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Our Village
At B.E. Academy, we know that great education happens when everyone works together. Our "village" includes our amazing staff, supportive families, industry partners, and the broader Nashville community. Together, we create opportunities that transform lives.
Meet Our Founder
Mrs. Tanisha "Tee" Wilson
Tee Wilson is the Founder and CEO of B.E. Academy for Girls (Beyond Excellence Academy), Nashville’s first new all-girls school in over 70 years. A visionary strategist and award-winning nonprofit leader, Tee is dedicated to transforming education for Black girls and students from under-resourced communities through culturally responsive, STEAM-based learning.
A native of New Orleans, she brings over 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, education, government, and private sectors—including key roles at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Red Cross, and Black Business Boom. She also serves as Communications Manager for The John R. Lewis Legacy Institute, where she leads strategic branding and marketing.
Tee launched B.E. Academy in just 18 months, securing early funding, assembling a high-impact team, and opening with strong enrollment. In its first year, the school achieved 100% student retention and delivered more than 25 experiential field experiences. She is a graduate of the 4.0 Schools Tiny Fellowship, Mosaic Fellowship (2021), Leadership Rutherford (2022), Leadership Connect Fellowship (2025), and McLeod Society Fellowship (2025).
Her work has earned honors such as 2025 Woman of Influence – Nonprofit Leader and 2025 Visionary Educator – Women En Blanc. Tee holds a B.A. in Communications and a Master’s in Secondary Education, and remains a lifelong advocate for equity, innovation, and the brilliance of girls.
OUR EDUCATORS
Our teachers are more than instructors - they're mentors, coaches, and champions.
With a 1:8 student-teacher ratio, they provide personalized attention that helps every student thrive.
75% of our faculty have advanced degrees, and 60% come from underrepresented groups in STEAM fields, serving as powerful role models.
Our Families
Our families are true partners in education. Despite financial challenges, many make significant sacrifices to ensure their daughters can attend B.E. Academy. 85% of our families qualify for free or reduced lunch, yet they demonstrate remarkable dedication to their daughters' futures.
Family Satisfaction: We're proud that 100% of our families report being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their daughter's academic and social-emotional growth. Families describe our school as inspiring, respectful, safe, transparent, warm, and welcoming.
Family Engagement: We offer monthly family workshops, student-led conferences, cultural celebration events, and parent leadership development programs. Our families don't just send their daughters to school - they're active participants in our community.
B.E. Academy
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic guidance, ensuring financial integrity, curriculum quality, and alignment with our mission. They bring diverse expertise in education, business, and community development.
Board Chair:
Dr. LoLita Toney
Tunisia Scott
Rita Mitchell
Janelle Douglas
Karla Frieson
Mignon Francois
Tara Waters
Lisa Button
Dr. Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens
Brandon Harvey
Thea Jones
Dr. Aleta Simmons
Kandice Harris
Keilani Goggins
Danielle McGee Gibson
Jasmine Reeds
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE
The Drexel Fund
Play Like a Girl
Creative Girls Rock
Amazon
Bridgestone Americas
Nashville International Airport
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
SRM Concrete
Vanderbilt University
Accenture
St. George's Episcopal Church
The HL Foundation
The Nashville Predators Foundation
Nashville Business Incubation Center
Black Business Boom
Toni Kelly Consulting
Define U Mentoring
The Mental Health Cooperative
and many more!
