Galileo Preparatory Academy

🌟 Key Highlights: Galileo Preparatory Academy

Galileo Preparatory Academy (GPA) is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian school in Franklin, Tennessee. It is committed to providing a personalized, learner-centric education that moves beyond traditional models by integrating in-person, virtual, and technology-focused coursework. The school’s unique model is designed to instill 21st-century skills, confidence, and a growth mindset to prepare students for a rapidly changing, technology-rich future.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent Personalized & Learner-Centric School

• Location: Franklin, Tennessee (Cool Springs Area, Williamson County)

• Grades Served: Kindergarten (K) – 12th Grade (Full K-12 program)

• Enrollment: Very small student body (reported enrollment as low as 11 students with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio).

• Core Mission: To prepare learners for a rapidly-changing, technology-rich, people-centric future by instilling in them the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to flourish, create their own opportunities, and better the world.

• Affiliation: Independent private school, founded by education industry veterans.

• Accreditation: Operates as a Licensed Non-Public School in the State of Tennessee.

• Focus: Personalized, mastery-based education using a flexible scheduling model, multi-age grouping, and a blend of traditional academics with career and technical education (CTE).

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

GPA is defined by its innovative model that breaks from traditional school structure and delivery:

• Learner-Centric Model (The Galileo Way): The school rejects traditional titles, calling students “learners” and teachers “guides and coaches.” Classes are called “studios” and are multi-age (e.g., Spark Studio: K–1st, Elementary Studio: 2nd–5th, Upper School Studio: 9th–12th).

• Mastery-Based & Self-Paced: The curriculum is fully self-paced and mastery-based, allowing students to progress through material as they demonstrate competence, rather than being limited by a set schedule. This model allows students to begin at any time of the year.

• Flexible Hybrid Scheduling: Offers a family-friendly scheduling model that blends in-person instruction with virtual learning. Upper School learners, in particular, have high autonomy and are not required to be at the Learning Center a set amount of time each week.

• Four Pillars of Curriculum: The academic program is built on four core pillars:

  1. Core: Traditional studies (English, Math, Science, Social Studies).

  2. Focus: In-depth study in high-demand fields like IT, gaming, graphic arts/design, and business leadership, including achieving industry certifications.

  3. Dialogues: Growing skills in problem-solving, communication, and self-expression through exploration of the arts.

  4. Community: Developing interests and skills that improve the common good through service.

• Subscription Model: GPA offers a subscription-based model that is inclusive of all technology and learning materials, moving away from traditional tuition payments.

• Focus on Character: The curriculum promotes academic and social-emotional development and actively integrates elements like character development and growth mindset instead of strictly teaching to a test.

📞 Contact Information