Public Charter School
Smithson Craighead Academy
Public Charter School · Grades K–5 · Madison, Nashville, TN · TN grade C
About Smithson Craighead Academy
Smithson Craighead Academy is a public charter school in Madison, serving grades K–5 in Davidson County.
It is a tuition-free public charter school with no attendance zone: any Davidson County family may apply, and seats are filled by lottery when applications exceed capacity.
Tennessee gave it a letter grade of C for 2024-25. 26% of students met or exceeded state expectations on TCAP across all tested subjects, below the 31% average across the 144 public schools in this guide with reported scores. Its TVAAS academic-growth rating is Level 5 (well above average).
It enrolled 319 students in 2023-24 and is a Title I school.
For families weighing logistics: MNPS busing is available, and uniforms are required.
Smithson Craighead Academy is one of 17 schools this guide lists in Madison and one of 10 public charter elementary schools in Davidson County.
Overview
School typePublic Charter School
GradesK–5
NeighborhoodMadison
CountyDavidson
CostFree public school
Academic Performance
Letter grade issued by the Tennessee Dept. of Education (2024-25)CSource: Tennessee Dept. of Education, 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Overall proficiency, all tested subjects (2024-25)26% (reading, math, science and social studies combined)Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education, 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Reading and math, met or exceeded (2024-25)Grades 3–5: Reading 30% · Math 18%
The state reports scores in grade bands, counting only the tested grades this school serves.
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education, 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Chronically absent students (2024-25)21% (missed 10% or more of school days)Source: Tennessee Dept. of Education, Chronic Absenteeism file, 2024-25
verify ↗ Academic growth (TVAAS)Level 5 · Well above averageSource: Tennessee Dept. of Education, TVAAS growth, from the 2024-25 A–F Letter Grade File (released Dec 18, 2025)
verify ↗ Enrollment319 (2023-24)Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES CCD, 2023-24
verify ↗ Data last checked: September 4, 2026
Tuition & Vouchers
TuitionFree — public
Transportation & Admissions
MNPS busingYes
Walk-in enrollmentNo
Application requiredYes
UniformsYes
Contact & Details
Address730 Neely's Bend Rd, Madison, TN 37115
Questions families ask
Do I need to apply to Smithson Craighead Academy?
Yes. Smithson Craighead Academy is a tuition-free public charter school with no attendance zone. Any Davidson County family may apply, and seats are filled by lottery when applications exceed capacity.
How much does Smithson Craighead Academy cost?
Nothing. Smithson Craighead Academy is a free public school.
What grade did Tennessee give Smithson Craighead Academy?
The Tennessee Department of Education gave Smithson Craighead Academy a letter grade of C for 2024-25. Its TVAAS academic-growth rating is Level 5 (well above average).
How do students at Smithson Craighead Academy do in reading and math?
Share of students who met or exceeded state expectations in 2024-25 (Tennessee Department of Education): grades 3–5: 30% in reading and 18% in math.
Is there a school bus to Smithson Craighead Academy?
Yes. MNPS busing is available for Smithson Craighead Academy.
Always confirm zoning and open seats. Attendance zones, magnet/charter lotteries, and enrollment deadlines change. Verify current details directly with the school or MNPS.
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