Welcome to the Green Dot Blog!

National Charter Schools Week: Bright Spots and Joy

May 13, 2020

This week, we’re taking the time to reflect on the resiliency of our schools and their ability to support educators, families and students overcome all obstacles.

A Thank You to Our Teachers

May 7, 2020

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week during this time of uncertainty, we recognize our educators for their hard work and devotion to serving all students.

Supporting Our Communities During COVID-19

Apr 16, 2020

Today, the role of public education is more important than ever. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, Green Dot remains committed in our mission to serve the most vulnerable communities and ensure all students are prepared for college, leadership, and life.

How the Grindhouse Boxing Program is Helping Fairley Students Succeed

Mar 31, 2020

For Jada Pipkin, a sophomore at Fairley High School, the Grindhouse Program is the highlight of her day. “I learned that I got a lot of self confidence, and it taught me to be strong about myself,” said Pipkin.

Latest Update on COVID-19

Mar 19, 2020

Throughout the world, we are facing unprecedented challenges arising from COVID-19. The decision to temporarily close schools is always difficult. The health and safety of our communities is of the utmost importance to us, to that end, this month we made the difficult decision to close our schools across our network.

Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Mar 12, 2020

Green Dot takes the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families very seriously. We are in constant communication with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH), Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), Public Health – Seattle and King County, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Guided by a Belief in the Potential of All Students

Oct 24, 2019

Over 15 years ago, a desire to see all children succeed inspired Lajuan Sylvester to leave her role as an operations manager in the private sector and pursue a career in public education.

Join Us in Celebrating National Principals’ Month

Oct 1, 2019

At Green Dot, our school leaders drive the direction of our schools and embody our mission to serve our communities. They have a true passion for education and are committed to the pursuit of college, leadership, and life for all students.

Hillcrest Senior ‘Gives Her Best Shot,’ and Lands a Basketball Scholarship

Jul 1, 2019

Chancey Jackson, a Hillcrest High School alumna, is heading to Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Mississippi in the fall on a basketball scholarship. Reflecting on her senior year, Jackson is proud of the strong season she and her teammates had. The Lady Vikings were 14-0 this season, and were the top ranking team in the district.

Making College Real: Why All Green Dot Schools Tour College Campuses

Jun 4, 2019

At Green Dot, college tours are a critical component of our students’ path to higher education. Most importantly, exposing students to college campuses feeds a vision for their future, and allows them to imagine themselves walking the campus as a student one day.

Happy Campers: Bluff City Students Experience the Great Outdoors

May 27, 2019

Last year, a group of 40 founding freshmen from Bluff City High School spent one night at Camp Chia La Key in Huntsville, Alabama. Participants were offered a spot on the trip based on behavior and attendance. The trip began with a tour of Alabama A&M University, where students had lunch on campus and learned more about the university, and ended at the YMCA campground.

Why this Parent Loves Wooddale Middle School

May 27, 2019

Antoine Stone is a proud Green Dot parent who considers Wooddale Middle School a second home. “It feels so family oriented and that’s what I love. It’s not just teachers that come to teach kids, but it’s mothers and fathers that come to teach their kids, who they call their kids away from home,” said Stone.

Hillcrest Sweeps at Annual ACT-SO Competition

May 22, 2019

This summer, two students from Hillcrest High School will be heading to the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) National Competition in Detroit. The competition was first organized over 30 years ago by NAACP branches across the U.S. to encourage African American high school students to aspire for excellence in 26 academic areas of competition.

Chad Soleo Appointed National CEO of Green Dot Public Schools

May 16, 2019

After a rigorous and extensive hiring process, Green Dot’s National Board has announced its appointment of Chad Soleo as the next National Chief Executive for Green Dot Public Schools.

Local Police Officer Coaches Winning Hillcrest Knowledge Bowl Team

May 7, 2019

This February, a team of students from Hillcrest High School won first place at the annual Memphis Police Department Crime Prevention Unit’s City Wide Black History Month Knowledge Bowl.

Grindhouse Boxing Provides Socioemotional Lessons for Students at Fairley

Apr 11, 2019

“I joined the program to help me get control of myself and my anger,” reflected Javeries Suggs, a freshman at Fairley. “It has helped me become a nicer and calmer person. It has also helped me keep myself on track and stay more focused.”

Signing Days Celebrate Football Players at Hillcrest and Fairley

Apr 2, 2019

Memphis’ Fairley High School and Hillcrest High School hosted their annual Signing Days, celebrating nine football senior football players who signed letters of intent to attend universities across the country.

How This Student Grew Over Three Years in Math in Just One Year

Mar 19, 2019

When Lorenzo Mays, now a sophomore at Bluff City High School, entered the school as a freshman, his iReady testing results demonstrated second to fifth grade proficiency in multiple math subjects.

How Cougar Cash is Helping Transform Students Like Jeremiah

Feb 19, 2019

When Jeremiah Mason joined Kirby Middle School in sixth grade, he admits he was getting in a fair amount of trouble. “I didn’t know anyone, and I argued about work and I was fighting,” reflected Mason, currently in eighth grade. “But now, it’s just calm.”

Why This Parent Chose Fairley

Jan 29, 2019

“The summer before my daughter’s freshman year, we didn’t have a high school picked out,” said this Fairley parent. Learn why she and her daughter eventually chose Fairley!