Nashville, TN – On Monday, August 5, B.E. Academy (pronounced “Be Academy”) opened its doors for the first time, welcoming 35 students from grades six through eight. Located at 938 Havenhill Drive in South Nashville, B.E. Academy is a new private non-profit school that provides a comprehensive science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) focused education to Nashville girls.
Founded in 2022 by Lydia Schumake and Tee Wilson with a mission to help Nashville girls transition from dependent learners to independent thinkers, the school will prepare students with the structural skills, knowledge and social-emotional support needed to
pursue a pathway to college, the workforce or entrepreneurship. One of B.E. Academy’s top priorities is to close the gap in STEM careers and the arts for young women. Although more women graduate from college and participate in graduate programs than men, women’s participation in science and engineering significantly differs by field of study at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Lydia Schumake, CEO
Tee Wilson, CAO
“We are witnessing an unprecedented interest in STEM careers amongst girls, despite access to STEM opportunities remaining limited to mostly weekend programming and summer camps,” said B.E. Academy Co-Founder and Chief Administrative Officer Tee Wilson, “We exist to close this gap in opportunity and equip young girls in Nashville with the foundational skills to successfully pursue STEAM-focused careers.”
B.E. Academy has already served more than 150 students through its various academic camps and programs. “We are elated by the positive feedback we’ve received from our girls who have voiced how valuable their experiences with us have been,” said Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Lydia Schumake, “We recognized the need for more STEAM-focused educational options for Nashville girls and have been working tirelessly to fulfill that need ever since.” The school will expand to high school in 2025, eventually serving girls in grades six through twelve.
B.E. Academy Board Chair, Phyllis D.K. Hildreth, echoes those sentiments. “When Lydia and Tee approached me with this ambitious plan, I didn’t hesitate to support. B.E. Academy is critical in Nashville. Our girls deserve an opportunity to pursue an education without limits.”
Learn more at beacademyforgirls.org
