In the heart of Memphis, tucked inside the walls of Crosstown Concourse, a new kind of high school experience is unfolding. Crosstown High is a diverse-by-design public charter school where students don’t just sit in classrooms—they learn by doing.
From the moment students walk through the door each morning, they’re greeted by name, fist bumps, and music echoing through the halls. It’s all part of creating an atmosphere where, as Head of School Erin Johnson puts it, “students know we’re glad they’re here.”
🎥 Watch: Inside Crosstown High
At Crosstown High, relationships are the foundation of learning. Teachers work intentionally to connect with students and help them grow into confident, self-directed learners. Johnson and her team make sure every student feels seen and supported—because that’s where real learning begins.
“There are so many things here that just make sense,” Gregory says. “From the way students start their day to the autonomy they have to explore who they are, everything is designed to help them thrive beyond high school.”
That design is no accident. As a diverse-by-design school, Crosstown High brings together students from all across Memphis—creating opportunities for collaboration, understanding, and community that mirror the real world. Whether it’s cheering on a classmate at a theater performance or showing up for an art show, students learn to show up for one another.
“We want our students to leave prepared,” Johnson adds, “but also willing to give back—to go out into the world and make the spaces they enter better.”
Crosstown High’s vision reaches beyond the classroom walls. By connecting students with the broader Memphis community, the school helps young people see themselves as problem-solvers, creators, and changemakers ready to make a real impact.
GET INVOLVED
📍 Learn more about Crosstown High: https://crosstownhigh.org
🎓 Find Memphis education jobs, classroom resources, and local education events: https://teach901.com
