If you're a parent of a rising 6th grader in Memphis, you've probably asked yourself: How do I make sure my child is prepared — not just for middle school, but for life? How do I give them the kind of experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills?
That's exactly why R.O.E. Academy exists.
The Basics
R.O.E. Academy is a free Saturday enrichment program designed specifically for rising 6th-grade students. The program runs from September 2026 through March 2027 and meets two Saturdays per month, with a short weekly virtual check-in between sessions to keep students connected and engaged.
Let me say that again: it's completely free. No tuition, no hidden fees, no catch. We believe that access to quality enrichment should never depend on a family's income.
What Does the Program Look Like?
Every month, students experience two different types of Saturdays:
Learning Lab Days
These are our in-classroom sessions where students dive into hands-on learning. Think of it as school — but the kind of school students actually look forward to. Topics include:
- STEM and Technology — coding basics, AI exploration, and science experiments
- Leadership Development — public speaking, goal-setting, and teamwork
- Financial Literacy — understanding money, budgeting, and entrepreneurship
- Cultural Studies — exploring history, art, and cultural identity
- Creative Expression — writing, visual arts, and storytelling
Every Learning Lab Day is built on our ROOTS Curriculum — a culturally responsive framework that centers the experiences and histories of our students while building rigorous academic skills.
Exploration Days
These are the days students talk about for weeks. Exploration Days take students outside the classroom and into the real world through educational field trips. Past and planned destinations include:
- The National Civil Rights Museum — walking through history and understanding the legacy of the movement
- Local colleges and universities — seeing campus life and imagining their future
- Career sites and businesses — meeting professionals and exploring different paths
- Cultural landmarks and museums — broadening perspectives and building cultural pride
Exploration Days aren't just field trips — they're intentional learning experiences designed to connect what students learn in the classroom to the world around them.
Weekly Check-Ins
Between Saturdays, students participate in a brief weekly virtual check-in. These sessions are designed to:
- Keep students connected to the program and each other
- Reinforce lessons from the previous Saturday
- Provide mentorship and encouragement
- Build accountability and consistency
Check-ins are short, supportive, and student-centered. They're one of the things that makes R.O.E. Academy different from a typical weekend program — we don't just show up twice a month. We stay connected all week long.
Who Is It For?
R.O.E. Academy is designed for rising 6th-grade students in the Memphis area. All students who meet the grade requirement are welcome to apply.
We prioritize students from Title I schools and underserved communities — the students who have the most to gain from enrichment opportunities but often have the least access to them.
What Do Students Gain?
Parents consistently tell us that their children come home from R.O.E. Academy sessions with a new energy. Here's what the program is designed to build:
- Confidence — Students learn to speak up, take risks, and believe in their abilities
- Curiosity — Exposure to new places and ideas sparks a genuine love of learning
- Leadership — Students practice leading, collaborating, and making decisions
- Cultural Pride — Students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage
- Preparation — Students build skills and habits that set them up for success in middle school and beyond
How to Apply
Applying to R.O.E. Academy is simple. Visit our website and fill out the Fall 2026 Interest and Application Form. The form takes about 5 minutes to complete and asks for basic student and parent information.
Spots are limited. We intentionally keep our cohorts small to ensure every student gets personalized attention, mentorship, and support. Once spots are filled, we'll maintain a waitlist for future openings.
What Parents Are Saying
Since our launch, parents have shared how much the program has meant to their families. From the field trips that opened their child's eyes to new possibilities, to the leadership skills they've seen develop at home — the feedback has been incredible.
We don't just serve students. We partner with families. And that partnership is at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to Learn More?
If R.O.E. Academy sounds like the right fit for your child, we encourage you to apply today. You can also attend one of our upcoming information sessions, reach out to our team with questions, or simply follow us on social media to see our program in action.
Your child's next chapter starts here. Let's write it together.
