When Mississippi’s charter school legislation opened the door to new educational opportunities, longtime educator Amanda Johnson saw a way to transform student outcomes in the Delta.
“When I looked at the quality of public schools in the Delta, I definitely saw room for high-quality education institutions to support children,” Johnson said.
Drawing on two decades of experience, she founded Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School in 2018, with 150 students in kindergarten through second grade. Since then, the school has expanded annually, creating a rigorous, college-bound culture that encourages students to pursue higher education, technical careers, military service, or skilled trades. Recognizing the need for a permanent home, Clarksdale Collegiate partnered with HOPE to refinance debt for its growing K-6 campus, which includes newly constructed classroom buildings and a renovated church facility. Johnson described the partnership as seamless, noting that HOPE’s deep understanding of the Delta meant the value of investing in the community never had to be explained. Today, Clarksdale Collegiate serves students from kindergarten through 10th grade while planning a permanent campus for grades 7-12. Clarksdale Collegiate students consistently outperform peers at neighboring schools and the campus expansion has brought new construction and jobs to Clarksdale, demonstrating how investment in education strengthens both students and the communities they call home.