Reengaging Disconnected Youth: The Rock Academy

Traditional schools often struggle to serve students who face chronic absenteeism, foster care instability, or involvement in the justice system. These students don’t need a one-size-fits-all approach, they need a school designed specifically for them.

That’s where The Rock Academy comes in. Opening in Fall 2026, The Rock will be Nashville’s first opportunity public charter high school built to reengage students who are often left or fall behind. Founded by veteran educator Dr. Ahmed White, The Rock will be a student-centered, barrier-breaking school that employs three main design elements: belonging, flexibility and relevance.

“I think a lot of the kids that I'm focused on, they live out the lives that've been chosen for them. Your mom grew up here, your dad grew up here, you're going to grow up here and you're going to raise your children here. And I think that that's just wrong,” Dr. White explains. “I live in Tennessee and I'm from upstate New York. I had the ability to make that decision on where I want to be in life because of the skills I was given both in school and at home. And so why can't we provide that for other children?”

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A Deeply Personal Mission

Dr. White’s mission for The Rock Academy was born out of two decades working in schools, juvenile courts, and community organizations, where he saw a troubling pattern. 

“No matter whether you're in a traditional city school, public school, a rural county school or a suburban school, there's the same pocket of kids,” Dr. White explains. “They look different. They may say things differently, but it's the same core things that they need and they're still not being met.” 

“If we can get kids in school, there's less likelihood of them getting into trouble outside of school,” he says. “And so our current target would be the students that right now are sitting chronically absent.”

For Dr. White, this issue is personal. As the father of four sons adopted from foster care, Dr. White says he witnessed firsthand the gaps in traditional educational systems. “All four of my sons came from foster care. And when I look at what my sons needed, they needed something different. They needed something unique to meet them where they were.”

Dr. White aims to build a place that offers not just education but also the tools and support necessary for success. “We’re going back to some very basic principles,” he says, “and making sure that students have a sense of belonging from day one.”

The Rock believes students must see themselves as strong, capable and inherently valuable members of their community, and when students don’t feel like they belong in school, short and long-term health and success metrics suffer.

A School Designed for the Students Who Need It Most

Unlike traditional high schools, The Rock Academy removes barriers to learning by providing comprehensive wraparound services, personalized career pathways, and a supportive mentorship model.

Multiple Career Pathways—Students Choose Their Own Future: At The Rock, students aren’t forced into a single career track. The goal is to provide a unique and tailored educational experience focusing on four key areas: caring professions, creativity, technical training, and trades.

• Caring Professions – Careers in healthcare, social work, and public service.

• Creative Fields – Careers in culinary arts, music, digital media, and design.

• Technical Fields – Training in coding, programming, and IT.

• Trade & Skilled Labor – Opportunities in welding, construction, and skilled trades.

Too often, alternative schools push students into one narrow path—usually trades. Dr. White believes that students should have the freedom to explore and decide what excites them.  Instead, students will cycle through all four pathways, then choose their specialization, ensuring they graduate with skills and certifications that align with their true interests. 

“They're going to explore all those pathways, and then they're going to get a chance to go through it again and decide, okay, what really sits with me?”

Mentorship: A Dedicated Support System for Every Student: Every student at The Rock Academy will have a dedicated mentor who follows them throughout their time at the school.

“That mentor in our school is going to know that child inside and out,” Dr. White explains. “They're going to know why you're not in school, how you show up at school and all those different things.”

It’s more than just guidance counseling—it’s a real relationship. By pairing students with trusted, long-term mentors, The Rock Academy creates a culture of accountability and belonging, reducing dropout rates and increasing student engagement.

Removing Barriers: Wraparound Services That Support the Whole Student: Education can’t happen if students are struggling with basic needs. That’s why The Rock Academy prioritizes removing barriers to learning through:

• Food Security – A fully stocked food pantry to support students and families in food deserts.

• Housing Assistance – Partnerships to help students facing homelessness or unstable housing.

• Laundry & Clothing Support – Ensuring students have clean clothes and basic essentials.

• GED & ESL Services for Families – Helping not just students, but their parents and guardians.

A School Schedule That Works for Students, Not Against Them: Unlike traditional high schools, The Rock Academy will not start at 7 AM, a policy Dr. White says disproportionately affects students struggling with stability, transportation, and mental health challenges.

“Teenagers don’t learn well at 7 AM. Our schedule is built around when students can actually be present and engaged,” Dr. White shares. 

This flexibility ensures that students who need extra support — whether due to family responsibilities, part-time jobs, or transportation barriers — can still succeed.

Why Parents Should Choose The Rock Academy

If your child has struggled in traditional school settings, The Rock Academy offers a new kind of high school experience, one that prioritizes student success beyond the classroom.

• A School That Understands & Supports Unique Student Needs: The Rock Academy is built for students who need something different, offering flexible schedules, personalized learning, and barrier-free education.

• Career Training That Leads to Real-World Opportunities: Students graduate with certifications and work experience in high-demand fields, setting them up for immediate employment or further education.

• Mentorship & Life Skills Development: Every student receives one-on-one mentorship, ensuring they stay on track and develop the skills needed for lifelong success.

• A Community Committed to Student Success: With partnerships across local businesses, nonprofits, and higher education institutions, The Rock Academy provides hands-on experience and networking opportunities that students won’t find in a traditional school.

How to Get Involved:

You can learn more about the Rock Academy online at TheRockAcademyNashville.org or follow them on social media @TheRockAcademyNashville. Dr. White also invites you to email him directly at awhite@therockacademynashville.org.

If you’re looking for a school that truly understands and supports students facing challenges, The Rock Academy is the place where they can thrive.