Arkansas Private School Abuse: Issues and Oversight

In Arkansas, a troubling incident at a private school led to the arrest of the school’s founder, Mary “Tracy” Morrison. This occurred after she incited classmates to attack a 13-year-old boy during a session she led. Despite her conviction, the school, The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain, continues to receive state funding. This situation highlights the minimal oversight of private schools in Arkansas, a state where these institutions can flourish with limited regulation.

Minimal Oversight in Arkansas’ Private Schools

Private schools in Arkansas operate with little oversight. After the introduction of the Education Freedom Account program, which allows public funds for private tuition, the number of these schools surged. There were about 100 private schools in 2023, growing to approximately 220 by mid-2025, not including microschools.

Arkansas law only mandates that private schools conduct fire drills, keep immunization records, and display the national flag. There is no requirement for a curriculum review or vetting of school operators’ qualifications. This lax regulation enabled Morrison, who holds a doctorate primarily in occupational therapy, to open The Delta Institute without being a licensed educator.

Morrison’s School: From Promise to Controversy

The Delta Institute, founded by Morrison, was marketed as a solution for students with disabilities like autism. However, a criminal investigation revealed abusive practices. At Morrison’s direction, students attacked a classmate in what was dubbed a “group discussion,” leading to her arrest and conviction.

Despite the charges, the school was only temporarily suspended from receiving public funds. Following alleged safeguarding improvements, state funding resumed. This indicates substantial gaps in accountability for the use of Education Freedom Account funds.

Escalating Complaints and Insufficient State Response

“There is going to be accountability for the schools that participate.” – Jacob Oliva, State Schools Secretary

While the Arkansas Education Department can conduct financial audits and impose certain financial oversight, it does not monitor school quality comprehensively. Reports of educational neglect and insufficient state responses to complaints add to the concern.

Complaints against other schools suggest ongoing issues. Parents have voiced concerns about inadequate educational standards and unsupervised children. Yet, the state has taken limited action, raising questions about the effectiveness of its oversight mechanisms.

Challenges in Ensuring Accountability

State Senator Bryan King criticized the LEARNS Act for lacking sufficient accountability measures. While he supports school choice, he proposed legislation to closely tie funding to standardized testing outcomes. However, this proposal did not advance.

Efforts to align private schools with public standards have failed, hindering the enforcement of consistent quality and safety measures. Attempts to introduce amendments requiring accountability for private schools receiving public funds did not gain the necessary support.

Future of Private School Oversight

Despite the abuses at The Delta Institute, no laws prevent Morrison from owning or opening other private schools that could benefit from public money. The school recently changed its name to North Star Academy and continues to operate under new leadership.

The case underscores the need for effective regulatory frameworks to protect students and ensure responsible spending of taxpayer funds. Without thorough oversight, schools may operate unchecked, risking the welfare of vulnerable students.

Arkansas must evaluate its approach to monitoring schools that accept Education Freedom Accounts to ensure that they meet public safety and educational standards. Improved mechanisms for oversight could prevent further incidents and safeguard the future of education within the state.