OUR STORY
The L.O.V.E. Academy was born from a life-changing experience during Co-founder, Kim Ortiz's, first study abroad trip to Belmopan, Belize, a decade ago. Freshly graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, Kim worked with students at the University of Belize and high schoolers passionate about music and the recording industry. Over the course of her four-week stay, she envisioned a charter school for underserved youth that would provide not only musical instruments and arts education but also vocational certificates.
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As she researched further, Kim realized that after-school and summer programs could have an even greater impact. The idea evolved into a mission to provide meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. In 2020, Kim moved back to Nashville and teamed up with her sister, educator and Co-Founder Kirsten Albritton, to bring this vision to life. Together, they knew Nashville was the ideal place to launch The L.O.V.E. Academy.
Our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for students to learn and grow, and to empower them to reach their full potential. We believe that by providing access to quality education and opportunities, we can help break the cycle of poverty and inequality.
OUR MISSION
Empower students through vocational training, life skills, and financial competency
Increase access to resources and opportunities through paid apprenticeships and certifications
Close the school-to-prison pipeline for teens from underserved communities, reduce truancy, and lower MNPS high school drop out rates
