The Mempis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE), Tennessee's first charter school, was founded in 2003 with the goal of being the best math and science college preparatory school in the state. MASE opened its doors to 148 seventh graders in 2003. Currently, there are 725 students enrolled in the 6th through 12th grades. MASE accepts students regardless of test scores or grades, who attend schools that are failing to make adequate yearly progress as determined by the State's accountability standards or who are in "at-risk" situations as defined by the Tennessee Charter School Act of 2002. MASE gives these students the tools and opportunities they will need to be a member of the 21st century workforce.