Madison, TN

Welcome to
Smithson Craighead Academy

What We Offer

Smithson Craighead Academy is a public charter school offering scholars in grades K-5 a free, rigorous education rooted in strong literacy instruction and high expectations.

Academics

LITERACY FOCUS

We build scholars who read, think, and achieve.

Our K-2 classrooms create a strong foundation for future learning. Kindergarteners are grouped with peers of similar skills, allowing teachers to close gaps and build on pre-K gains. By the end of second grade, our goal is for every scholar to read independently.

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Community

MIDDLE SCHOOL READINESS

We help scholars become responsible and independent.

We measure middle school readiness not just by grades, but on a scholar’s mastery of the skills, knowledge, and habits they need at the next level of their education and beyond. Our scholars develop a work ethic and discernment to open doors throughout their lives.

Our Story
Teachers

TEACHER EXCELLENCE

We are redefining what it means to invest in teachers.

Our teachers are provided with a base salary well above the market average. They can also earn financial rewards by improving their practice through our Teacher Report Card program – because when teachers get better, scholars do too.

Meet Our Team

Reflect. Read. Rise.

Smithson Craighead Academy is a program of Project Reflect, the nonprofit founded by the late Sister Sandra Smithson. Sister Sandra and her biological sister, Mary Craighead, co-founded the school—hence its name.Our scholars and their families have access to Project Reflect’s full circle of support, including affordable pre-K at Itty Bitty City, free afterschool tutoring, a food pantry, a diaper closet, and more.

Our Founding Story