The only aerospace middle school course of its kind in Tennessee is expanding in Franklin Special School District after student interest outgrew available seats.
An $18,491 grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division will help the district offer its aerospace class to more students at Freedom and Poplar Grove middle schools.
The Tennessee Department of Education introduced the course, "Introduction to Aerospace," in 2025 with a $1 million grant, in partnership with the state's Innovative Schools Model education initiative.
The course gives middle school students a chance to earn high school credits and get early look at a growing industry and a reason to begin imagining where their interests could take them.
“My favorite
thing to witness is when I stand back and watch them function,” aerospace teacher Chris Dollar said of his students last February. The former music teacher has had his private pilot certificate since 2005 and regularly flies his own Cessna 172L plane. He teaches all three of the district's new aviation classes.
The new funding will add a second aircraft configuration to one of the district’s two Redbird LD flight simulators. Students who have mastered the introductory and intermediate classroom simulators advance to the Redbird LD model, where they encounter more complex controls, aircraft systems and flight scenarios.
“This grant allows us to extend student learning well beyond an introductory flight experience,” said Dr. Mary Decker, FSD associate director of schools for teaching and learning. “By exposing students to the systems and demands of different aircraft, we are giving them a broader understanding of aviation and a stronger foundation for future coursework, training, and careers.”
The Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division Aviation Education Program is a competitive, fully reimbursable grant initiative designed to advance aviation and aeronautics education, workforce development and public engagement throughout Tennessee.
“Our 'Introduction to Aerospace' course is designed to spark curiosity and help students discover a lasting interest in aviation,” Dollar said. “They are still years away from choosing a college or career, but early exposure matters. By helping students see the possibilities now, we can begin building the pipeline of future graduates who will consider aviation and aerospace careers.”
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Student demand fuels expansion of Franklin middle school aerospace classes
