Bold By Choice Podcast | S3 E4: Human First Excellent Always | Overview

In partnership with the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition

Overview

What becomes possible when a school begins with a simple conviction. Students are human first, and excellence should always be within reach.

Season 3, Episode 4 of the Bold By Choice Podcast takes us to Valor Collegiate Academies in Nashville, Tennessee, a network known for its Compass model, its circles practice, its whole child focus, and its consistent academic results.

Our guest, Steven Palmer, a Teach For America alum and long serving Valor leader, joins hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner to share how Valor has created a student centered and emotionally grounded community in one of Nashville’s most diverse areas.

Human First

Valor was founded around a clear design question. What would it look like to build a school that combined top tier academics, deep social and emotional support, and an intentionally diverse community.

That question led to the Compass, a developmental model designed to support students in mind, body, and spirit. It shows up in the daily life of the school. Students and teachers participate in weekly circles that create space for honest storytelling and connection. Repair work structures teach students how to navigate conflict with accountability and care. Classrooms are places where belonging, feedback, and high expectations coexist.

As Steven notes, this approach is not about parties or theatrics. It is about adults who love students and who are equally committed to the technical craft of excellent teaching.

Excellent Always

Valor pairs whole child development with a disciplined academic model. Teachers engage in routine data analysis, receive weekly coaching, and use consistent walkthrough tools that set clear expectations for strong instruction. These systems allow the team to respond to student needs in real time rather than relying on year end results that come too late to make a difference.

The impact is evident. Valor consistently ranks in the top one percent statewide for both student achievement and student growth. Families have many school options in Nashville, yet Valor continues to maintain a significant waitlist and strong satisfaction ratings.

Steven is quick to say that the most compelling evidence is found in students’ stories. One student who once tore up exit tickets in frustration is now completing advanced math and preparing for a trade program. Another student who had struggled to trust school recently wrote on a whiteboard, “I think I am starting to love this school again.” These moments reflect a belief that every child wants to learn, wants to belong, and wants to grow when the right environment is in place.

Built on Love and High Expectations

Steven shares a piece of advice from a veteran educator that still guides him. Love the kids. We can teach you the rest.

At Valor, love shows up as structure, systems, coaching, and a relentless commitment to student growth. It is not sentimental. It is practiced. It is intentional.

This episode offers a clear message for educators and system leaders. Joy and rigor can coexist. Mental health and high expectations can reinforce each other. Diversity and top tier results do not have to be in tension. With thoughtful design and a team grounded in care, schools can be human first and excellent always.

Listen to the Episode

🎧 Season 3, Episode 4 – “Human First, Excellent Always”
Featuring Steven Palmer, Valor Collegiate Academies

For those who care about whole child education, student joy, and sustainable excellence in diverse communities, this episode offers both inspiration and insight.