In public education, parents have so many choices for their children! One of the most exciting choices is the Optional Schools Program offered by the Memphis City Schools. Optional Schools are located at different elementary, middle, and senior high school sites throughout the city, and parents can choose programs that suit the special talents and abilities of their children, provided the children meet specific admission requirements of the chosen program.

Some optional programs offer more challenging courses – or additional courses of study – than are offered in the traditional curriculum. Some programs use different teaching methods in unique learning environments, while others focus on developing students’ talents in particular areas. What all Optional Schools have in common, however, is that they give parents the educational options that their children deserve.

At the elementary school level, optional programs focus on different approaches to education, including enriched academics, creative and performing arts, technology, Montessori, individually guided education, science and literacy. These programs enrich, supplement and broaden the standard school curriculum.

Optional programs at the middle and high school levels are designed to prepare students for college and careers. Current programs at these levels include college preparatory, international studies, aviation/travel and tourism, creative and performing arts, pre-engineering, technology and careers, arts and academics, military science, business and finance, health sciences and engineering.

For city residents, optional schools are tuition-free, while non-city residents are required to pay tuition. Student tuition for the 2007-08 school year is $600 for out-of-city residents, $2,600 for Tennessee applicants who live outside Shelby County, and $5,300 for out-of-state residents. Student tuition for 2008-09 will be determined prior to the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.

Although optional transfer applications from city residents are processed before non-city applications, all applications must be processed through the Memphis City Schools Division of Optional Schools. Once all processing procedures are completed, parents of city applicants are usually notified by mail regarding the status of their child’s application within six to eight weeks of the initial application date.

Individual brochures are available for each optional program. If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact the Division of Optional Schools at (901) 416-5338, or call the individual schools at the telephone numbers listed in this booklet. School visits are encouraged and can be arranged by contacting the school. Most optional schools in Memphis City Schools exist as schools-withinschools, so the optional program is offered in addition to traditional classes

Optional School programs may be subject to change due to potential district-wide grade reconfigurations. Any changes made will be communicated prior to the start of the 2008-09 school year by the Division of Optional Schools.

2008-09 Optional Schools Book - pdf