{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Star Academy College Preparatory School","outOfStateSupporters":22.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6360803,"projectId":9293066,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share that our project, \"Mindful Moves, Empowered Minds: SEL & Yoga for Student Well-Being,\" has been fully funded and implemented in our classroom! Your support has brought meaningful change to our daily routines, learning environment, and student mindset.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we now begin each day with mindful movement and intentional breathing. My training and mindfulness resources have helps students center themselves, manage stress, and build emotional regulation skills before diving into academics. These tools have not only improved classroom behavior and focus but have given students an outlet to reset when they feel overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments came when a student who usually struggles to stay engaged whispered, \"This is my calm place.\" Watching students embrace mindfulness, stretch confidently on their mats, and encourage each other to try new poses has been nothing short of beautiful. Their self-awareness and empathy are growing daily, and this is directly tied to the resources you helped bring into our space.\r\n\r\nI'm excited to continue using these skills and strategies to deepen our social-emotional learning practices. Your support has made all of this possible, and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1755737629900,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-moves-empowered-minds-sel-yo/9293066/","projectTitle":"Mindful Moves, Empowered Minds: SEL & Yoga for Student Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6360803_orig.jpg?crop=574,574,x259,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740453603379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/renitasparks"},{"teacherId":10003212,"projectId":9263547,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support in helping us bring social-emotional learning resources to our students. Pre-K through 8th grade are such formative years, and with your help, we've been able to build a consistent SEL framework that supports every child's emotional growth. The lesson books, activity books, and picture books have been a wonderful addition to our classrooms, giving students the tools to identify emotions, practice empathy, and strengthen their decision-making skills.\r\n\r\nIt has been a joy to watch our students engage with these materials and grow both socially and emotionally. Their excitement for reading, learning, and connecting with one another has been inspiring, and we've already seen a noticeable decrease in behavioral referrals. Most importantly, our students feel seen, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to school each day. Thank you for planting the seeds for a kinder, more connected school environment—your impact will continue to shine through our students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1750256114622,"projectUrl":"project/little-stars-big-feelings-growing-sel/9263547/","projectTitle":"Little Stars, Big Feelings: Growing SEL Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Overton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10003212_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745427915779","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sel-matters"},{"teacherId":6360803,"projectId":9168664,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is more efficient, engaged, and joyful! Although the original Surface Laptop was no longer available, the replacement HP laptop, flash drive, and printer have been a perfect fit for our needs.\r\n\r\nOur students now use the HP laptop to manage our classroom banking system, take attendance, and lead other student-run tasks that build responsibility and leadership. Transitions are smoother, small group work runs more efficiently, and the classroom feels more student-led and tech-supported than ever before.\r\n\r\nOne student even said they were \"so glad we don't have to hear those sticky keys anymore!\" and that small comment spoke volumes. With the new printer, students are able to print out reflection sheets and leadership badges, and the flash drive makes transferring class projects and files quick and easy.\r\n\r\nWe're truly doing what we said we would do, and you helped make that possible. Thank you for believing in our students and giving us the tools to grow, lead, and thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1746787013877,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-tech-a-surface/9168664/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with Tech: A Surface for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6360803_orig.jpg?crop=574,574,x259,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740453603379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/renitasparks"},{"teacherId":6360803,"projectId":9238049,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, each of my students now has a personal copy of The Power in Words, a beautifully written and illustrated book that teaches them how their words can build up, encourage, and inspire others (and themselves). As soon as the books arrived, my students lit up with excitement. They couldn't believe they each got to keep their own copy. That moment alone reminded me of how meaningful your gift truly is.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is more than a subject- it's a way to connect, reflect, and grow. We used daily affirmations during our morning meetings and writing blocks to explore how affirmations and positive self-talk can impact our behavior and mindset. Students practiced writing their own \"I am\" statements, created posters of kind messages, and even led short affirmations for the class. One student, who's usually very quiet, wrote, \"I am brave enough to try,\" and chose to read it aloud in front of her peers. The pride on her face said it all.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just put a book in each child's hand, it gave them language for self-love and tools for kindness that they'll carry well beyond this school year. Thank you for believing in our classroom, our voices, and the power of words. You've made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1746650130129,"projectUrl":"project/power-in-words-a-book-for-every-student/9238049/","projectTitle":"Power in Words: A Book for Every Student to Keep","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6360803_orig.jpg?crop=574,574,x259,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740453603379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/renitasparks"},{"teacherId":6360803,"projectId":9171423,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is thriving with the addition of our new HP Envy laptop! From the moment I unboxed the device, my students lit up with excitement, especially when they realized this tool would directly support their small group learning and classroom collaboration.\r\n\r\nBefore this, we relied on a computer with sticky keys and frequent delays, which often disrupted our flow. One student even said, \"I'm so glad we don't have to hear your sticky keys anymore, Ms. Parks!\" Now, transitions between lessons are smoother, group work is more efficient, and I'm able to guide students with ease during small group instruction without being tied to the Smart Board.\r\n\r\nMy students have taken pride in the new setup, so much so that they wrote heartfelt letters to Mrs. Engrid, thanking her for the gift. They're learning how technology supports real-time research, interactive learning games, and collaborative projects. It's not just a laptop, it's a launchpad for curiosity, teamwork, and creativity.\r\n\r\nIt's a joy to witness students taking ownership of their learning with confidence and pride.\r\n\r\nI'm beyond grateful. We are doing exactly what we said we would do, and your support made it all possible. Thank you for believing in us.","fullyFundedDate":1745846921860,"projectUrl":"project/tech-enhanced-learning-boosting-small-g/9171423/","projectTitle":"Tech-Enhanced Learning: Boosting Small Group Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6360803_orig.jpg?crop=574,574,x259,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740453603379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/renitasparks"},{"teacherId":6360803,"projectId":9129066,"letterContent":"🌟 Thank You for Changing Our Classroom! 🧘🏽♀️✨\r\n\r\nYour generous support has transformed more than just our physical classroom—you've changed the energy of our learning space.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students now begin their day grounded, focused, and emotionally ready to learn. The yoga mats, books, and mindfulness tools have become a daily part of our classroom culture. What started as a project has become a powerful practice.\r\n\r\n🌈 Here's the impact in my students' words:\r\n\r\n\"I've learned how to breathe in the good and let go of the bad.\"\r\n\"Yoga helps me calm down after a busy school day.\"\r\n\"Now I feel safe and positive in class.\"\r\n\"Thank you—you helped our class, our community, and our humanity.\"\r\n\r\nTheir reflections show it all: they feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of their emotions. They're stretching not only their bodies, but also their minds and hearts.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, students who once struggled to sit still are now practicing deep breathing. Kids who felt anxious now ask for yoga time to reset. You've given them a lifelong tool for wellness and self-regulation—and for that, we are deeply thankful.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\nMs. Parks & the Spark Read Write Think Dream Scholars","fullyFundedDate":1741099924885,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-moments-yoga-and-reading-for-fo/9129066/","projectTitle":"Mindful Moments: Yoga and Reading for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6360803_orig.jpg?crop=574,574,x259,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740453603379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/renitasparks"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75017","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":285,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":53,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":93,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.9,"schoolId":75017,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Star Academy College Preparatory School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Star Academy College Preparatory School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/memphis-shelby-county-schools/star-academy/75017"}
Join the 1,129 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Star Academy College Preparatory School is
an urban public school
in Memphis, Tennessee that is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
It serves 285 students
in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.8:1.
Its teachers have had 62 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
Star Academy College Preparatory School Demographics
53%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
96%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Star Academy College Preparatory School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Star Academy College Preparatory School
$42,348
raised using DonorsChoose
62
projects
funded
20
teachers
funded
1,129
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
4
projects for
books
Star Academy College Preparatory School has received support from
879 individuals from Tennessee and
250 individuals out-of-state.