Intrepid College Prep is a network of free, public charter schools located in the Antioch area of Greater Nashville. We educate scholars at two campuses: Opportunity Academy Middle School and Independence Academy High School.
Our 5-12 model ensures that scholars have the opportunity to engage in a rigorous, college-preparatory education for eight years prior to their transition to college and the professional opportunities that follow. We are an open-enrollment school, which means that our students do not have to take an entrance test or pay tuition to enroll.
Intrepid College Prep is committed to ensuring our scholars, educators, and families have the opportunity to unlock an unlimited future. By providing rigorous academic instruction and creating powerful relationships amongst our community’s members, we ignite passion, seek knowledge, and inspire the bravery needed to have a profound impact in our world.
Within our 5–12 model, Opportunity Academy students can continue at Independence Academy equipped to grow, lead, and excel in the postsecondary pathway of their choice.
We are committed to inclusive teaching that nurtures a love of learning and the confidence to question, analyze, and lead. Students explore a wide range of disciplines, materials, and perspectives that reflect their lived experiences while expanding their understanding of the world. Across our campuses, students explore their interests through clubs, electives, and enrichment opportunities, and at the high school level, Advanced Placement courses and varied elective pathways allow students to engage deeply with subjects they love.
Our curriculum emphasizes rigorous academics, critical thinking, and ethical leadership to prepare students for college, career, and life beyond the classroom. Students develop the skills to analyze complex ideas, make informed decisions, and navigate real-world challenges with confidence. Through intentional instruction and character development, students build the habits, mindset, and sense of purpose needed to adapt, lead, and succeed in an ever-changing world.
We believe that every young person thrives when the adults in their lives work together. Whether family is biological, chosen, or part of a wider support network, we value the partnership between home, school, and community. At Intrepid College Prep, we prioritize clear communication, open doors, and meaningful collaboration so that every caregiver feels informed, included, and empowered in their student’s growth.
Intrepid College Prep was founded in 2012 with a simple belief: young people of Antioch possess the brilliance and potential to shape their futures. When our founder, Mia Howard, opened Intrepid’s first school, it began with fewer than 30 fifth-grade students and a small team of educators committed to high expectations, strong relationships, and deep community roots.
Intrepid has grown intentionally, adding one grade and one cohort at a time. Today, we serve approximately 850 students across two campuses, Opportunity Academy Middle School and Independence Academy High School, supported by nearly 100 staff members. Throughout our growth, we have remained proudly rooted in Antioch and have maintained strong connections with our alumni.
Serving a predominantly Black, Brown, immigrant, and multilingual community has shaped our understanding of what it means to prepare students for the future. At Intrepid, post-secondary preparation goes beyond academics. We focus on culturally responsive teaching, meaningful relationships, and whole-child support so students are prepared for college, career, leadership, and life beyond the classroom.
Opportunity Academy was named a Tennessee Reward School in 2015 and 2018 for student achievement and growth.
Independence Academy ranked first among open enrollment high schools based on 2018 TNReady performance.
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Our students consistently outperform Metro Nashville Public Schools on the state TN Ready test.
Our English Language Learners are outperforming MNPS and the State of TN in meeting growth standards on WIDA ACCESS. How does this compare?
In 2022, Independence Academy received the Outstanding Changemaker Award for Tennessee Charter schools. This award focuses on three major student-oriented outcomes: TVAAS scores, Ready Graduate rates, and college-going rates. Later that year, Independence Academy was recognized for the highest Tennessee promise and FAFSA completion rate in the state.
In 2023, Independence Academy was named #4 in the state for college readiness and in the top 25 Tennessee high schools by US News.
A student who enrolls in Intrepid College Prep is three times as likely to be college-ready than a student attending a comparative district school.
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