Campus School

The priority for being accepted is: 1st - children of full-time University of Memphis faculty and staff; 2nd - siblings of children currently enrolled at Campus, and 3rd - proximity of one's residence is to the U of M Campus. Typically the only openings at Campus School are for 1st grade, because students rarely leave once accepted. Occassionally there will be an opening for older kids, so it is worth applying. Must call the school in Nov. or Dec. to get date of January applications. January is the only time applications are accepted. Major differences of Campus: - alternative schedule - shorter summer (only 8 wks) but kids get 2 wk fall break and 2 wk spring break). - 1-wk of fun "camp" classes offered during breaks for $70-$150) such as chess, art, themes, sports, etc. - Teachers "loop" spending 2 years with same class - Children eat lunch in their classroom, not a cafeteria. Very civilized. - Weekly family gathering on Fri. a.m. for songs, skits, announcements - Very nurturing environment -
—Submitted by a parent

To the person who said that "the school is run by the government"-- No, it's not! Campus School is a laboratory school and its teachers are technically employees of the University of Memphis, which is why faculty and staff get first priority. (sigh) That said, if you have the opportunity to send your child to Campus School, you won't be sorry. You cannot find a better school, public or private, in Memphis.
—Submitted by a parent

I just wanted to comment on the person who said that Campus school gives priority to faculty and staff. I believe that no public school should give "priority" to anyone. Everyone who applies should be equal. The school is run by the government. The government is supposed to stand for equality.

I just wish more great kids could attend this great school. Just found out mine cannot, and I am so saddened that I have no where that I feel comfortable with to send my child to school. I thought with a husband that is a dedicated Memphis City Middle School teacher, we be able to benefit as well like the University employees, but sadly we are not a priority.
—Submitted by a parent

I just wanted to comment about a few things that I have read here that are misleading. First, Campus school is not a "private school for faculty members at taxpayers expense". It operates a laboratory school for the university and serves an important function for the education department at the University of Memphis by serving as training facility for education majors and a place to conduct educational research. It is considered a public school, but admits students by application only. Faculty and staff do receive priority, but many children from the community are enrolled as well. Also, because Campus School is a school of choice, and they have many applicants that are turned away every year, they do have an attendance policy for all students that is made clear to parents. Memphis city schools has a similar policy for all optional programs. Campus school has a wonderful reputation in Memphis!

This school is academically excellent and they know it. They deliberately weed kids out in the first grade to keep their star standing. My kid was booted out this year because she missed 7 days, was tardy 7 times, and had an early pick-up on a day when they called me to come get her because she had a fever. These infractions total 15 and she was automatically expelled for next year. We've exhausted the appeals process and lost. Every appeal outcome said the same thing- "we've reviewed the materials and find no new evidence" WITHOUT acknowledging the contradiction in their published student handbook. There is no such thing as an excused absence, regardless of what is says in the handbook. I no longer trust this school or feel its administrators care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had kids in this school for a total of 12 years running. Our youngest finishes this year. We have seen the teachers and admin have the joy and love of educating slowly drain away. This was a great school for DECADES. if we had it to do again we would probably have not started our youngest here. It is going the way of other city schools. All they care about is TCAP. Only bonus is that I never worry about safety...yet.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very excited to learn about this school when I was planning our move to Memphis. I called them to ask about it & found that first priority for placement goes to teachers and other employees of the U of Memphis. So essentially this is a private school for kids of university employees at taxpayer expense. I can't put in this comment without rating so I'm keeping the 5 star rating.

This is the 2nd year my daugther has attended Campus. The first year was rough because we had a teacher that was about to retire and didn't really care much about teaching. Several parents complained. I was beginning to think we had made a mistake in our choice. However, I was assured that this was not the norm for Campus and that the next year would be much better. The 2nd year has been phenomenal. We have an awesome, energetic, and ethusiatic teacher who is well organized, attentive, and responsive. I just can't say enough good things about her. The students are learning, they are engaged, and excited about coming to class. I would highly recommend this school! Sadly though, Campus, after this year, will no longer offer a 6th grade. I'd really hoped we wouldn't have to do the school search again so soon. We'll miss it!
—Submitted by a parent

Like so many other parents and children I love Campus School. I wish it went through 12th grade. My son and my daughterwould also love it. My daughter is now at WSMS she likes it ok but misses CS and the healthy attitude that she felt there. The warmth of the parents and the teachers is amazing children, preteens and teens know when they are valued. It makes learning so much more fun and inviting for everyone. Whatever you must do, do so that your child can expreience the U of M Campus School. It is the best Dr. Kash, Dr. Raines, step in line and let it grow into a much needed middle and high school.
—Submitted by Ginni, a parent

I wish for our children that all schools could be ran as Campus School. It works and more than that it's after effects are still working on my son.He wishes as I do that he could have went to the 12 there. GOD BLESS OUR KIDS !!!
—Submitted by a parent

If you can get your chikd into Campus School do it. There is no better school in the mid- south than the U of M Campus School. I just wish the U of M would work with us to get it pk-12. Go Campus School!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters second year at Campus School, we love it! There is a very good feeling know that the teachers, director and all the support teachers put 110% into my childs education. She is in 2nd grade now and I hope the school keeps the 6th grade class going. I to moved to the University area, just to get my daughter in. And I am so glad I did.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended this school since 1st grade. He is now in 3rd grade and we anticipate he will continue thru 6th grade. The schools association with The University of Memphis provides additional resources and enhancements that are rarely available at other schools. In addition, the administrative staff and faculty are among the best in the area, public or private. Dr. Copeland, the Director is very 'hands on' as are all of the administrators. Our son is in resource for language arts and the additional support he recieves is beyond what we could have ever imagined for a public school. When speaking with other parents with children in private schools in the area the support and resources we have at Campus School are well beyond what they have seen in their schools. As a 'school of choice' in the MCS system we were thrilled to be accepted into the program.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with our choice to move our son from a private school to Campus. The teachers are wonderful and the student population is diverse. The school focuses on teaching values to the kids in their Friday Family Gathering. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent

i rate campus school a perfect five stars.i love this school so much that i will still send my daughter here even if they charge tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of three children, Two are already in Campus School the third will attend year after next. We moved into this area hoping we might get into Campus School. It was a risk, but we are glad we took it, we absolutely love Campus School and would gladly raise money to take Campus School from a 1-6th grade to 7-12th grade. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do that? The teachers are the best. The staff and administration go above and beyond their call of duty. This school is fabulous there is no other school that is as good or even compares to The U of M Campus School. Thank you Dr. Copeland, Ms Scott, for such fabulous leadership and parent support, also Ms. Donnenwerth for keeping the business of the school running so smoothly. We are truly blessed to be at The U of M Campus School.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Campus School and cannot say enough good things about the school. The environment has a private school feel. All the teachers know every student's name, and student behavior is outstanding. The teachers are always available and go above and beyond for every student. Parent involvement is extremely high, and this year the Campus School Parent Network was able to purchase a transverse climbing wall for the playroom. Campus School works hard at teaching social-emotional skills as well as traditional academics and provides many opportunities for extracurricular involvement. The school is an outstanding example of what a public school can be.
—Submitted by Claudia Lakey, a teacher

Campus School is truly a remarkable school! My son is in the third grade and I can not tell you how he has grown in these few years. You have the best teachers and parents at Campus School. They have so much to offer and my son is now taking his second semester of Chinese! He is also in the chess club. He looks forward to going to school every single day. I feel extremely blessed to have him at this wonderful school in Memphis!! We only wish that there could be a Campus Middle and Campus High School. Maybe one day they will!! Angela Allen
—Submitted by Angela Allen, a parent

This is our first year at Campus School. We transferred out child from a catholic school in the area and we could not be happier with the decision. The teachers here are fabulous! They genuinely care about each of the students and they provide a fun learning environment that the children thrive in, we used to fight with our child to go to school and since we have come to Campus school, she is always ready and happily goes to school. They care more about the students that how much money it brought in like the private schools. I cannot imagine having to leave Campus school at the end of 6th grade, maybe by then they will consider having a middle school added!? I would recommend Campus School to Everyone!
—Submitted by a parent