Ford NGL hosts 16th Academies of Nashville Study Visit

This past week, the Nashville Ford NGL Hub hosted the 16th Academies of Nashville Study Visit since 2011.

By: Samantha Perez, Director of Education Policy

They invited educators, administrators, funding agencies and business partners from around the world to learn about the strategies, structures and tactics that have transformed the city’s high schools. The two-day visit included 370 guests from neighboring cities like Lexington, KY, as well as international visitors from the United Kingdom curious about how to adapt the academy model to suit their local needs.  

Those on the executive track took a visit to McGavock High School. There guests were welcomed by Principal Robbin Wall and Academy Coach Jacob Glancy and learned about the successes and challenges that have come with implementing a wall-to-wall academy model. 

Later, student ambassadors led comprehensive tours of the four Academies. In one tour, visitors explored the Aegis Sciences Corporation Academy of Life Science & Law and walked through the learning facilities for 3 pathways – Therapeutic Services, Law Enforcement Services and Veterinary Science. Guests were even able to visit the 5 alpacas who call McGavock home.

Study participants also heard from a variety of stakeholders about their roles in creating, building and sustaining the Academies. The Chamber’s Chief Policy Officer, Marc Hill, led a lunchtime panel with leaders from the CEO Champions, Industry Partnership Councils and Academy Advisory Boards.  Samantha Perez, Director of Education Policy, sat alongside longtime Academies business partners on a panel that provided insight into engaging business partners in this model.   

With this 16th study visit under its belt, the Nashville hub has welcomed 3,800 visitors from 39 states and 4 communities in the United Kingdom. Founding partners of the Academies of Nashville include Metro Nashville Public Schools, Alignment Nashville, PENCIL, Ford Next Generation Learning and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.