Unanimous Vote Opens Door For Expanded School Choice And Faith-Based Education
A Tennessee school board has taken a historic step toward expanding educational freedom by unanimously approving the charter school application for Union Academy, a Christian college preparatory school that could become the nation’s first religious charter school.
The Jackson-Madison County School System Board voted last week to approve the school’s request to operate within Tennessee’s charter school program, signaling growing momentum for faith-based educational choice across the nation.
Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Mark Lippelmann says the decision represents a victory for families seeking more educational options.
“Tennessee parents and children are better off with more educational choices, not fewer,” Lippelmann said, praising the board for declining what he described as unconstitutional discrimination based on the school’s religious character.
Supporters say Union Academy’s approval could set a national precedent for religious institutions seeking to participate in publicly funded charter school programs, potentially opening new pathways for faith-based education while advancing school choice for families.
