Nashville leaders, community members, and supporters came together at the Martha O’Bryan Center on Saturday to celebrate the approval of The Rock Academy, a new public charter school set to open next fall.¶
Founder Dr. Ahmed White told attendees at the event that the school’s name was chosen for a specific reason.¶
“A rock is strong. A rock is steady. A rock is dependable,” said Dr. White. “Thank you for helping us build something dependable.”¶
Tennessee’s First Opportunity Charter School ¶
The Rock Academy will be the state’s first opportunity public charter school, designed for at-risk students who have either dropped out of school, faced criminal charges, have been retained more than twice, or are a year behind academically.¶
Charter schools are free public schools operated by a non-profit organization under a “charter” with the school district or state.¶
Leaders of the new school plan to provide high school students with a mentor and four distinct career and technical education (CTE) pathways, specifically targeting those from high schools with the highest percentage and/or total counts of students with chronic absenteeism.¶
A Second Chance for Second Chances¶
The Metro Nashville Board of Education denied The Rock Academy’s application last June, arguing district-run programs already offer similar opportunities to disengaged youth. School leaders received a second chance to open after successfully appealing that denial to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission in August.¶
White says second chances are also a big part of the school itself, and its mission for students.¶
“This school is not just another option, it’s a lifeline for students who are too often overlooked or left behind,” said White. “Our mission is to re-engage disconnected youth, provide them with a sense of belonging, and prepare them for bright futures.”¶
Calls for 2026 Enrollment ¶
The Rock Academy will open with an initial class of up to 88 ninth graders and add an additional class each of the next three school years. At the celebration, school leaders encouraged parents to fill out a contact form if they were interested in enrolling their rising ninth graders.¶
