Noble Education Initiative

Schools thrive when they go beyond academics, becoming places where student creativity flourishes and emotional intelligence grows. They nurture a balance between social-emotional development and academic success, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for life.

Noble Education Initiative (NEI), a nonprofit organization, helps schools achieve this balance.

NEI’s impact is rooted in its ability to help schools achieve immediate goals and long-term success. By managing grants, designing curricula, delivering leadership development and preparing new educators through robust teacher preparation programs, NEI empowers schools to create environments where students and teachers excel. Ongoing professional learning opportunities ensure teaching practices remain dynamic and effective. Its practical solutions and targeted training transform schools into thriving centers of innovation and growth.

“Our mission is to empower and equip all learners to be noble, bold and positive difference-makers in the world. We are a collaborative group of education professionals focused on addressing educational challenges in new and creative ways to set up students for a lifetime of success,” says Dr. Corbet Wilson, president.

Blueprint for Transformational Education

NEI rejects the conventional mindset of “one year’s growth in one year.” This fresh perspective combines operational precision with academic ambition, creating an environment where schools, educators and communities achieve more than ever thought possible.

For charter schools, this means managing the complexities of day-to-day operations with a seamless partnership with NEI. It allows educators and administrators to direct their energy where it truly matters—helping students thrive by handling finances, contracts, legal compliance and procurement. A comprehensive support system ensures schools are positioned for sustainable growth.

Recognizing that educators are the key to student success, NEI places a premium on talent development. Educators are equipped with tailored training programs, helping novice teachers build confidence and experienced professionals refine their expertise. Leadership coaching and hands-on workshops transform teaching teams into a driving force for academic innovation, building leadership pipelines that fuel long-term success.

It collaborated with Moreland University to create a teacher education preparation program. The partnership combined NEI’s experience with Moreland University’s academic resources, resulting in an enhanced educator preparation program.

Strengthening ties between schools and their communities is another cornerstone of NEI’s strategy. Dynamic marketing and enrollment services ensure schools remain vibrant hubs of connection. Outreach initiatives, community events and parent engagement programs increase enrollment and foster a shared sense of purpose that resonates beyond the classroom.

Its influence is not limited to its direct partners. NEI shares its expertise with public school districts and other charter organizations, offering professional development, leadership training and event management.

Whether revitalizing struggling schools or supporting large-scale initiatives, the focus remains on creating meaningful, measurable impact.

Showcasing Success across Tennessee

Nashville Collegiate Prep, the first charter school authorized by the Tennessee Public Charter Schools Commission, stands as a testament to NEI’s vision for educational progress. Launched initially as a K-8 school serving approximately 400 students, it is now on track to become a premiere K-12 institution. A newly opened middle school building welcomed students in the fall of 2024, while a high school complete with athletic fields is set to debut in the fall of 2025. With an expanded campus capacity of 1,800 students and a thoughtfully designed multi-building layout, the school fosters an enriching and dynamic learning environment.

Our mission is to empower and equip all learners to be noble, bold and positive difference-makers in the world. We are a collaborative group of education professionals focused on addressing educational challenges in new and creative ways to set up students for a lifetime of success

NEI also manages Knowledge Academy at the Crossing, a 5-12 charter school in the Nashville area. Knowledge Academy continues to demonstrate academic growth and provides a student-centered full secondary experience for students and families, including athletics, arts and advanced learning opportunities. And NEI’s newest school in Murfreesboro, Rutherford Collegiate Prep, marks another groundbreaking achievement. As the first charter school approved outside Tennessee’s major metropolitan areas, it opened its doors in fall 2024, offering a state-of-the-art facility designed for success.

Leadership Rooted in a Passion for Education

NEI’s leadership reflects its commitment to transforming education through innovation and integrity. At the helm, Founder and CEO Sherry Hage has built the organization on a foundation of core values—Golden Rule, Uncommon Results, Unity, Ownership and Warrior’s Heart—that influence every facet of its operations. These principles create a culture where excellence thrives and every decision aligns with the organization’s mission to elevate students, educators, schools, and ultimately communities.

Grounded in their roots as classroom educators, the senior leadership team brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education. Dr. Eve Carney, Chief of Policy, Performance and Growth, leverages over a decade of experience as Tennessee’s Deputy Commissioner of Education to drive strategic initiatives that support meaningful outcomes. Eric Lewis, Senior Director for Human Resources and Risk Management Compliance, combines a wealth of HR expertise with his practical experience as a teacher and principal, ensuring operational strategies remain simple and relevant to the needs of educators.

This blend of leadership experience and classroom knowledge keeps NEI grounded while driving innovation.

Shaping the Future of Education

NEI’s success stems from its profound understanding of what teachers, leaders and schools need to excel. Streamlining operations—managing technology, facilities and logistical challenges—enables educators to dedicate their energy to what truly matters: their students and achieving meaningful academic outcomes. These efforts support educators and inspire students to grow into bold, noble changemakers, paving the way for a future rich with possibilities in education.