Academy for G.O.D. Ranks in 5 ‘Best of Nashville’ Categories

Since 1988, The Nashville Scene, a free "alternative newsweekly," gathers votes for the "Best of Nashville" contest. Prized certificates can be seen in frames in restaurant lobbies, food trucks, dentist offices, and beauty salons throughout the city. Nashville citizens vote for their favorite businesses in over 250 categories with detailed contest rules and zipped-lip results until the "Best of Nashville Day" in October each year. 

In the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Contest 2021, we are proud to announce that The Academy for G.O.D. placed in five categories: 

1. Best Elementary School - 3rd Place

2. Best Middle School - 2nd Place

3. Best High School - 3rd Place

4. Best Private School - 2nd Place

5. Best Teacher: Robert Muñoz - 2nd Place

Established in 2013 with 22 students, The Academy for G.O.D. offers innovative education for students K-12. Birthed out of the ministry of Global Outreach Developments International, The Academy for G.O.D.'s mission is to “holistically educate children to become responsible, kind, ethical neighbors; competent persons, globally conscious and historically relevant." Today, The Academy is home to 250 students across its campus program in Old Hickory, its hybrid program for homeschool students, and its online program reaching remote learners across the globe. 

Courses are biblically-based with an emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning. Teachers are challenged to recognize and cultivate the Multiple Intelligences each child may be most gifted in (linguistic, mathematic, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, interpersonal, and spatial). The Academy has a growing athletic department with a committed fan base (Go Phoenix!) and diverse after-school clubs (chess, yoga, geocaching, etc.). They provide annual STEM fairs and contests, Grandparents Day, Talent Shows, and Student Performance showcases. It is also a nationally recognized farm-to-school program incorporating fresh produce and meats from local sources, featuring produce from G.O.D. International’s Hopewell Farms. Most importantly, the Academy is surrounded by supportive parents who regularly pray for Academy students, teachers, and staff. 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an existing goal to make Academy education available to more students via an online platform. Today, students from Uganda and the Philippines attend live courses via Zoom, bringing a global experience into the classroom. As for the kind and ethical portion, students have Bible courses every day and regularly participate in service opportunities benefitting their Nashville neighbors. (You may find Academy students sharing music with a retirement community, an Academy high schooler teaching a painting class to individuals with special needs, or junior high or high school students serious about learning Spanish for their cross-cultural mission experiences.)

The Academy for G.O.D. is a Category IV non-public school registered with the state of Tennessee and a member of the Association for Christian Schools International (ASCI). Academy teachers and staff have been featured speakers and facilitators for ASCI conferences in South East Asia. 

As for our honored teacher, the late Robert Muñoz, he was simply the best. Robert played a major role in getting the Academy off the ground alongside his best friend, Academy Headmaster Gregg Garner. Over the years, Rob, who had his Master in Public Health, taught Science and Biology to all age groups. He also regularly spoke at weekly chapels, led worship, and gave 200+ kids a positive start to their day through his famous morning announcements. Rob’s latest and most honored position was the Elementary Vice-Principal, which he held from 2018 to 2021. Rob passed away in July of 2021, leaving behind his wife and five amazing kids who all attend The Academy for G.O.D. Rob, who loved to celebrate and be celebrated, would have felt so honored to have received this award. We believe he's cheering as loud as he always did for his Academy family today. 

Thank you, our beloved Academy family and Nashville voters, for cheering on the Academy for G.O.D.! We are happy to continue raising the next generation to be kind, ethical neighbors who consider all people God's family worthy of love and respect. Join in the cheer Mr. Muñoz so often led us in: Phoenix - Rise Up!