The best piece of advice Tullahoma native, mom, educator and entrepreneur Martha Brooke Hood ever received was “If you see a need in your community step up and fill it. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to make difference.” Read on to learn how Hood has put this advice into action.

Mrs. Hood has founded and started Flourish Academy, a homeschool tutorial to support the area’s large and growing homeschool community.

The initiative is a part-time learning program designed to support homeschooling families by offering structured instruction, enrichment opportunities and a collaborative learning environment.

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. Hood plans to welcome interested families for tours beginning in June with doors officially opening this August.

Prior to starting Flourish Academy, Hood earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She taught elementary school in the Tullahoma system and has owned a travel agency.

Hood stressed Flourish Academy does not replace homeschool parents as primary educators. Instead, the Academy partners with families to enhance learning through guided instruction, hands-on projects, social interaction and academic support in a small group setting. This approach gives families the flexibility of homeschooling combined with the benefi ts of classroom experiences.

Flourish Academy will offer one enrollment option the first year: a parttime program on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Future enrollment options include another part-time program as well as a fulltime option running Monday- Thursday. Flourish Academy is open to all K-5 homeschool students.

The first year program will also be open to all area homeschool families through their Enrichment Friday’s program. These full day sessions offer students hands-on, creative and collaborative learning experiences beyond the core curriculum including art projects, STEM challenges and group projects.

According to Hood, “The name Flourish Academy embodies our commitment to nurturing growth. It reflects our belief in providing children with the time, care and supportive environment they need to take root, develop resilience and thrive as confident, curious learners.”

Hood offered the inspiration for Flourish Academy began when her oldest daughter approached kindergarten. “I started exploring education options early and quickly fell in love with the idea of homeschooling. However, I knew that doing it entirely on my own would not be the right fit for our family.”

“I envisioned a program that supported not only enrichment activities but also core academics while giving our daughter the chance to learn alongside licensed teachers. When I realized there wasn’t a program like that in our area, I sought guidance from an established tutorial a few towns away and used their insights as a foundation to create Flourish Academy.” As envisioned by Hood, Flourish Academy will focus on the entire child-academically, socially and emotionallywhile partnering closely with parents. “We will offer small class sizes, licensed teachers, project-based learning and a warm, close-knit environment to help students grow with confidence, independence and creativity.”

Hood is married to Jared Hood. In addition to Flourish Academy, the Hoods own Access Title. They have three children Eliza-Grace, Mary-Alice and Eloise.

Martha Brooke Hood is active in the community. She has taught dance, directed the popular South Jackson Goes Country Warm Up Show and taught at Tullahoma City Schools Kool Kids program.

According to Hood, “My passion has always been helping children feel safe, welcomed, confident and excited to learn to learn something new.”

Flourish Academy is located at 111 South Anderson Street. Hood can be reached at 931-247-6593.

Lane Curlee can be reached at lcurlee@lighttube. net or 581-0360.