New School Opening August 2027 — Rutherford County, TN
Shorten the Distance to
a Strong Start
Rocketship Tennessee is bringing a free, open-enrollment elementary school to Rutherford County — built on rigorous academics, joyful culture, and real family partnership.
- Free, Public School · No Tuition
- Now Accepting Applications: Grades K–3
- Near Smyrna Airport
Join Us for Grades K-3
Complete this form to get started! Our team will be in touch to answer any of your questions.
NEW, Free Public School
Open to all families
Ranked Among Top Schools
in the State by US News & World Report
Free, Bus Transportation
Easy access to and from school
What to Expect
Everything Your Child Needs to Thrive
Every Rocketship Tennessee school is built on three pillars that work together to unleash your child’s potential.
Growth You Can See
At Rocketship, every Rocketeer benefits from teacher-led support that’s matched to each child’s individualized needs.
Welcoming, Joyful Community
Our Rocketeers are known, celebrated, and cared for in a school community that takes the time to connect with each and every family.
Caring Educators Who Know Your Child
Our caring, skilled educators know their students, connect with families through home visits, frequently communicate, and are known for following through.
“I know at Rocketship my son is taken care of. The teachers are paying attention. I know he’s going to get everything he needs.”
— Bobi, Rocketship Tennessee Parent
Enroll Today
Become a Founding Family!
How to Get Started:
- Have questions or want to learn more? Fill out this form to connect with our team. We’re happy to help!
- Ready to apply? Create an account and complete your free application.
Applying enters your child into our enrollment lottery. There is no cost to apply, and all Rutherford County families are welcome. If we receive more applications than available seats, students are selected through a random lottery to ensure a fair process for every family.
Important Dates:
- October 12, 2026: Applications Open
- February 12, 2027: Application deadline to participate in the lottery
- February 17, 2027: Lottery held and families notified
- February 17, 2027: Lottery Announcement to Families
- March 3, 2027: Deadline to accept your child’s seat
Leadership
Meet Your Rocketship Rutherford Team
Dr. Eric Dailey
Executive Director, Rocketship Tennessee
Steering our region to the best it can be
Andrea Byrd
Director of Governance & Strategy, Rocketship Tennessee
Growing Rocketship TN one family at a time
Josh Rice
Director of Operations, Rocketship Tennessee
Ensuring strong operations. Efficiency, safety, and communication are the key.
Carly Reiss
Director of Schools, Rocketship Tennessee
Achieving regional academic excellence
Lupe D. Meyers
Director of Community Organizing
Developing strong communities for our Rocketship families, “La unión hace la fuerza.”
Erin Lynn
Director of ISE
Ensuring the whole child is educated.
Jamel Campbell-Gooch
Education Organizer
Building and believing in parent power
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