If you have a child who attends an old Memphis City or Shelby County school, you may have questions about the new unified school district. This district, which will simply be called Shelby County Schools, is the result of the merger between the two previously existing school districts. Below are some of the most common questions about the merger and how it will affect students and parents.
Will my child go to the same school ?:
There are no changes in school zoning as a result of the merger. However, any school zone changes (including new schools or school closings) that were approved prior to the merger will still apply. The board plans to reevaluate these zones during the 2014-2015 school year.
Will my child be required to wear a uniform ?:
For the 2013-2014 school year, children attending schools that were previously part of the Memphis City School District will continue to wear uniforms. Former Shelby County Schools students will not be required to wear a uniform at this time.
Will my child’s school start at the same time as before ?:
Some schools will have a new start and finish, but all schools will either run from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. pm Time check out this listing on the SCS website to find out your school’s schedule.
Will my child be able to stay in your gifted program ?:
For the 2013-2014 school year, everything will remain the same as it has been. Schools that were previously Memphis City schools will continue to offer CLUE, while Shelby County schools will offer APEX. The requirements to enter these programs will also be the same.
Will the grading system change ?:
The unified school district will use the Shelby County Schools grading system as follows:
A = 93-100
B = 85-92
C = 75-84
D = 70-74
F = Below 70
Will the unified district have optional schools ?:
Yes, elective schools will continue to be available to students who meet each school’s acceptance criteria. Also, students are only accepted when space permits. During the first part of each calendar year, the school board accepts requests for optional school transfers. This process will continue as before.
Will schools continue to offer before and after school care ?:
Yes, schools that previously offered before or after school care will continue to do so.
Other questions:
As the unified school board continues to work out the details, more information will be released in the coming weeks and months. For up-to-date information, be sure to visit the Unified Schools website.
