Jubilee Schools/Catholic Memphis Urban Schools Trust (CMUST): A Prospectus

Background

Over the last decade more than 200 Catholic schools have opened in almost every part of the country - most in the suburbs. But many urban schools in poor neighborhoods were closed, including several in Memphis. This meant a superior life-shaping education was made inaccessible to those who needed it most. In 2000, Bishop Terry Steib envisioned reopening these schools and naming them in honor of the Jubilee year.

"We wanted to reopen these schools because we knew that in the past they had educated the leaders of the city - the editors of our newspapers, the inventors, the innovators, the doctors, the movers and shakers."

--- Dr. Mary C. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools

Objective

Catholic Memphis Urban Schools Trust was established by the Diocese of Memphis for the sole purpose of raising and managing money for Catholic schools in the inner city and impoverished areas of the greater Memphis community. These schools shall not discriminate based upon race or religion. Tuition assistance will be provided to students by Catholic Memphis Urban Schools Trust. CMUST will also cover any operational deficits so that the Jubilee Schools will not burden the parishes to which they are attached.

Poorest Areas Served

The Jubilee Schools serve Memphis' poorest zip codes. The typical Jubilee School family of three has an average income of just over $14,000. By comparison, the Shelby County average per capita income in $34,583; the federal poverty standard is $12,120.

Richest Education Available

Jubilee Schools offer the same curriculum and teacher pay scale as other Catholic schools. They also adhere to the same standards set by the Catholic Department of Education. Under-performing students are given intensive remediation and no student is socially promoted. Of Catholic school students in Memphis, 99.9% graduate, and 95% go on to college. Memphis Catholic school students earned more than $12 million in scholarships in 2002.

Extremely Accessible Tuition

Though Jubilee Schools tuition is the same as at other Catholic schools (more than $3,000 per year), very few families pay full tuition, thanks to the assistance of CMUST. A sliding scale means some families pay as little as $100 a year - spread across 10 monthly installments. Typically 95% or more of each Jubilee School's students receive tuition assistance, and over half qualify for 80% or greater tuition assistance.

Expanded Influence

The Jubilee Schools not only educate the children, but also clothe them, wash their uniforms, and provide some of their only meal of the day. Operating on the belief that it's critical to teach not just the child but the entire family, Jubilee Schools insist on parental participation, and offer assistance with adult literacy, job training, health care, and housing.

Outstanding Results

Students in Jubilee Schools consistently test better than their neighborhood peers in public schools. While 26 public schools are classified by the state as "failing," Jubilee School students are testing above, at, or close to their grade level. Students who came in unable to read were able to read at their grade level at the end of one year. Students who had no sense of relationship made a giant leap in emotional intelligence in one year.

Economic Impact

Economists since the 18th century have understood that an educated workforce is one of the five important factors in determining the prosperity of a country. In the past, the Jubilee Schools educated the current leaders of Memphis - the newspaper editors, inventors, innovators, doctors, movers and shakers. Reclaiming this promise will once again turn the brooding grounds of lost neighborhoods into breeding grounds for future productive members of a society. The Jubilee Schools are creating taxpayers at no cost to taxpayers. The impact on Jubilee School children and their families will be multiplied as they influence others in their lifetime.

Establishing A Model

The Jubilee Schools are creating a formula that can work anywhere - a long-needed methodology for snatching an economic engine from the jaws of poverty. The continuing success of the Jubilee Schools model will inspire duplication in other cities, expanding the influence exponentially.

Impassioned Leaders

Bishop J. Terry Stieb, S.V.D., Bishop of Memphis.
Dr. Mary C. McDonald, Superintendent of Schools

Powerful Support

The Jubilee Schools Foundation was established with $15 million provided by a group of anonymous donors. Additional financial support has been provided by the Assisi Foundation, and donations of furniture, equipment, supplies, clothing, and more has been provided by a multitude of corporations and individuals located throughout the country.

An Investment Promising a Direct and Immediate Impact

The Jubilee Schools need additional funding. The Jubilee Schools program ends at the 8th grade, just before the most trying period in a child's life. Your investment will help a high-quality education follow a child all the way through his or her high school graduation - guiding and encouraging them, preparing them for higher education and a productive role in society. Seed money is not needed; a firm foundation has been established and current daily operations are provided for. Therefore, your investment will have an immediate and direct impact on extending the benefits of the Jubilee Schools.

To Make An Investment of Time, Talent or Treasure
For More Information

Please contact:

The Catholic Diocese of Memphis
5825 Shelby Oaks Drive
Memphis, TN 38134-7389
(901) 373-1209

Admission and financial aid for all Catholic schools, including Jubilee schools, are handled directly by each individual school.  Please contact the school for further information.

Articles

Memphis Schools Hold Themselves Accountable to the Entire Community. Dr. Mary C. McDonald. Momentum: The Official Journal of the National Catholic Education Association. November/December 2004. Pp. 12-14. (PDF)
Article page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4

Miracle In Memphis, Dr. Mary C. McDonald.