Frequently Asked Questions

The Tennessee Career Academy (TCA) is a free, publicly-funded charter approved by the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education. TCA is set to open in the 2024-25 school year, serving students in grades 6 and 9. Every year after, we will add a grade, making our school a full 6-12 campus in four years. The school will focus on a foundational core curriculum and Career and Technical Education (CTE) to bridge the skills gap and align with workforce demands. TCA aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship and promote equity and inclusion, thereby creating a brighter future for students and the local economy.

TCA will focus on foundational core curriculum and CTE. It will offer four pathways for students: Business & Communications, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing, Health & Human Services, and Skilled Trades. Initial CTE program offerings will be in cybersecurity, web design, industrial maintenance technology, mechatronics, early childhood teaching, nursing services, residential and commercial construction, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.

TCA will incorporate input from local employers, industry leaders, and economic development experts to inform instruction for students. This alignment ensures that students are prepared for high-demand careers, many of which offer higher wages than seen previously.

One of the key advantages of CTE is the emphasis on hands-on learning. TCA will offer students real-world practical experiences through internships, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local businesses. These opportunities will allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, fostering a deep understanding of their chosen career paths.

By providing equal access to high-quality career and technical education, TCA aims to break down barriers that hinder students from accessing high-wage career opportunities. The academy will serve as an important vehicle for promoting equity and inclusion, not only in education but also in the local workforce.

Investing in CTE is an investment in the future of Memphis and Shelby County. TCA will equip students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experiences they need to thrive in the workforce, highlighting opportunities for students they might not have otherwise had.

TCA is set to open in the 2025-26 school year serving students in grades 6 and 7. Every year after, we will add a grade as we grow to our plan of providing grades 6-12.

The TCA Way will prepare students to be world-ready, with skills that will help students be successful in college, career, the military, or starting their own business.

For more information about the Tennessee Career Academy, you can email John Barker, the Executive Director of Tennessee Career Academy, at john_barker@tncareeracademy.org.

TCA welcomes support from individuals and organizations interested in joining the journey toward creating a brighter future for Memphis and Shelby County. You can express your interest by contacting John Barker, the Executive Director of Tennessee Career Academy.

After graduation, students of TCA will be prepared for careers in various industries such as cybersecurity, web design, industrial maintenance technology, mechatronics, early childhood teaching, nursing services, residential and commercial construction, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems. Some examples of specific careers or jobs include teacher assistant, nurse, HVAC technician, and plumber. In addition, our school will also offer pathways that can lead to college degrees.

Upon graduation, TCA will provide continuous guidance and support for students transitioning into the workforce. This includes assistance with job placement, career counseling services, and ongoing access to networking events and job fairs.

TCA believes in the power of technology to enhance and facilitate learning. Therefore, it will integrate industry-relevant technology across all pathways. This includes using state-of-the-art software and hardware tools for cybersecurity and web design studies, and using advanced equipment in the engineering and skilled trades programs.

TCA's curriculum is developed in collaboration with local employers and industry leaders. This partnership ensures that the skills being taught align with current industry standards and workforce demands. Also, the curriculum is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in industry trends and technologies.