In the heart of Nashville, Templeton Academy is redefining education by centering students as active partners in their own learning. With a mission that prioritizes agency, ownership, and authentic engagement, Templeton implements the importance of their three pillars: Core Advisory, Project-Based Learning, and Fieldwork by using the city as a classroom.
“At Templeton, we center student agency and ownership,” says Erica Steakley, Head of School. “We thrive where our three pillars meet: learning by doing, exploring identity and community through our Core Advisory program, and discovering the city through fieldwork. The purpose of this approach is to help students define their ‘why’ by making them partners in their education. By visiting businesses, government offices, cultural destinations, nonprofits, and entertainment venues, our students learn what it takes to keep a city running.”
This hands-on model sets Templeton apart from traditional schools. While many schools incorporate the occasional project, Templeton fully integrates project-based learning across all subjects. “Many schools have project units, but we use the project construct in everything we do,” Steakley explains. “We prioritize depth of learning, giving students time to fully explore a moment in history, a math problem, a chemical reaction, a rhetorical challenge, or an art project. As a microschool, we tailor learning to each student’s interests.”
Templeton Academy encourages students, grades 5-12, to connect ideas across disciplines and apply their learning in thoughtful, creative ways. “Our model fosters curiosity and relevance,” Steakley says. “We don’t just want students to memorize, we want them to make sense of their world and see their place in it.”
Steakley’s path to education began nearly two decades ago. “As a classroom teacher, I loved making connections with students,” she reflects. “In 2005, I had a daughter and began searching for schools that matched her energy and curiosity. That journey led me to small, experiential schools with a mission to educate the whole person- academically, emotionally, socially, and civically. I’ve been fortunate to carry that mission into my current role as Head of School.”
What keeps her inspired? “The students,” she says. “I’m surprised by them every day; an insightful comment, a spontaneous act of kindness, a fantastic project, or even a well-timed dad joke. Visitors and fieldwork hosts regularly mention how engaged and thoughtful our students are. I’m also inspired by our teachers. They bring a rare mix of academic expertise, emotional intelligence, and deep commitment to our students’ growth.”
Evan Curran, who leads marketing and admissions at Templeton Academy, was also drawn to the school’s unique approach. “During the interview process, I was inspired by the focus on personalized learning and applying education to real-world problems,” he says. “My high school experience was very cookie-cutter, and it was easy to get lost in the size and pressure to conform. At Templeton, students bring their whole selves to school. They have the freedom to demonstrate mastery in ways that reflect their passions.”
Instead of focusing on standardized testing, Templeton encourages students to show their learning through exhibitions, creative projects, and real-world application. “It’s not just about tests,” says Steakley. “It’s about learning how to think, express, and engage meaningfully.”
Being located in Nashville enhances this creative, real-world approach. “Nashville is full of artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators,” Steakley says. “Our students often incorporate the city’s music and arts culture into their work. The city is both a classroom and a source of inspiration.”
So, who thrives at Templeton? “Kind, curious, and resilient students,” Steakley says. “Those who are energized by being part of a compassionate, intentional community. A Templeton student is comfortable asking big questions, taking ownership of their learning, and actively exploring what brings them joy, and how they can use that to contribute to the world.”
At Templeton Academy, academic success and personal growth go hand-in-hand. “They’re deeply connected,” says Steakley. “True achievement comes from connecting personally to the work. Our Core Advisory program helps students explore their motivations and build the tools to connect with learning across subjects. Fieldwork introduces them to different perspectives, careers, and civic engagement. The more they know themselves and how to interact with others, the more they thrive.”
For families exploring alternative education in Nashville, Steakley encourages involving the student in the process. “It’s a good sign when the interviewer engages with your child as much as they do with you,” she says. “Schools are for students, so it makes sense for them to be active in the decision. If your child can see themselves there, if the staff makes you feel welcome, and you feel safe asking questions- you’re on the right path.”
Ultimately, Templeton Academy wants students to leave with more than just knowledge. “We want them to leave with purpose,” Steakley says. “My hope is that every family who visits Templeton feels seen and heard, and leaves inspired. Our most successful students are the ones who are excited to be here, curious about how the world works, and eager to leave it better than they found it.”
Discover more about Templeton Academy and arrange a visit to explore their engaging, hands-on learning environment at templetonacademy.org/nashville and follow them on socials at @templetonacademynashville.
“[our students] are comfortable asking big questions, taking ownership of their learning, and actively exploring what brings them joy, and how they can use that to contribute to the world.”