If you have a child who goes to a former Memphis City or Shelby County school, then you may have questions about the new unified school district. This district, which will simply go by the name Shelby County Schools, is the result of the merger between the two previously existing school districts. Below are some of the most common questions regarding the merger and how it will affect students and parents.

Will my child go to the same school?:

There is no change in school zoning as a result of the merger. However, any school zone changes (including new schools or school closings) that were approved before 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 who attend schools that were previously part of the Memphis City Schools district will continue to wear uniforms. Students at former Shelby County Schools will not have to wear a uniform at this time.

Will my child’s school start at the same time as before?:

Some schools will have new starting and ending times but all schools will either run from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., or 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Check out this listing on the SCS website to find out your school’s hours.

Will my child be able to remain in his gifted program?:

For the 2013-2014 school year, everything will remain the same as it has been.

Schools that were formerly Memphis City schools will continue to offer CLUE while Shelby County schools will offer APEX. Requirements for entry into these programs will also remain the same.

Will the grading system change?:

The unified school district will use the Shelby County Schools’ system of grading as follows:
A = 93-100
B = 85-92
C = 75-84
D = 70-74
F = Below 70 You can view the detailed K-5 grading policy here and the 6-12 grading policy here.

Will the unified district have optional schools?:

Yes, optional schools will still be available for students who meet the individual school’s criteria for acceptance. Additionally, students are only accepted as space allows. During the early part of each calendar year, the school board accepts applications for optional school transfers. This process will continue as before.

Will schools still offer before and after school care?:

Yes, schools that previously offered before school or after school care will continue to do so.

Other Questions:

As the unified school board continues to iron out details, more information will be released in the coming weeks and months. For up-to-the- minute information, be sure to check out the unified schools website.