LEAD Public Schools

Today, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission unanimously approved a new 10-year charter agreement for LEAD Neely’s Bend.

“Today marks a monumental achievement for our school and the Madison community we serve,” said Dr. Ricki Gibbs, head of schools at LEAD Public Schools. “Being renewed for another 10 years is not just a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our staff, students, and families, but an affirmation that the vision we’ve built together is making a real difference.”

LEAD Neely’s Bend was founded in 2015 when the state-run Achievement School District (ASD) selected LEAD Public Schools to operate Neely’s Bend, a zone-enrolled school in Madison, after it fell in the bottom five percent of all Tennessee schools for academic performance.

Neely’s Bend’s academic performance improved under LEAD’s operation, and the school exited priority status and the ASD in 2022. In 2023, the TPCSC approved LEAD Neely’s Bend to join its portfolio of schools.

Since becoming authorized under the TPCSC, LEAD Neely’s Bend has continued to see academic improvements. For the 2023-24 school year, LEAD Neely’s Bend earned Level 5 in TVAAS growth, made significant gains in every subject area in proficiency, and earned a B on the state’s report card.

LEAD Neely’s Bend is currently outperforming Madison Middle in all subjects, making LEAD Neely’s Bend the best option for middle school families in the Madison community.

“This renewal represents not just the continuation of our work to improve academic outcomes, but also the deepening of our commitment to providing every child with the opportunity to succeed,” said Dominique Smith, principal at LEAD Neely’s Bend. “We are excited to continue partnering with the Neely’s Bend community to create a space where students matter and can achieve at high levels.”

LEAD Neely’s Bend is currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. You can learn more about enrolling at leadpublicschools.org/enroll.