MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Sunday, educational officials in the Memphis area hosted a showcase for some schools in the area that offer an alternative to the traditional institutions.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) offers 45 optional schools, many of which were showcased at their "Optional Schools Fair." The event took place at the Holiday Inn at University of Memphis.
An optional school is one where students can attend regardless of what district they live in. They all specialize in different aspects of "STEM" learning — that's science, technology, engineering and math. Many optional schools also focus on arts music and dramatic arts.
Organizers of the school fair encouraged parents to really get to know what their child is passionate about — then to encourage them toward that passion.
"We realize that children are more than test scores, and that there are lots of different ways for kids to learn and be involved in their own education," Rebecca Taylor, optional school teacher and parent said. "A great way to do that is through music, arts and getting your hands dirty and experimenting, so we incorporate a lot of different hands on activities."
Taylor said she has seen her own child blossom in part thanks to the freedom that she said optional schools provide.