Innovation with Burt and St. Bethlehem

Burt Elementary (3-5) and St. Bethlehem (PK-2) are two separate schools that have served the same zone that stretches approximately 6 miles east/west and 5.7 miles north/south for over two decades. Burt and St. Bethlehem are around 5 miles from each other, with a commute of approximately 15-20 minutes during peak times. Over the past several years, the expansive zone and split school configuration have presented several logistical challenges, especially for families who choose for their children to be car riders. Recently, additional challenges have arisen for Burt with parent/guardian and visitor parking and bus drop off/pick up due to expansion and changes at Austin Peay State University.

For over two decades, CMCSS leadership has discussed innovation for the Burt/St. Bethlehem zone. With the addition of CMCSS’ 25th elementary school in 2024 and 26th elementary school in 2026 and the comprehensive elementary rezoning, leadership strongly believes now is a critical time to improve educational services for families in the existing Burt/St. B zone and across the district.

Plans for Burt

Burt has a rich history in Clarksville-Montgomery County, opening in 1952 as a segregated high school for African-American students. In 1970, it was changed to an integrated 7th-grade school, and later became an elementary school in 1980. The namesake of the school is Dr. Robert Tecumseh Burt, a historic figure in our community who was born the son of freed slaves. Dr. Burt graduated from Meharry Medical College with honors and opened Clarksville’s first hospital in 1906. Dr. Burt is remembered as a skilled surgeon who was ahead of his time and a public leader.

To continue honoring Dr. Burt’s legacy and the history of the school, CMCSS plans to transition the school to a center for innovative high school models, including being the new home of Middle College at APSU, while retaining the Burt name.

Plans for St. Bethlehem

CMCSS has continued to expand its Pre-K offerings across the district to provide more students with the early learning needed to prepare them for their future. Currently, there are 50 Pre-K classrooms across the district, with some buildings having as many as 4 Pre-K classrooms. Nationally, several school districts establish Pre-K or Early Learning Centers to streamline resources and support. St. Bethlehem provides a prime, central location and an optimal facility for CMCSS to develop its first-ever Early Learning Center.

The plan is to develop a hub-and-spoke model, with the majority of Pre-K programs moving to the St. Bethlehem Early Learning Center while still providing Pre-K programs at a few select satellite locations to serve students who are not within a feasible distance from St. Bethlehem. This new model will allow CMCSS to refine and streamline services, resources, support, and training for VPK and DPK classes. Additionally, moving Pre-K classes out of the majority of schools will shift capacity at those buildings to allow the District to reevaluate zone lines to maximize the district’s rezoning goals and improve services for families.