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Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Building the future of education in Sumner County at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center

A group of students, mostly young women with long hair, are seated in a classroom listening to a male instructor standing at the front of the room.

Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Building the future of education in Sumner County at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center

The image shows a group of people, some seated and others standing, in what appears to be an office or classroom setting, with various furniture and equipment visible in the background.

Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Building the future of education in Sumner County at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center

The image shows several individuals, including law enforcement officers, interacting with a person on the floor in what appears to be a hallway or corridor setting.

Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Building the future of education in Sumner County at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center

We're transforming the high school experience, moving from graduation readiness to future readiness."Dr. Scott Langford - Superintendent

Reimagine What Learning Looks Like

What's New

CSIC

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The Carolyn Smith Innovation Center Is Now Open!

With gratitude to the Carolyn Smith Foundation, we’re delighted to announce the opening of our new 60,000-square-foot education innovation campus, located at 735 East Main Street in Hendersonville. Learn more about our campus!

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Learning That Goes Beyond Text Books and Tests

Our new education innovation campus represents a new way of thinking about education. Here, learning goes beyond textbooks and tests. It’s a student-first space designed to elevate learning, amplify our students’ voices, and showcase the impact of education. Find out what our students will be doing at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center.

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Building Future-Ready Sumner County Students

At the Innovation Center, it’s not just about what topics we teach – it’s about revamping the learning environment to focus on creating future-ready students. It’s where learning meets life. Discover how we’re partnering with business, community members and educators to help our students create the future.

Read Story about Building Future-Ready Sumner County Students
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Invest in Innovation. Get Involved!

We’re grateful to the Carolyn Smith Foundation for helping get the ball rolling, and we’re excited to partner with donors and foundations throughout the country to make this space a leading example of education innovation in Tennessee and beyond. Interested in partnering with us? Learn more!

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Showcase

Innovation

APEX

APEX at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center

Are you ready to Think Again? APEX is a new learning model where real work meets real learning. It’s a model where students build skills alongside local employers, mentors, educators, and community leaders. It’s a model that takes curiosity and sharpens it into capability.

CSIC Programming

Dual Enrollment and CTE Programming at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center

Classes and programming at the innovation center is still evolving, but dual enrollment classes for juniors and seniors began in January 2026 and are being held Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Courses include aviation, criminal justice, and leadership.

Additional CTE pathways will be added for the 2026-27 school year, including Entrepreneurship and Content Creation, that will provide even more opportunities for students to explore their future.

Leadership Homeroom

Leadership Homeroom

Every Friday, the entire building shifts gears for Leadership Homeroom. Students from different programs come together to tackle real-world challenges using AI, technology, and teamwork. It’s a time for collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

It’s project-based learning at its best.

Interested in getting involved? Let us know.