Education
Creating a Greater Workforce Through Education
The Greater Memphis area has 18 public school districts, more than 100 private schools, and more than 250,000 students.
Our schools annually attract national recognition and honors for the innovative programs and academic excellence provided to students of all ages.
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62,000 students in Greater Memphis are enrolled in four-year and community colleges.
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Tennessee pays for dual enrollment beginning in 9th grade for technical colleges, and 11th grade for universities.
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The Tennessee Promise Lottery Scholarship provides for generous, last dollar college tuition for young adults and adults returning to school to complete a college degree.
Public Schools
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Optional Schools
The optional program gives parents choices in selecting a public education that can best fit their children’s talents and abilities.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are independent public schools of choice. They control their own budget, curriculum, and staffing.
Benton County
Crittenden County
Fayette County
Francis County
Marshall County
Shelby County
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Tipton County
Tate County
Home Schools
The Tennessee Home School Law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050) gives parents the option to educate their children at home using three methods: independent, church-related, or state-approved and accredited online programs. Learn more at the Memphis-area Home Education Association.
Private Schools
Colleges, Universities, & Vocational Schools
As the voice of the business community, the Greater Memphis Chamber works closely with employers to ensure that our region offers effective training programs and a strong educational system to prepare a strong pipeline of talent for the region. In Greater Memphis, 60,000+ students are enrolled in four-year and community colleges.
Explore the region’s colleges, universities, and vocational schools >
Greater Memphis is home to many highly regarded higher-education institutions, including:
LeMoyne-Owen College
A historically Black college/university (HBCU)
As workforce needs evolve, the Greater Memphis Chamber is committed to supporting new and existing businesses in the following ways:
Incumbent Worker Training
A grant to help fund training and retention of existing full-time employees by providing skills upgrades and process improvement.
Accelerated Skills
Quicker than two- and four-year programs, these programs support the individual and the employer’s need to move from the classroom to employment. Tuition assistance may be available.
On-the-Job Training
This grant supports employers who hire individuals in need of short-term training for specific skills required to be effective in their job. The grant will reimburse a percentage of the employee’s wages during the allotted training period.
Opportunity Youth
Discover the workforce of the future by connecting with youth aged 16-24. We can help you provide career exploration and skill development at no or minimal cost to your organization.
Work-Based Learning
Students can spend up to 40 hours per week at work while earning credit toward graduation. Learn how you can build your future workforce with the support of our local high schools’ work-based learning programs.
Apprenticeships
Need access to larger talent pools? Learn how employers can develop industry-driven, high-quality career pathways to prepare our future workforce, remain competitive, and meet economic demand.
Talent Pipeline Development
This training advances understanding of the critical role of talent management in cultivating a highly skilled, productive, and engaged workforce.
Student Interns
Interested in filling your talent pipeline? We can help you invite homegrown emerging leaders back to Memphis or to stay in Memphis upon graduation from college. Internships are an excellent opportunity to offer college students who are eager to gain hands-on skills and exposure to career opportunities.
High School & Post-Secondary Relationships
Forge relationships with local high schools with career-prep and technical-education programs, or colleges and universities.