Exciting things are on the horizon for Williamson County Schools. A brand-new, state-of-the-art Innovation Center is currently under construction and is set to open its doors to students in August 2026. The project officially broke ground in December 2024 and was made possible through the Innovative Schools Model grant, which supports creative, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for real-world careers.

Located at the corner of Mack Hatcher Parkway and Hillsboro Road, near Franklin High School, the Innovation Center will share a campus with the existing Entrepreneurship Center, creating a collaborative environment where creativity and career-focused education come together. The official address will be 106 Claude Yates Drive, Franklin, TN 37064.

Spanning approximately 26,000 square feet, the new facility will feature modern classrooms, meeting spaces, a culinary kitchen, a grab-and-go eatery, and community areas designed for innovation and collaboration.

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Who Can Attend

The Innovation Center will be open to all Williamson County high school students (grades 9–12). Students interested in attending can apply through their Classlink Dashboard during the application window, which runs from December through February 10, 2026.

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Programs Offered

The Innovation Center will host a range of forward-thinking programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers, including:

• Aviation
• Advanced Power & Machinery
• Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence
• Fire Management Services
• Hospitality & Tourism

Each program will offer high school credit and count toward graduation requirements. Many courses will also provide Dual Enrollment or Dual Credit opportunities, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

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Logistics & Daily Life

Students will spend two class periods per day at the Innovation Center, along with a travel period during their study hall. Transportation will be provided by the county between approximately 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, but students may also drive themselves with parent permission.

While the center won’t have a traditional cafeteria, it will include a grab-and-go eatery offering convenient meal and snack options.

The Entrepreneurship Center will remain fully operational in its current building, and both centers will work together to provide students with even more pathways for hands-on learning, innovation, and career development.

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Learn More

Information sessions for students will begin in November and December at local high schools, with additional parent meetings scheduled as follows:

• December 4 at 12 PM – Virtual session (Zoom)
• December 4 at 6:30 PM – In-person at Centennial High School Auditorium
• December 10 at 6:30 PM – In-person at Independence High School Auditorium

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With its modern design, career-driven programs, and focus on real-world experience, the Innovation Center is set to become a cornerstone of education in Williamson County—preparing the next generation of students to think creatively, lead confidently, and innovate boldly.

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