History of the Academy
2013-2014
In 2013-2014, a small team of educators led by founder Gregg Garner jumped right in and started implementing an incredibly complex vision with GOD Elementary’s first 23 students, a school principal, lead teacher, and lead administrator to ensure compliance with the state department of education and ACSI membership. The Mission Statement: Holistically educating children to become responsible, kind and ethical neighbors; competent persons, globally conscious and historically relevant. Headmaster Gregg Garner trained the staff casting the vision for the paradigm shifting educational model the school hoped to develop in the coming years.
2014-2015
In 2014-2015, the school doubled enrollment and added a 6th grade and tutorial program for homeschool students in Nashville. Faculty and staff continue developing the implementation of that complex philosophy through language arts, creative arts, and STEM programs. Field trips, extracurricular activities, school events, and parent involvement promoted the school’s community values.
2015-2016
In 2015-2016, we officially changed our name to “The Academy for GOD” and expanded by introducing a junior high and high school, along with a vice principal for jr high and high levels. Our school nutritionist came on board to commence our farm to school meal program allowing all students to eat a nutritious, balanced lunch on campus each day. Furthermore, In spring 2016, we opened a new building with more classrooms, a STEM room, book holdings, and office space!
2016-2017
In 2016-2017, with more teachers and staff, school administration was expanded, the high school program continued to change and develop in distinctiveness, elementary levels grew, and the concept of lead teacher and course lead was solidified for all levels.
2017-2018
In 2017-2018, enrollment doubled again as the Academy increased in popularity in the greater Nashville area. Phoenix athletics began with our first school soccer team achieving 4th place in the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference. An innovative scheduling process was put into play by Headmaster Garner with an increased emphasis on the holistic nature of the Academy which includes the 5 categories for holistic education: spiritual, emotional, social, academic and ethical. We had our first Academy Graduate, class of 2018!
2018-2019
In 2018-2019, at the commencement of year 6, an interim principal steps in with the accompanying administration moving into higher levels of responsibility and capacity; Vice Principal Meg Mathews, Vice Principal Robert Munoz, Lead Administrator Alison Sherrod, and Deputy Headmaster Corey Foster. Headmaster Garner continued to lead the staff in the overarching vision for curriculum and instruction.
The end of year 6 proved that the philosophy and approach of the Academy is an exemplary paradigm for elementary students as our Focus level (traditional 6th grade) students perform at, and mostly above, the level of students of other schools via holistic consideration of their capacity. In addition, three more students graduate from the Academy, and we have our first CLEP test-taker pass their exam!
2019-2020
In 2019-2020, Mr. Alex Castro joins the administration team as the Academy’s K-12 Principal bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience into the private school setting, specifically in student counseling and social-emotional learning. During the onset of the covid pandemic, Academy teachers shifted to an online learning platform for all students while school campuses closed for the 4th quarter. Faculty and staff are encouraged to hold fast to the philosophy, values and approach of the Academy, and to trust that God is with us and that our students are getting the best experience possible.
2020-2021
In 2020-2021, students returned to campus with new procedures and precautions in place due to the covid-19 pandemic. Faculty and staff maintained flexibility and positivity despite the challenges of teaching during a pandemic. The Academy’s scholarship program flourishes with the support of generous donors from families and community partners to ensure that affordable private, Christ-centered education is made accessible to those seeking just that for their children.
2021-2022
In 2021-2022, as enrollment grew to 250 students, we launched an online program with Vice Principal of Home Education, Rebekah Hjalmeby. This program includes umbrella students, flex classes, and remote learners. Students began remote learning into the classroom alongside campus students. This included students from the Phillipines and Uganda. Phoenix Athletics expands to cross-country, volleyball, basketball and soccer as one of the top performing schools in the TSIAA conference. After the passing of our beloved vice principal, Mr. Muñoz, Mr. Derek Bargatze steps into the administrative role of elementary vice principal.
2022-2023
In 2022-2023, the Academy’s senior class became our largest graduating class, including our first international graduate in Uganda. Parent involvement, volunteerism, and school events promote a culture of community, friendship, and positivity at the Academy. Students reflect the school’s mission in not only their academic achievements but also in ministry and service to the neighborhood, greater Nashville area, and international regions.
2023-2024
The Academy has 267 students enrolled across campus, hybrid, umbrella and remote learning programs. With 40 staff members, we serve Preschool through 12th grade students. We offer extra-curriculars in four different sports, various clubs, and service/mission opportunities through the school year and summer months. Monthly school events and fundraisers promote parent involvement and community investment. The Academy administration is still led by Headmaster Garner, Principal Alex Castro, Lead Administrator Alison Sherrod, Elementary Vice Principal Derek Bargatze, Jr. High and High Vice Principal Meg Mathews, Home Education Vice Principal Rebekah Hjelmeby and Deputy Headmaster Corey Foster.