At The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain, a private school just outside Jonesboro, Arkansas, a boy was reportedly hit by the school’s founder, Mary “Tracy” Morrison, and attacked by classmates during a group session led by Morrison. This incident led to a complaint and Morrison’s subsequent arrest.

Founded in 2024 shortly after Arkansas legislators approved the Education Freedom Account program allowing public funds for private school tuition, the Delta Institute has continued to operate and receive state funding despite Morrison serving a jail term.

Arkansas has seen a surge in private school openings since 2023, following the passage of the LEARNS Act, which created a voucher-style program. However, private schools in the state receive minimal oversight by design. Before the LEARNS Act passed, state schools secretary Jacob Oliva assured that there would be accountability for participating schools.

Concerns about the Delta Institute’s practices were raised by parents, including one named Little, who reported multiple red flags to the Education Department but received no response. The school’s founder confirmed that the department did not follow up on a complaint she described as a billing discrepancy.

Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, a social justice nonprofit, emphasized that schools receiving public money should meet public standards and be accountable for how funds are spent.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state education officials did not respond to specific questions regarding oversight of private schools or the state’s response to the Delta Institute revelations.

The Delta Institute first came to wider attention in winter 2025 when a student ran away and the school sought assistance in locating him.

Sources