Celebrating Memphis School of Excellence
Honoring Growth, Impact, and Partnership
At SchoolWorks, we are proud to partner with schools, networks, and districts that lead with purpose, perseverance, and a deep commitment to students. As our long-term partner, Memphis School of Excellence (MSE), celebrates its 15th anniversary as a growing and successful charter school network, we are honored to reflect on the journey and accomplishments that have defined its impact over the years.
Growth and Success
Since opening its first campus in 2010, Memphis School of Excellence has grown from a single school to a four-campus network, while remaining steadfast in its mission to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities for families across Memphis and beyond.
As MSE has grown, its accomplishments have reflected both scale and substance. The network has steadily increased enrollment, expanded grade-level offerings, and developed a coherent K–12 pathway designed to support students academically and socially. Across its schools, MSE emphasizes strong instructional practices, a culture of literacy, and consistent expectations for student achievement - foundational elements that have enabled sustained growth and long-term stability.
These efforts have yielded exceptional outcomes. MSE schools have maintained graduation rates between 97 and 100 percent, consistently exceeding both local district and state averages. The Class of 2025 achieved 100 percent college acceptance, submitting more than 300 college applications and earning over $3 million in scholarship awards.
Individually, MSE schools have also earned significant recognition for excellence:
Mendenhall Campus (Pre-K–8)
Tennessee Purple Star School Award (2024)
Verizon Innovative Learning School (2023–2024)
Winchester Campus (Grades 9–12)
U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools (2014–2025)
National Beta School of Distinction (2024–2025)
Tennessee Purple Star School Award (2024)
Cordova Elementary Campus (Grades K–5)
Tennessee Purple Star School Award (2024)
Tennessee State Reward School (2021–2022)
National Beta School of Merit (2023–2024)
Cordova Secondary Campus (Grades 6–12)
Tennessee Purple Star School Award (2024)
High School Changemaker – RISING STAR Recognition
U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Ranking (2025)
State School of Character (2025)
Continued Expansion
SchoolWorks has been honored to support Memphis School of Excellence through several key expansion milestones, partnering closely with network leadership to translate their vision into approved applications, strengthening the network’s offerings, student pathways, and sustainability efforts. Together, we have supported:
Memphis School of Excellence’s application for its Cordova Elementary Campus (K-5), which received approval in 2019 to open in 2020.
Memphis School of Excellence’s application for its Cordova Secondary Campus (6-12), which received approval in 2020 to open in 2021.
Building on more than 15 years of success in Memphis, MSE is now preparing to expand to Nashville in the 2027–2028 school year with the opening of Nashville School of Excellence. This new 6-12 campus will bring a STEM-focused, college-preparatory model to Southeast Nashville, serving an area of high need and providing families with an additional high-quality education option.
Looking Ahead
As Memphis School of Excellence marks this important anniversary milestone, we celebrate not only its organizational growth and approved expansions, but also the leadership, intentional planning, and commitment to continuous improvement that have guided its journey. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with MSE and look forward to supporting the network as it continues to build on this strong foundation.
Congratulations to the entire Memphis School of Excellence community on this anniversary—and thank you for allowing SchoolWorks to be part of your story.
Contact SchoolWorks
To learn more about SchoolWorks, feel free to reach out to us anytime at hello@schoolworks.org.