (68 percent) live in the county and work somewhere else (32 percent).

From a tax standpoint, the cost of living is lower in Shelby County than in DeSoto County. A family with $100,000 of household income pays $25,956 in taxes in Memphis and $31,534 in Southaven. Property taxes are higher in Memphis, but the Mississippi state income tax ($4,850) and vehicle registration fee ($2,908 on a $40,000 vehicle) offsets that.

Most people and businesses pay their taxes. The collection rate for the last six years ranges from 92 percent to 94 percent.

More property owners who appealed to the Board of Equalization got a reduction (24,001) than an increase (9,787) in the last 12 months. Owners can do this themselves or hire a professional tax representative. In many cases, a reduction will be offered by letter and the property owner does not have to personally appear.

Collections estimates are “conservative” so elected officials, like corporations and their earnings estimates, can beat them, Lenoir said. In other words, the county will take in a little more and refund a little less than it estimates.

The housing market is improving. There have been 5,767 sales in 2013 compared to 5,332 in 2012.

The suburbs, soon to have their own school systems, are where the money is in home ownership, and it’s not even close. The median sales price in Shelby County is $89,900, in Germantown $275,253, in Collierville $269,200, in Arlington $210,000, in Bartlett $150,000, in Lakeland $220,000. Only Millington lags, at $68,000.

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Opinion

Test Scores in for Memphis and Shelby County Schools

TCAP-logo.jpg

Let the bashing begin. The State Department of Education has released district-by-district achievement test scores.

Student performance on the 2012 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program improved significantly in school districts across the state. Nearly all of the state’s 136 districts saw proficiently levels increase, and two-thirds improved in every subject of the 3-8 TCAP Achievement tests.

Memphis made improvements in math and reading at the high school and lower-grades levels. Shelby County made bigger improvements and had, as usual, higher numbers of students in the “proficient” and “advanced” categories.

District proficiency levels reveal major improvements in math skills. More than 50 districts saw double-digit growth over last year in Algebra I, with some reporting gains greater than 30 percentage points. Additionally, 23 districts saw double-digit growth in grades 3-8 math.

In Memphis, in grades 3-8, 27.6 percent of students were proficient or advanced in math and 29.2 percent were proficient or advanced in reading. In high school, 33.8 were in those categories in algebra 1 and 43.2 percent in English 1.

In Shelby County, in grades 3-8. 57.4 percent were proficient or advanced in math and 61.3 percent in reading. In high school, 60.2 percent were proficient or advanced in Algebra 1 and 74.3 percent in English 1.

In the future unified Shelby County Schools, the scores will be lumped together. But the outcome of the municipal schools issue will impact the results.

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Opinion

In Shelby County Isolation Trumps Consolidation

CREDIT: Jackson Baker

To call consolidation a tough sale is an understatement.

Crime and fear of crime, bad schools, higher taxes, lost jobs and fear of lost jobs, old grudges, apathy, suburban (or urban) opposition, political cowardice, the “King Willie” factor, questionable “efficiencies” — any one of those could sink it.

There’s another problem that is not so obvious. In his state of the city speech, Mayor Willie Herenton urged residents of Memphis and Shelby County — black and white, rich and poor, urban and suburban — to pull together for their common good. But the prevailing spirit for at least the last 25 years in Memphis has been anything but “all for one and one for all.”

It has been just the opposite. It is the spirit of isolation, not consolidation. Consider:

Me and mine first, as evidenced by all the elected and appointed officials who, legally and illegally, gamed the system and padded their paychecks.

Self-segregation in schools, churches, and even sporting events and entertainment has replaced legal segregation.

Gated communities from South Memphis to South Bluffs to Southwind.

“Special” taxing districts or TIFs that get dedicated tax streams that would otherwise go into the general fund.

“Special” tourism development zones or TDZs around FedExForum, Graceland, the convention center, and Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium that, when implemented, further erode the general tax fund unless they attract new money.

“Special” incentives in the form of tax freezes given to businesses that promise investment and new jobs, whether they actually deliver them or not. These also erode the tax base. No other city in Tennessee grants nearly as many of these as Memphis does.

“Special” boards and commissions like the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC) and Center City Commission (CCC) that are narrowly focused to develop and oversee choice pieces of downtown Memphis.

“Special” building authorities for big projects like FedExForum.

Selective annexation of Cordova, Countrywood, and Hickory Hill which didn’t mobilize opposition quickly or effectively enough, while savvier, wealthier, and more politically powerful areas like Southwind and Southeast Shelby County got a reprieve.

As a reporter covering government, this is the biggest change I have seen in Memphis since I moved here in 1982. Not only are city and county government often not in synch, the elected officials in both governments have willingly given away much of their authority in the name of expedience and efficiency.

The pay has gone up 300 to 500 percent but the job description has shrunk. The City Council and County Commission, which theoretically represent all city and county residents, are often not where the action is any more, or at least not to the extent they once were. To attempt to effectively cover “government” nowadays means to go to meetings or keep tabs on the Sports Authority, RDC, PBA, CCC, CVB, MLGW, Industrial Development Board, Agricenter, Airport Authority, and various nonprofits.

They’re all in their own, often isolated worlds, sometimes for better and sometimes worse. They come to the mayors or council members and commissioners when they need a fix, and if they can do it quietly and out of the public eye, so much the better.

Obviously, in a city of 675,000 people and a county of more than 850,000 people, there’s something to be said for specialization, and maybe a lot. If you want to run an airport, build a FedExForum on a schedule, or attract the big convention of square-dancers, you need focus and partners from the private sector.

But there’s a price for all of this specialization, and it’s not just the bruised egos and additional bureaucracies and lost taxes. It’s the loss of community and the idea that we’re all in this together. As citizens and elected officials in Memphis and Shelby County, we reap what we sow. And what we have sown are the seeds of separation and isolation, not consolidation.

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Special Sections

Education

Memphis City Schools

2597 Avery (416-5300)

mcsk12.net

Shelby County Schools

160 S. Hollywood (321-2500)

scsk12.org

MEMPHIS CITY SCHOOLS OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

The Memphis City Schools optional program gives parents options in selecting a public education that can best fit their children’s talents and abilities. Optional elementary programs focus on different approaches to education. These programs enrich, supplement and broaden the standard school curriculum. Optional programs at the middle school and high school levels are designed to prepare students for college and careers. Optional schools are tuition-free to city residents and accessible to all parts of the city.

There are two types of schools in the Memphis City Schools Optional Program. Most programs exist as a school-within-a-school, which means the optional program is offered in addition to traditional classes or programs. However, 9 schools exist primarily as optional schools (see asterisks). Most students who attend these 9 schools participate in the optional program.

Bellevue Middle School

575 S. Bellevue Blvd. (38104) 416-4488

mcsk12.net/schools/bellevue.js/bellevue.html

College Preparatory — Optional program emphasizes the liberal arts with a focus in honors English, math, science, and social studies. Electives also include conversational Spanish, band, art, computer science, orchestra, vocal music, and musical keyboarding.

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment in program: 194

School enrollment: 516

Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary

2605 Sam Cooper Blvd. (38112) 416-7150

mcsk12.net/schools/brewster.es

Enriched Academics — Program incorporates project-based learning with emphasis on accelerating students’ learning in math, arts, science, and technology. This new facility houses 36 classrooms that include music rooms, science and computer labs, a library/media center, and a multipurpose room.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in Program: 33

School Enrollment: 491

Brownsville Road Elementary School

5292 Banbury (38135) 416-4300

mcsk12.net/schools/brownsvilleroad.es/brshome.html

Enriched Academics — Students are scheduled into enriched math, science, and language-arts classes where higher-level skills are emphasized. All students receive instruction in computer skills and develop artistic talents and an appreciation for art through art classes.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 265

School enrollment: 733

Central High School

306 S. Bellevue Blvd. (38104) 416-4500

msck12.net/schools/central.hs/centralhomepage.html

College Preparatory — School offers quality academic experiences for college-bound students, including honors-level courses in all academic areas. During the sophomore, junior, and senior years, students may earn college credit through Advanced Placement courses in nine areas. Central’s recent renovation includes a new two-story classroom building, a gymnasium as well as state-of-the-art library and science facilities.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 480

School enrollment: 1,411

Colonial Middle School

4778 Sea Isle (38117) 416-8980

msck12.net/schools/colonial.ms

Arts and Academics — The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program focuses on art, vocal music, instrumental music, orchestra, drama, creative writing, dance, and piano. Through the enriched academics program, students participate in academically challenging courses in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment in program: 490

School enrollment: 986

*Cordova Elementary

750 Sanga (38018) 416-1700

mcsk12.net/schools/cordova.es/newindex.htm

Enriched Academics — Innovative teaching and learning strategies such as the Reading Renaissance/Accelerated Reader program, the Accelerated Math program and inquiry-based problem solving, along with exploratory classes are used throughout the school. Exploratory classes include computer, physical education, foreign language, Orff, and instrumental music. A hands-on approach to learning allows students to develop their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Grades: 1-4

Enrollment in program: 616

School enrollment: 745

*Cordova Middle School

900 Sanga (38018) 416-2189

cordovacougars.com

Enriched Academics/College Preparatory — Academically enriched program builds on Cordova Elementary’s foundation. The networked classrooms allow for sharing of innovative educational software and programs. Incorporating audio and video equipment with computer technology allows students to produce a wide range of multimedia projects.

Grades: 5-8

Enrollment in program: 1,147

School enrollment: 1,147

Craigmont High School

3333 Covington Pike (38128) 416-4312

craigmont.org

College Preparatory for International Studies — The international focus at Craigmont is on social studies, arts, language arts, and foreign languages. The program exposes students to issues of international scope to foster understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 168

School enrollment: 1,319

Craigmont Middle School

3455 Covington Pike (38128) 416-7780

mcsk12.net/schools/craigmont.mi/index.html

Enriched Academics/International Studies — School offers programs that prepare students to live and work successfully in an increasingly global society and allows them to better understand the cultures and people of the world.

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment in program: 153

School enrollment: 998

*Delano Elementary

1716 Delano (38127) 416-3932

mcsk12.net/schools/delano.es/index

Computer/Technology — Technology is integrated throughout the instructional program as students develop skills in the areas of critical thinking, reasoning, communication, reading, writing, and math. Students engage in real world experiences using a variety of tools that include multimedia, computer technology, digital cameras, and closed circuit TV. It is a 2005 U.S. Department of Education “No Child Left Behind” Blue Ribbon Award recipient.

Grades: 1-6

Enrollment in program: 230

School enrollment: 294

*Double Tree Elementary School

4560 Double Tree (38109) 416-8144

mcsk12.net/schools/doubletree.es/doubletree.html

Montessori/Technology — A modified Montessori school, Double Tree offers concepts like multi-age grouping, non-graded work, individualized instruction, and the use of self-correcting manipulatives. Using computers and technology, students communicate ideas and share knowledge with schools throughout the state, nation, and world.

Grades: K-6 (K-3 in Montessori)

Enrollment in program: 512

School enrollment: 512

Downtown Elementary School

10 N. Fourth (38103) 416-8400

mcsk12.net/schools/downtown.es/downtown.html

Enriched Academics/Social Studies — Special emphasis in social studies as well as enrichment in all the basic courses. Frequent field trips to business, historical, educational, and cultural sites downtown are part of every child’s learning experience. Guest speakers from businesses and organizations, as well as parents working and living near the school, enhance the students’ learning opportunities.

Grades: 1-6

Enrollment in program: 227

School enrollment: 631

East High School

3206 Poplar (38111) 416-6160

mcsk12.net/schools/east.hs./site/index.shtml

College Preparatory for Health Sciences/Engineering and Allied Health — Designed for students who will pursue careers in health sciences, allied health, computer science, and engineering. The students are prepared for college level courses.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 56

School enrollment: 930

Grahamwood Elementary School

3950 Summer (38122) 416-5952

mcsk12.net/schools/grahamwood.es/index.html

Enriched Academics — Students achieve a high level of learning through the challenge of a strong academic program and superior faculty that provides successful learning experiences for all students. Parents play a vital role.

Grades: 1-6

Enrollment in program: 507

School enrollment: 1,039

*Idlewild Elementary School

1950 Linden (38104) 416-4566

mcsk12.net/schools/idlewild.es/index.html

Science/Technology — The enriched Science and Technology optional program combines an emphasis on academic excellence with hands-on experience in developing students’ science and computer skills.

Grades: K-5

Enrollment in program: 516

School enrollment: 516

*John P. Freeman Optional School

5250 Tulane (38109) 416-3156

mcsk12.net/schools/jpfreeman.es/freeman.html

Enriched Academics/College Preparatory — Designed to stimulate creativity and develop critical thinking. The accelerated academic curriculum is broadened by introducing students to a varied range of cultural activities that stimulate their interest and provide a motivating atmosphere for learning.

Grades: 1-8

Enrollment in program: 604

School enrollment: 604

Keystone Elementary

4301 Old Allen (38128) 416-3924

mcsk12.net/schools/keystone.es

Enriched Academics — Includes basic skills in the curricula and enhances the application of learning through an outdoor classroom, as well as science and computer labs, an Orff music program, and an outstanding library/media center. The U.S. Department of Education identified Keystone as one of the most academically superior schools in the state and nation.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 388

School enrollment: 454

Kingsbury High School

1270 N. Graham (38122) 416-6060

mcsk12.net/schools/kingsbury.hs/khswebsite.html

Technology and Careers — Students learn to integrate math, science, and English while they focus on modular tasks and hands-on projects. This program prepares for successful citizens and competent workers, as students have the opportunity to enroll in two- or four-year colleges or begin a career.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 33

School enrollment: 1,449

Lester School

320 Carpenter (38112) 416-5969

mcsk12.net/schools/lester.es/index.htm

Focused Literacy/Technology — Focused literacy is an instructional concentration designed to raise the level of students’ skills in all language arts, including reading comprehension, writing, and conversation. There are two computer labs and all classrooms have internet access and at least four student work stations.

Grades: 1-8

Enrollment in program: 489

School enrollment: 614

Overton High School

1770 Lanier (38117) 416-2136

overtonhs.net

Creative and Performing Arts — Provides artistically inclined students the opportunity to pursue intense study in vocal music, instrumental music, theory, orchestra, dance, drama, visual arts, broadcasting, and creative writing. College prep classes are available in all subjects.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 430

School enrollment: 1,497

Peabody Elementary School

2086 Young (38104) 416-4606

mcsk12.net/schools/peabody.es/peabody.html

Enriched Academics/International Studies — This multicultural mecca provides the traditional MCS curriculum as well as an Enriched Academics optional program, incorporating international studies as a distinguishing feature.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 117

School enrollment: 425

*Rozelle Elementary School

993 Roland (38114) 416-4612

mcsk12.net/schools/rozelle.es/rozelle.html

Creative and Performing Arts — Instructors use the arts to teach academic subjects as well as to develop students’ talents. Artistic talents are enhanced through special classes: visual arts, Orff music, strings, drama, creative writing, and dance.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 384

School enrollment: 429

Sherwood Elementary School

1156 Robin Hood Ln. (38111) 416-4864

mcsk12.net/schools/sherwood.es/sherwood.html

Academic Enrichment through the Arts — Students are required to read classic and current literature and periodicals. Problem solving and critical thinking activities are used to develop students’ listening, speaking, observing, thinking, and writing skills.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 174

School enrollment: 778

Snowden School

1870 N. Parkway (38112) 416-4621

snowden.go.to

Enriched Academics/College Preparatory — Snowden offers exciting alternatives for the student who is interested in preparing for college and who can meet and maintain the academic standards of the school. The rigorous academic schedule is blended with activities that includes Spanish, orchestra, Orff music, band, CLUE, foreign languages and art.

Grades: 1-8

Enrollment in program: 643

School enrollment: 1,549

*Springdale-Memphis
Magnet Elementary School

880 N. Hollywood (38108) 416-4883

mcsk12.net/schools/sprindalemagnet.es/springdale.html

Exploratory Learning — This challenging academic program provides an environment that encourages students to ask questions and find answers. Explore the World through the Eyes of Education is the focus.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 231

School enrollment: 304

*Vollentine Elementary School

1682 Vollintine (38107) 416-4632

mcsk12.net/schools/vollentine.es/homepage_1.htm

Individually Guided Education (IGE) — Vollentine’s IGE program incorporates a comprehensive support system involving the use of team-teaching, departmentalization, shared decision-making, collaborative planning, heterogeneous grouping, and the use of multilevel, multicultural, and multimedia materials.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 320

School enrollment: 388

White Station High School

514 S. Perkins (38117) 416-8880

whitestation.net

Optional program: College Preparatory — Program is designed to provide a broad liberal arts foundation for college-bound students in the fields of science, mathematics, medicine, law, architecture, education, business, public service, and social service.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 1,139

School enrollment: 2,237

White Station Middle School

5465 Mason (38120) 416-2184

mcsk12.net/schools/whitestation.ms/site/index.shtml

College Preparatory — Offers an academically enriched instructional program in the areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and foreign languages.

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment in program: 419

School enrollment: 787

Whitehaven High School

4851 Elvis Presley (38116) 416-3000

mcsk12.net/schools/whitehaven.hs

College Preparatory/Business and Finance — Offers students a broad scope of opportunities, from a finance program emphasizing career preparation to a college prep program that includes advanced placement classes designed to prepare students for the rigors of college work.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 267

School enrollment: 1,723

Willow Oaks Elementary School

4417 Willow (38117) 416-2196

mcsk12.net/schools/willowoaks.es/willowoakshomepage.html

Enriched Academics — Curriculum stresses a high level of learning in reading, mathematics, science, social studies, computer technology, and the arts in an enthusiastic, supportive environment.

Grades: 1-5

Enrollment in program: 262

School enrollment: 669

Wooddale High School

5151 Scottsdale (38118) 416-2440

mcsk12.net/schools/wooddale.hs/whs/index.htm

College Preparatory and Aviation/Travel and Tourism — Wooddale is designed for students seeking a strong, varied liberal arts foundation. Optional program follows a broad outline for a major in language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. The aviation/travel and tourism program is an integrated aeronautics curriculum that enhances the study of math, science, engineering, technology, travel and tourism, preparing students for post-secondary education or training in these fields.

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment in program: 134

School enrollment: 1,606

Wooddale Middle School

3467 Castleman (38118) 416-2420

wooddalemiddle.net

Enriched Academics/College Preparatory — Program offers an enriched academics program in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies as well as a wide range of exploratory classes: health, Facing History and Ourselves, art, choir, conversational Spanish, drama, band, and orchestra.

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment in program: 74

School enrollment: 1,163

Charter Schools

Charter schools are independent public schools of choice. They control their own budget, curriculum, staffing. Memphis’ charter schools maximize students’ potential by focusing on specific academic interests and employing creative learning techniques. Charter programs prepare children for college by learning how to function productively in a global and technologically advanced society.

Circles of Success
Learning Academy (COLSA)

867 S. Parkway E. (38106) 322-7978

circlesofsuccess.org

Grades: K-5

Enrollment: 120

Sponsor: The Works, Inc.

City University School of Liberal Arts

1500 Dunn (38118) 368-9890

cityuniversityschool.org

Grades: 9-10

Enrollment: 240

Sponsor: The Influence 1 Foundation

Memphis Academy of Health Sciences

3925 Chelsea Ext. (38108) 382-1441

mahsmemphis.com

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment: 300

Sponsor: 100 Black Men of Memphis

Memphis Academy of Science
and Engineering (MASE)

Middle school: 20 S. Dudley (38103) 448-6273

High school: 1254 Jefferson

discovermase.org

Grades: 6-12

Enrollment: 550

Sponsor: Memphis Biotech Foundation

Promise Academy

1635 Georgian Dr. (38127) 358-7752

promiseacademy.com

Grades: K-2

Enrollment: 180

Sponsor: Promise Academy, Inc.

Soulsville Charter School

910 McLemore (38106) 942-7627

Located adjacent to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Provides an academically rigorous, musically rich environment with the mission of fully preparing students both academically and emotionally for college.

Grades: 6-12

Enrollment: 120

Sponsor: Stax Music Academy Charter School, LLC

Southern Ave. Charter School of Academic Excellence
and Creative Arts

3310 Kimball (38111) 743-7335

southernavcharter.org

Grades: K-3

Enrollment: 103

Sponsor: Children’s Care and Development Center, Inc.

STAR Academy

3260 James (38128) 387-5050

staracademycharter.com

Grades: K-4

Enrollment: 198

Sponsor: Golden Gate Development Corp.

Yo! Memphis Academy of Visual
and Performing Arts

2140 S. Third (38109) 947-5353

yomemphisonline.com

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment: 180

Sponsor: Yo! Memphis Foundation, Inc.

Private Schools

Area code is 901 unless otherwise noted.

Information, including enrollment and tuition rates, is from 2007.

Bodine School

2432 Yester Oaks Dr., Germantown (38139) 754-1800

bodineschool.org

School for students with dyslexia and dyslexia-related learning disabilities.

Grade levels offered: 1-8

Tuition: $12,300-$14,600

Financial aid: available

Enrollment: 85

Student/faculty ratio: 6:1

Religious affiliation: none

After-school care offered: no

Bornblum Solomon Schechter

6641 Humphreys Blvd. (38120) 747-2665

bsssmemphis.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 1-8

Tuition: $9,650-$9,950

Enrollment: 206

Student/faculty ratio: 7:1

Religious affiliation: Jewish

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Briarcrest Christian Schools

6000 Briarcrest (38120) 765-4600

briarcrest.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K3-8

Tuition: $3,895-$10,225

Enrollment: 1,600

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Additional locations:

1620 Houston Levee (38018) 737-1356

Grades: K3-5

10103 Raleigh-LaGrange, Eads (38028) 751-6400

Grades: 9-12

Central Day School

2005 Winchester Blvd., Collierville (38017) 255-8134

centraldayschool.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K-8

Tuition: $4,400-$5,000

Enrollment: 365

Student/faculty ratio: 17:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Christ Methodist Day School

411 S. Grove Park (38117) 683-6873

cmdsmemphis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-6

Tuition: $2,550-$8,650

Enrollment: 381

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: United Methodist

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Christ the King Lutheran School

5296 Park (38119) 682-8405

ctkschool.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8, including special education Horizons and Discoveries classes

Tuition: $2,265-$6,100

Enrollment: 350

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Religious affiliation: Lutheran

Before- and after-school care: yes

Christ the Rock Christian Academy

8800 Winchester (38125) 751-7122

ctracademy.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K3-8

Tuition: $4,200

Enrollment: 300

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1-20:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Evangelical Christian School

7600 Macon (38018) 754-7217

ecseagles.net

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 6-12

Tuition: $5,300-$10,265

Enrollment: 1,502

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: all lower schools

Additional locations:

1920 Forest Hill-Irene (38139) 754-4420

Grades: K-5

735 Ridgelake Blvd. (38120) 683-9013

Grades: Jr.K-5

ECS at Fisherville

11893 Macon, Eads (38028) 853-7705

Grades: Jr.K-3 (grade levels advancing each year up to fifth)

Fayette Academy

15090 Highway 64, Somerville (38068) 465-3241

fayetteacademy.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K-12

Tuition: $4,500-$4,700 ($650 bldg. fee per family)

Enrollment: 780

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

Religious affiliation: nonsectarian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Elliston Baptist Academy

4179 Elliston (38111) 743-4250

ellistonbaptist.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-12

Tuition: $3,450 (multi-student discount available, books not included)

Enrollment: 104

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: Baptist

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Emmanuel United Methodist Kindergarten

2404 Kirby (38119) 754-3607

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Toddler-K

Tuition: $1,215-$4,725

Enrollment: 283

Student/faculty ratio: 4:1-10:1

Religious Affiliation: Methodist

Before- and after-school care offered: no

First Assembly Christian School

8650 Walnut Grove (38018) 458-5543

facsmemphis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Jr.K-12

Tuition: $3,394-$6,710

Enrollment: 636

Student/faculty ratio: 11:1-18:1

Religious affiliation: interdenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Additional location:

8229 Rockcreek Pkwy. (38106) 384-3816

Grades: K3-K4

Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School

246 S. Belvedere (38104) 278-0200

gslschool.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $6,050-$10,400

Enrollment: 500

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: Episcopal

Before- and after-school program offered: yes

Harding Academy

1100 Cherry (38117) 767-4494

hardinglions.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: early childhood ages 2-3, grades 7-12

Tuition: $4,698-$8,995

Enrollment: 1,630

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

Religious affiliation: Church of Christ

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Additional locations:

8350 Macon (38018) 624-0871

Early childhood and kindergarten

8360 Macon (38018) 624-0522

Grades: 1-6

8220 E. Shelby Dr. (38125) 755-5662

Grades: Jr.K-6

1910 Sycamore View (38134) 372-1818

Grades: Jr.K-6

1106 Colonial (38117) 767-2093

Grades: Jr.K-6

Hutchison School

1740 Ridgeway (38119) 761-2220

hutchisonschool.org

Student body: female only

Grades: PreK-12

Tuition: $4,450-$13,900

Enrollment: 855

Student/faculty ratio: 18:1 (elementary-high); 8:1 (early childhood)

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Immanuel Lutheran School

6319 Raleigh-LaGrange (38134) 388-0205

ilsmemphis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $4,700-$5,200

Enrollment: 220

Student/faculty ratio: 18:1

Religious affiliation: Lutheran

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

The LaGrange School

21450 Hwy. 57, LaGrange, TN (38046) 878-1499

TheLagrangeSchool.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: early childhood-6th (7-9 available in 2008)

Tuition: $5,300 (part-time programs available)

Enrollment: 50

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Religious affiliation: Christian

After-school care offered: yes

Lamplighter Montessori School

8563 Fay (38018) 751-2000

lamplighterschool.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Pre K3-8

Tuition: $4,300-$10,700

Enrollment: 200

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Religious affiliation: nonsectarian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Lausanne Collegiate School

1381 W. Massey (38120) 474-1000

lausanneschool.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Pre K-12

Tuition: $7,150-$11,900

Enrollment: 750

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: nonsectarian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Macon Road Baptist School

1082 Berclair (38122) 682-5420

maconroadbaptist.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K4-12

Tuition: $2,500-$4,100

Enrollment: 365

Student/faculty ratio: 20:1

Religious affiliation: Baptist

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Additional locations:

Macon Road Baptist School East

11017 Highway 64, Arlington (38002) 867-8161

Grades: K3-3

Tuition: $4,500-$4,600 (lunch included)

Enrollment: 160

Student/faculty ratio: 20:1
Before- and after-school offered: yes

Macon Road Baptist School Lakeland

9182 Highway 64, Lakeland TN 38002

Grades: 4-7

Tuition: $4,500-$4,600 (lunch included)

Enrollment: 60

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

Before- and after-school offered: yes

Margolin Hebrew Academy –
Feinstone Yeshiva of the South

390 S. White Station (38117) 682-2409

mhafyos.org

Student body: co-ed (Pk-8); female only (9-12);
males only (9-12)

Grades: Pre K-12

Tuition: $5,300-$12,300

Enrollment: 230

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

Religious affiliation: Jewish

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

*Maria Montessori School

740 Harbor Bend (38103) 527-3444

mariamontessorischool.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 18 months-8

Tuition: $5,459-$7,400

Enrollment: 128

Student/faculty ratio: 20:1

Religious affiliation: none

After-school care offered: no; part-time enrichment offered

Marshall Academy

100 Academy Dr., Holly Springs, MS (38635) (662) 252-3449

marshallacademy.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K3-12

Tuition: $3,650-$4,100

Enrollment: 425

Student/faculty ratio: 16:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

After-school care offered: yes

Memphis Junior Academy

50 N. Mendenhall (38117) 683-1061

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-10

Tuition: $2,700-$5,000

Enrollment: 80

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Religious affiliation: Seventh Day Adventist

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf

7901 Poplar (38138) 758-2228

mosdkids.org

School for hearing-impaired children

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Birth-6th

Tuition: based on a sliding scale

Enrollment: 25

Student/faculty ratio: 2:1-3:1

Religious affiliation: none

Before- and after-school care offered: yes (students only)

Memphis University School

6191 Park (38119) 260-1300

musowls.org

Student body: male only

Grades: 7-12

Tuition: $14,350

Enrollment: 650

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: no

New Hope Christian Academy

3000 University (38127) 358-3183

newhopememphis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Jr.K-6

Tuition: sliding scale

Enrollment: 261

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

After-school care offered: yes

Additional locations:

New Hope Christian Academy Junior Kindergarten

3277 N. Watkins (38127)

K4 program only

Enrollment: 52

Presbyterian Day School

4025 Poplar (38111-6022) 842-4600

pdsmemphis.org

Student body: male

Grades: PreK-6

Tuition: $6,495-$12,990

Enrollment: 616

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: Presbyterian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Rossville Christian Academy

280 High, Rossville (38066) 853-0200

rossvillechristian.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K4-12

Tuition: $4,400-$4,650

Enrollment: 320

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. George’s Independent School, Collierville Campus

1880 Wolf River Blvd., Collierville (38017) 457-2000

sgis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 6-12

Tuition: $13,335 (scholarship assist. available)

Enrollment: 680

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: Judeo-Christian

After-school care offered: yes (for middle school)

St. George’s Independent School, Germantown Campus

8250 Poplar, Germantown (38138) 261-2300

sgis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K3-5

Tuition: $6,839-$12,297 (scholarship assist. available)

Enrollment: 425

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: Judeo-Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. George’s Independent School,
Memphis Campus

3749 Kimball (38111) 261-2200

sgis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K3-4 (new grade level added each year through 5th)

Tuition: $6,839-$12,297 (scholarship assist. available)

Enrollment: 130

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Religious affiliation: Judeo-Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Mary’s Episcopal School

60 Perkins Ext. (38117) 537-1405

Admission office located on Lower School campus at 41 N. Perkins

stmarysschool.org

Student body: female only

Grades: PK-12

Tuition: $4,000-$14,400

Enrollment: 850

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1 (although it differs by grade level)

Religious affiliation: Episcopal

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

SBEC – Southern Baptist Educational Center

7400 Getwell, Southaven, MS (38672) (662) 349-3096

sbectrojans.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K3-12

Tuition: $3,232-$6,600

Enrollment: 1,180

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

Religious affiliation: Christian

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Tipton-Rosemark Academy

8696 Rosemark, Millington (38053) 829-4221

tiptonrosemarkacademy.net

Student body: co-ed

Grades: Jr.K-12

Tuition: $5,380-$5,950

Enrollment: 630

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1-20:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Westminster Academy

Ridgeway Baptist Church

2500 Ridgeway (38119) 380-9192

wamemphis.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K-12

Tuition: $4,500-$8,000

Enrollment: 350

Student/faculty ratio: 8:1

Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian

Extracurricular activities offered

West Memphis Christian School

1101 N. Missouri, West Memphis, AR (72303) (870) 735-0642

wmcs.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K-12

Tuition: $4,100-$5,500

Enrollment: 125

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Woodland Presbyterian School

5217 Park (38119) 685-0976

woodlandschool.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $5,100-$8,950

Enrollment: 380

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Religious affiliation: Presbyterian

After-school care offered: yes

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MEMPHIS

cdom.org

373-1219

Bishop Byrne Middle and High School

1475 E. Shelby Dr. (38116) 346-3060

bishopbyrne.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 7-12

Tuition: $4,400-$6,300

Enrollment: 290

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

After-school care offered: no

Christian Brothers High School

5900 Walnut Grove (38120) 682-7801

cbhs.org

Student body: male

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: $7,600

Enrollment: 878

Student/faculty ratio: 11:1

Extracurricular activities offered

De La Salle at Blessed Sacrament

2540 Hale (38112) 866-9084

cbhs.org/delasalle

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K-7 (grades levels advancing each year up to eighth)

Tuition: $500-$4,450 (tuition based on family income/household size, scholarships available)

Enrollment: 137

Student/faculty ratio: 11:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Holy Names Elementary

709 Keel (38107) 507-1503

holynamesmemphis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 3-8

Tuition: $4,450

Enrollment: 90

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Holy Rosary Elementary

4841 Park (38117) 685-1231

edline.net/pages/HolyRosarySchool

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $4,100-$5,600

Enrollment: 441

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

After-school care offered: yes

Immaculate Conception Cathedral Schools

iccatherdralschool.org

Elementary/Middle

1669 Central (38104) 725-2710

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $5,450

Enrollment: 368

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

High School

1725 Central (38104) 725-2705

Student body: female only

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: $7,850

Enrollment: 148

Student/faculty ratio: 8:1

Extracurricular activities offered: yes

Incarnation School

360 Bray Station, Collierville (38017) 853-7804

goics.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $4,500-$6,200

Enrollment: 256

Student/faculty ratio: 9:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Little Flower School

1666 Jackson (38107) 725-9900

cdom.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK4-2

Tuition: $4,450 (based on family income/household size)

Enrollment: 60

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Memphis Catholic Middle and High School

61 N. McLean Blvd. (38104) 276-1221

memphiscatholic.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 7-12

Middle School: $4,200;
High School: $7,200; “Education That Works” Program

Enrollment: 160

Student/faculty ratio: 11:1

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

8151 Poplar, Germantown (38138) 753-1181

olphonline.com

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $4,500

Enrollment: 265

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Our Lady of Sorrows School

3690 Thomas (38127) 358-7431

ourladyofsorrowschurch.org/school

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK3-8

Tuition: n/a

Enrollment: 117

Student/faculty ratio: 13:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

Resurrection School

5475 Newberry (38115) 546-9926

Grades: PreK3-1 (grade levels advancing to 8th)

Tuition: $0-$4,500 (based on family income/household size)

Enrollment: 125

St. Agnes Academy/St. Dominic School

4830 Walnut Grove (38117) 767-1356

saa-sds.org

Student body: St. Agnes: female; St. Dominic: male

Grades: PreK-12 (girls); PreK-8 (boys)

Tuition: $5,543-$10,490

Enrollment: 870 (girls and boys)

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Ann School

6529 Stage, Bartlett (38134) 386-3328

stannbartlett.org/school

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $4,300-$5,000

Enrollment: 650

Student/faculty ratio: 16:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Anne School

670 S. Highland (38111) 323-1344

stannehighland.net

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: $4,500-$4,700

Enrollment: 140

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Augustine School

1169 Kerr (38106) 942-8002

staugustinememphis.org/school

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK4-6

Tuition: $4,450 (based on family income/household size)

Enrollment: 150

Student/faculty ratio: 20:1

After-school care offered: yes

St. Benedict at Auburndale

8250 Varnavas (38016) 260-2840

sbaeagles.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: 9-12

Tuition: $6,600-$7,400

Enrollment: 950

Student/faculty ratio: 14:1

After-school care offered: no

St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School

2100 N. Germantown Pkwy. (38016) 388-7321

sfawolves.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K4-8

Tuition: $5,440-$8,480

Enrollment: 927

Student/faculty ratio: 13:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Joseph Elementary

3851 Neely (38109) 344-0021

cdom.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK3-6

Tuition: $4,325 (based on family income/household size)

Enrollment: 170

Student/faculty ratio: 8:1-22:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. John School

2718 Lamar (38114) 743-6700

cdom.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-6 (grades levels advancing each year to sixth, 11-month school)

Tuition: $4,895 (based on family income/household size)

Enrollment: 200

Student/faculty ratio: 12:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Louis School

5192 Shady Grove (38117) 682-9692

stlouismemphis.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: K-8

Tuition: $4,125-$4,875

Enrollment: 505

Student/faculty ratio: 20:1

After-school care offered: yes

St. Michael School

3880 Forrest (38122) 323-2162

cdom.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-8

Tuition: n/a

Enrollment: 198

Student/faculty ratio: 11:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Patrick School

277 S. Fourth (38126) 521-3252

cdom.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK3-4

Tuition: $4,325-$4,600 (based on family income/household size)

Enrollment: 93

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Before- and after-school care offered: yes

St. Paul School

1425 E. Shelby Dr. (38116) 346-0862

cdom.org

Student body: co-ed

Grades: PreK-6

Tuition: $4,450

Enrollment: 289

Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

After-school care offered: yes

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Tuition levels and enrollment numbers are from 2007.

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

University of Memphis

3715 Central (38152) 678-2421

law.memphis.edu

The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law began in 1962 as a college within Memphis State University. The law school began in response to widespread interest in developing a full-time legal education program to serve Memphis and the Mid-South. Since its inception, the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has graduated over 4,500 students who have assumed positions of responsibility and prominence as lawyers, judges and public officials in all fifty states.

Enrollment: 460

Faculty: 23 full-time

Tuition: $10,116-$28,466

Housing: $7,509/year

Christian Brothers University

650 E. Parkway South (38104) 321-3000

cbu.edu

Christian Brothers University (1871) awarded the first college degree in Memphis in 1875. A private, co-ed Catholic university, CBU offers bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts, sciences, business, education and engineering. Master’s degrees are offered in business administration, engineering management, and education. The U.S. News and World Report ranks CBU among the top 25 Best Southern Universities and the Princeton Review lists CBU among the Best Southeastern Colleges and Universities.

Enrollment: 1,700

Faculty: 110 full-time; 64 part-time

Tuition: $20,840/year

Housing: $990-$2,950/semester

LeMoyne-Owen College

807 Walker (38126) 435-1000

loc.edu

LeMoyne-Owen (1862) is one of the nation’s oldest historically black institutions. A private, co-ed college, LeMoyne-Owen offers four-year degrees in 21 academic disciplines.

Enrollment: 720

Faculty: 71 (full- and part-time)

Tuition: $10,318/year

Housing: $2,434/year

Memphis College of Art

Overton Park, 1930 Poplar (38104) 272-5100

mca.edu

Memphis College of Art (1936) is dedicated to excellence in art and design education. Degree programs include a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Art in Teaching, and Master of Art in Art Education.

Enrollment: 300

Faculty: 45

Tuition: $20,660/year

Housing: 108 dorm rooms available, $3,600-5,500/year

Northwest Community College
DeSoto Center

5197 E. W. Ross Parkway, Southaven, MS (38671) (662) 562-3222

northwestms.edu

Northwest Mississippi Community College serves students at four locations: the main campus in Senatobia, DeSoto Center in Southaven and Olive Branch, and Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center at Oxford. The college offers courses for academic transfer to four-year colleges and universities and more than 40 career-technical programs designed to put the student into the workforce upon graduation. Northwest awards an Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Applied Science degree, and a career certificate.

Enrollment: 6,691

Faculty: 370 (full- and part-time)

Tuition: $850/full-time, in-state; $1,850/full-time,
semester/out-of-state

Housing: $425-725

Rhodes College

2000 N. Parkway (38112) 843-3000

rhodes.edu

Rhodes College (1848) has earned a national reputation as one of the country’s top liberal arts colleges. Long associated with the Presbyterian Church, the 100-acre campus built in the Gothic tradition is located in Midtown. Rhodes offers 23 departmental majors as well as 14 majors and minors in the interdisciplinary program. The college grants a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science in Accounting. Rhodes also offers multiple study abroad opportunities.

Enrollment: 1,700

Faculty: 175 (full- and part-time)

Tuition: $30,342/year

Housing, room and board: $7,468

Southwest Tennessee Community College

737 Union / 5983 Macon Cove (38104) 333-5000

southwest.tn.edu

Southwest includes two main campuses and numerous centers throughout the Mid-South. Southwest offers 39 programs for career studies and transfer degrees, 37 two-year associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degrees, and more than 40 areas of interest in traditional university transfer programs. Southwest also offers one-year Academic Certificate and Technical Certificate Programs in 28 areas.

Enrollment: 11,452

Faculty: 658 full-time; 442 adjunct

Tuition: $128/credit hour

Housing: n/a

Union University—Germantown

2745 Hacks Cross (38138) 759-0029

uu.edu/gtown

Union University’s Germantown campus is a satellite of the main campus in Jackson, TN. The facility opened in 1997 as a campus designed to meet the needs of adult students in the Memphis area. Now providing both graduate and undergraduate programs, Union—Germantown offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing and organizational leadership; master’s degrees in education, nursing, business administration, and Christian studies; and a doctorate of education.

Enrollment: 831

Faculty: 36

Tuition: $245-$400 per credit hour

Housing: n/a

University of Memphis

Central Avenue (38152) 678-2000

memphis.edu

The U of M (1912) offers 15 bachelor degrees in more than 50 majors and 70 concentrations, master degrees in 46 fields, and doctorates in 21 fields. The graduate school also offers an education specialist degree and law degree (J.D.).

Enrollment: 20,562

Faculty: 916 full-time; 467 part-time (excluding student assistants)

Tuition: (in-state/out-of-state tuition): $5,256/$15,772 (undergraduate); $6,378/$16,844 (graduate)

Housing: dormitories from $1,290-$1,540/semester; apartments/townhouses from $2,445-$2,520

Additional locations

The University of Memphis — Carrier Center

500 Winchester, Collierville (38017) 678-5515

extended.memphis.edu

Enrollment: 1,350

Faculty: varies according to classes offered

Tuition: $234 per credit hour

MEDICINE

Baptist College of Health Science

1003 Monroe (38104) 575-BCHS

bchs.edu

Baptist College of Health Sciences is a specialized private, degree-granting undergraduate college offering general studies and professional education courses. Bachelor degrees are offered in nursing, respiratory care, diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, medical radiography, radiation therapy and health care management. Baptist College offers completion programs for RN to BSN and respiratory care along with weekend and evening programs.

Enrollment: 834

Faculty: 63 full-time, 30 part-time

Tuition: $245/semester hour

Housing: $750/semester/double occupancy,
$1,600/single occupancy

Methodist Healthcare Education Program

Methodist University Schools of Radiological
and Imaging Sciences

1211 Union (38104) 516-8099

methodisthealth.org

Methodist University Schools of Radiological and Imaging Sciences offers three programs: a 15-month Nuclear Medicine Technology program (for RTs only); a 15-month Diagnostic Medical Sonography (2-year Allied Health graduate or BS required); and an 18-month General Diagnostic Medical Sonography program for ultrasound.

Nuclear Medicine Technology School

Tuition: $5,000 plus books

General Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Tuition: $5,000 plus books

Southern College of Optometry

1245 Madison (38104) 722-3200

sco.edu

Founded in Memphis in 1932, this college is one of only 17 optometry colleges in the nation. It is the largest in the South and includes the Eye Center, a clinical facility that opened in 2002. Students pursue a four-year, post-baccalaureate program leading to a Doctor of Optometry degree.

Enrollment: 474

Faculty: 54

Tuition: $15,448/year for regional students; $20,448 per year for non-regional students

Housing: n/a

University of Tennessee
Health Science Center

920 Madison (38163) 448-5500

utmem.edu

The UT Health Science Center (UTHSC), founded in 1911, is Tennessee’s flagship statewide academic health system and one of the largest academic health science centers in the United States. The Memphis campus includes the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Additional College of Medicine campus locations are in Knoxville and Chattanooga. UTHSC offers four undergraduate and 20 graduate or professional degrees. Graduate medical education programs, family medicine centers, and continuing education programs are offered statewide.

Enrollment: 2,327

Faculty: 1,110 paid; 1,931 volunteer

Tuition: $4,582-$18,256, in-state; $11,172-$38,130/year, out-of-state

Housing: $360/month, meals excluded

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Categories
News

Herenton on State of the City

As promised, Mayor Willie Herenton reopened his civic hymnal on Wednesday to the verse marked “consolidation” and suggested that this time others might join him.

“I favor metropolitan consolidation inclusive of schools,” said Herenton, making his annual “state of the city” address to the Kiwanis Club meeting at The Peabody.

The venue was fairly small and so was the crowd, probably under 200 people. They gave the fifth-term mayor a couple of warm standing ovations. Whether that indicated the spirit of the season or support for consolidation remains to be seen.

Herenton said he sees promise in the new membership of the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission along with Gov. Phil Bredesen and county mayor A C Wharton.

“Thank God for the new county commission,” he said. “We’ve got some people over there with some new energy and some courage.” He did not name names.

He said he will ask state legislators to, in effect, change the rules on consolidation so that approval from both city and county voters in separate elections is not a prerequisite. Several years before Herenton became mayor in 1991, consolidation votes passed in the city but failed in the county, where signs that say “county schools” and “no city taxes” are still a staple of new subdivisions just outside the borders of Memphis.

As he has on many occasions, Herenton said consolidated government would be more efficient and cost taxpayers less money.

“It pains me to see the waste in schools,” said the former superintendent.

It apparently pains Bredesen too. The governor has shown impatience with Memphis “reform” programs and indicated that a state takeover is possible if Memphis doesn’t do better. Herenton mentioned changing the governing structure of the school system but did not specifically call for abolishing the school board or appointing a new one, as he has on other occasions.

Meeting with reporters after his speech, Herenton said consolidation can only happen with support from key business leaders and other politicians. He said the “economics of government will become so tight” that such supporters will eventually come around.

The sticking points are that Memphis has a higher tax rate than suburbs and unincorporated areas in Shelby County and the Shelby County schools, with more affluent students and fewer poor students, outperform city schools on standardized tests. But Memphis accounts for about 70 percent of the population of Shelby County. By Herenton’s lights, a suburban minority is dictating the rules of the game to the urban majority.

On other subjects, Herenton said Memphis is “financially strong” with a reserve fund of more than $60 million. Memphis, he said, is “on the national radar screen” because of FedEx Forum, AutoZone Park, and other attractions. And he said crime “trend lines” are going “in the right direction” but 500 more police officers are still needed. He will announce new anti-blight measures next week.

Responding to a question from the audience about the lack of a “wow” factor on the riverfront, Herenton said he is open to the possibility of razing The Pyramid if a deal with Bass Pro falls through.

“We could get the wow,” he said. “I still want the wow.”

Herenton seemed to be in a good mood, and there were no real zingers for the press or anyone else with the exception of, “For those of you who want to sit on the sidelines and be critical, we’re not going to be mad at you, we’re just going to pray for you.”

Reaction to the consolidation proposal among Kiwanis members was guarded. Businessman Sam Cantor said he is unconditionally for it but does not expect it to happen in the next four years.

Businessman Calvin Anderson is also for it and says it “can happen” if Herenton can take himself out of the equation, recruit allies, and present a reasonably united Shelby County legislative delegation in Nashville. Greg Duckett, former city chief administrative officer under Dick Hackett, said consolidation needs to happen but he stopped short of saying it will.

“Significant strides to making it happen can occur in the next four years,” he said.

Jim Strickland, sworn in Tuesday as a new member of the City Council, said he supports full consolidation but is willing to compromise on schools if necessary.

He said he is “not sure” if Herenton can muster enough support among suburban mayors and state lawmakers to make any headway.

Consolidation by charter surrender does not appear to be an option, which doesn’t mean it won’t keep coming up for discussion. In 2002, the state attorney general’s office issued an opinion that said “the General Assembly may not revoke the charter, the Memphis City Council is not authorized to surrender the city charter, and no statute authorizes the Memphis city charter to be revoked by a referendum election of the voters.”

Herenton, who was reelected with just 42 percent of the vote, made his speech against a backdrop of glum economic news, locally and nationally. Oil hit the $100-a-barrel mark, the stock of local economic bastions FedEx and First Horizon and others plunged with the Dow Jones Average, the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Redbirds are struggling at the gate, and foreclosures are expected to soar this year.

“In order to do all these things our economy must remain strong,” the mayor said.

Categories
Opinion

Batteries Not Included

Consolidating Memphis and Shelby County is the government equivalent of changing your phone service, Internet service, credit cards, bank, checking account, brokerage firm, home mortgage, termite contract, doctor, car insurance, utilities, club memberships, billing address, will, and marital status.

And it gets really hard if you have children.

Now that Mayor Willie Herenton has been reelected to another four-year term, consolidation is back in the news.

“We need to consolidate,” Herenton told a Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce audience last week. “We’ve been singing that song, and we’re going to open that hymnbook again.”

In 1993, two years after he was first elected, Herenton floated the idea of consolidation by surrender of the city charter. The New York Times even did a story about it. The mayor appointed a committee to look into it. The committee included some familiar names. The chairman was Mike Cody, a Memphis attorney, former candidate for mayor, and former Tennessee state attorney general. Members included Herman Morris, who ran against Herenton in the 2007 mayoral election, John Ryder, who managed the Morris campaign, Charles Carpenter, who managed Herenton’s campaign, state senator Steve Cohen, who is now a member of Congress, Shelby County attorney Brian Kuhn, and others.

Their conclusion, in short: no way.

“You can say I’m in favor of it,” Cody said in a telephone call from Boston this week. “We tried to find some ways.”

There were 14 pages of analysis, to be exact.

The Tennessee General Assembly would have to pass an enabling law. If the law was amended to apply to the Memphis city charter, 10 percent of the residents of the city could petition for a referendum. The committee noted, however, that the state constitution apparently only envisions dissolving cities with a city manager and commission form of government.

“No dissolution method is provided by the General Assembly for cities organized as is Memphis,” the committee concluded.

As for legal and practical problems that might arise from charter surrender, the committee suggested a few: Suburban cities such as Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown might use annexation to cherry-pick prime neighborhoods and pick up residents and/or retail. Or residents of a defined area in the suddenly unincorporated Memphis could hire a smart lawyer, incorporate, and invent a new city.

“Any contracts of the city of Memphis would survive a surrender of the charter and could be enforced,” the report said. Joint boards and commissions “would require some degree of restructuring.” Consolidation “would be further complicated for those authorities with holdings in their own names.” The city board of education would be abolished unless provisions were made to create a special taxing district. Both MATA and MLGW “would cease to exist.”

The committee fell back on the old, safe standby of “functional consolidation” of certain departments, which has been dusted off several times since then.

In 2002, Cohen requested an opinion on charter surrender from the state attorney general. The answer was no way once again.

“The General Assembly may not revoke the charter, the Memphis City Council is not authorized to surrender the city charter, and no statute authorizes the Memphis city charter to be revoked by a referendum election of the voters,” the opinion said.

Case closed? Not quite. Lawmakers can do almost anything if they put their minds to it, witness those lottery tickets on sale at your neighborhood convenience store. But the lottery had popular support, and other states had shown the way.

The city most often mentioned as a model for consolidation is Louisville, which has some similarities to Memphis: river city, big college-basketball town, long-serving mayor, air-cargo hub. The big difference is that Louisville was 65 percent white before consolidation and more than 80 percent white after consolidation, which took effect in 2003 after voter approval in 2000.

You don’t need 750 words to figure out that one.