MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Springs Empower Academy, a K-5 tuition-free public charter school focused on individualized learning, announced a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Rutherford County Smyrna Club to operate its school out of the facility opening in the fall of 2024.

The Smyrna Boys & Girls Club operates an afterschool program in its facility during the traditional school year. During regular school hours, the facility is unoccupied, providing a perfect opportunity for Springs Empower Academy to use the facility while construction at its site on Enon Springs Road continues. In October 2023, the Town of Smyrna Planning and Zoning Commission approved the building and site design for Spring Empower Academy’s new facility on Enon Springs Road.

“Our long-term goal remains to build and open our school on Enon Springs Road,” said Springs Empower Academy executive director Jared McLeod. “However, due to construction and financing delays, it was apparent to our team we needed to find an alternative location to begin serving students in the fall of 2024. We see this partnership with the Smyrna Boys & Girls Club as a win-win solution. We will begin serving students and families in the fall of 2024, which has been our primary goal, while also partnering with an outstanding community leader in the Boys & Girls Club.”

Springs Empower Academy will have 10 classrooms serving approximately 250 students in grades K-5 at the Smyrna Boys & Girls Club location. With a combination of existing classrooms plus temporary walls to divide larger spaces, the layout will provide flexible learning environments with hands-on, interest-driven, project-based learning for all students.

“The Springs Empower Academy team is ecstatic over the opportunity to provide such a wonderful school environment at the Smyrna Boys & Girls Club,” said Springs Empower Academy principal Shane Wickwire. “Not only will the interior provide the classroom space we need to serve our students in a personalized atmosphere, but it will also provide the playgrounds and extra-curricular space for healthy minds and bodies.”

In addition to serving as the school site for Springs Empower Academy, the Smyrna Boys & Girls Club will also serve as the afterschool program for students and families that need that additional care option. “We heard from many parents during our parent interest meetings that afterschool care is a real need,” McLeod said. “We are happy this partnership provides a solution.”

“We are excited about this partnership,” said Boys & Girls Club of Rutherford County chief executive officer Sheryl Chestnutt. “Not only is it a great use of our space, students may become Club members, and it helps us fulfill our mission. Like Springs Empower Academy, we invest in young people and strive to have a lasting impact in their lives.” 

Families who completed the Rutherford Choice open enrollment process or were selected through the lottery have been notified of their enrollment status and are encouraged to accept their seat through the application portal. Springs Empower Academy will continue to accept applications for a waitlist if additional spots become available. A parent interest meeting will be held on February 9, 2024, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Smyrna Boys & Girls Club, and there will be a virtual parent meeting on February 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. to share more details on the upcoming school year.

To learn more about Springs Charter Schools and Empower Academy, visit Springspstn.org.