Hamilton County Denies Charter School Application

School board cites concerns over financial viability and academic program quality.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired grid of stylized textbooks in bright, overlapping shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the educational focus and rigorous review process for new charter schools.The Hamilton County school board's denial of a new charter school application reflects the careful scrutiny such proposals face to ensure educational quality and financial viability.Memphis Today

The Hamilton County school board has denied the application for a new all-boys charter school called the Empowerment Academy, which had planned to focus on STEM and agriculture education. The board cited concerns over the school's financial viability and its ability to deliver a high-quality educational program.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the challenges charter schools can face in gaining approval, even as they aim to provide alternative educational options. It also reflects the school board's role in carefully evaluating charter applications to ensure they can sustainably serve students.

The details

The Empowerment Academy had hoped to open in fall 2027, serving 50 elementary students at a church in Chattanooga. The review team found the school's application lacked clarity on key areas like academics, operations, and finances. They also expressed doubts about the group's capacity to effectively oversee this new school while launching two others.

  • The Empowerment Academy submitted its charter application to Hamilton County Schools earlier this year.
  • The school board voted unanimously on April 18, 2026 to deny the charter application.

The players

Empowerment Academy

The organization that applied to open a new all-boys charter school focused on STEM and agriculture education in Hamilton County.

Hamilton County School Board

The local school board that voted to deny the Empowerment Academy's charter application, citing concerns over the school's financial viability and ability to deliver a high-quality program.

Fannie Moore

The charter school coordinator for Hamilton County Schools, who presented the review team's findings to the school board.

Natisha Brooks

The board president of the Empowerment Academy, who previously told the local newspaper about the group's summer camp to prepare for running a school.

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What they’re saying

“Overall, the review team found that Empowerment Academy — East Tennessee did not present a clear and comprehensive school model and were deficient in their plans for academics, operations, finance and required addenda. The review team does not have confidence that Empowerment Academy — East Tennessee will open successfully and be able to establish and sustain a strong learning environment for students.”

— Fannie Moore, Charter School Coordinator, Hamilton County Schools

What’s next

The Empowerment Academy can submit an amended application within 30 calendar days. The school board then has 60 days to vote on the revised proposal. If denied again, the charter school can seek approval from the Tennessee Public Charter Commission.

The takeaway

This decision underscores the rigorous standards charter schools must meet to gain approval, as school boards carefully evaluate their ability to provide a high-quality education and financial sustainability. While the Empowerment Academy was denied, the process allows them to revise and resubmit their application, demonstrating the ongoing dialogue between charter operators and local education authorities.