Campus School

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