Building Bridges, Literally: The Forge School Back To The Whiteboard, Powered By The Nashville Incubator podcast

30:02

A strong education goes beyond textbooks and test scores—it's about equipping students with the skills they need for success in college, careers, and beyond. Intrepid College Prep , founded by Mia Howard, is redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. Serving grades 5-12 in southeast Nashville, this innovative network of public schools combines rigorous academics with a deep commitment to family engagement and financial literacy, setting it apart from traditional models. Now Managing Partner of Innovative Schools at New Schools Venture Fund, Mia shares her vision for transforming education. With a background in finance and law, she discusses how Intrepid College Prep empowers students with financial knowledge and college readiness, and how her work is shaping the future of education nationwide.…

Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator

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Reengaging Disconnected Youth: The Rock Academy 29:33

10 weeks ago29:33

29:33

Dr. Ahmed White, the founder and CEO of The Rock Academy , is opening the innovative public charter high school in Nashville in 2026 to serve disconnected and at-risk students. His mission is to re-engage these students, often chronically absent, in foster care, or involved in the justice system, and set them up for post-graduate success. The Rock Academy will provide a unique educational model focused on developing students' skills in four key areas: caring professions, creativity, technical fields, and trades. The school will have an emphasis on building strong mentor relationships, removing barriers through wraparound services, and empowering students to choose their own path forward. Dr. White's personal experiences and passion for serving marginalized students drive his vision for creating a transformative school model that can meet the diverse needs of this underserved population.…

Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator

1
Building Bridges, Literally: The Forge School 28:17

11 weeks ago28:17

28:17

Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator

1
A Pipeline for Diversity in Healthcare: Nurses Middle College Nashville 24:10

12 weeks ago24:10

24:10

Dr. Andrea Poynter, founder and Executive Director of Nurses Middle College Nashville , shares how she designed the first public nursing high school specifically to address work shortages and a lack of diversity in the healthcare industry. A first-of-its-kind public nursing high school opening Fall 2025, NursesMC Nashville aims to prepare students, particularly those from underrepresented and low-income communities, for careers in healthcare before they even graduate high school. Blending rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experience, dual enrollment credits and real-world workforce connections ensure students leave college career-ready.…

Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator

1
A Montessori Model for Student Success: Invictus Charter School 26:03

13 weeks ago26:03

26:03

Dr. Brenda Jones believes education is about more than just academics; it's about developing confident, capable students who are prepared for life beyond the classroom. That's the motivation behind the model she used when founding Invictus Charter School , Nashville's first public Montessori charter school opening Fall 2025. Dr. Jones shares how their unique approach to holistic education ensures students grow at their own pace not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Listen in to hear how Invictus is designed specifically to provide students with a personalized, hands-on education that fosters independence, creativity, and real-world readiness.…

Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator

1
An Ability over Age Learning Model: Encompass Community School 31:04

14 weeks ago31:04

31:04

Encompass Community School is a new mastery-based K-8 public school set to transform education in North Nashville when it opens Fall 2025. Founder and Executive Director, Meg Garry shares how Encompass uses a personalized learning model, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, the school employs flexible groupings, small-group instruction, and fluency-based skill practice to provide personalized education that meets every child's needs. Encompass also builds deep community partnerships to provide wraparound support services, including mental health resources, job training, and academic tutoring, not just for the students but also their families.…

Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator

1
Introducing Back to the Whiteboard, powered by The Nashville Incubator 2:55

17 weeks ago2:55