Nerd Academy - New Private School in Odessa, TX

Enrollment is now open for the 2024-2025 Spring Semester!

We are now accepting applications for students in grades K-4.

Why Nerd Academy?

Strong Core Academics: Unlike public schools that focus on STAAR testing, we prioritize math, reading, and writing mastery.
Gamified & Hands-On Learning – We use interactive, engaging methods to teach STEM, including coding projects and energy industry simulations.
PetroSTEAM Curriculum: Our students learn about things like sucker rod pumps, drilling rigs, and energy production as early as 2nd grade.
Technology for Research & Problem-Solving – Students learn how to use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to conduct research, brainstorm, and organize ideas.

Building Strong Foundations in Math, Reading, and Writing

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are the foundation for success in every subject and career. When students master these fundamentals, they gain the ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively—essential skills for thriving in today’s world.

At Nerd Academy, we ensure students build a solid foundation in reading, writing, and math, empowering them to confidently progress into advanced subjects like coding, research, and AI literacy while preparing for real-world challenges.

Real World STEM & Energy Education Starts Early

We don't just teach STEM, we connect it to the industry that drives our local economy - the oil and gas industry. At Nerd Academy, students as young as 2nd grade can already:

Identify the components of a sucker rod pump (Surface & subsurface mechanics)
Explain how pumpjacks work and their role in energy production
Understand how the oil & gas industry fuels the global economy

Most adults in West Texas don’t know how pumpjacks work—our 2nd-4th graders already do.

AI Literacy

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, but most schools don’t teach students how to use it productively. In today’s world, knowing how to research, analyze, and create using AI is just as essential as reading and writing. Our AI Literacy course covers:

Prompt Engineering – We teach students how to write clear and specific prompts to get useful responses from AI tools. Instead of just typing random questions, they learn how to structure queries effectively.
AI for Brainstorming & Writing – Students use ChatGPT to generate ideas, outline thoughts, and refine their writing—a skill they can apply to essays, reports, and creative projects.
Using AI for Research & Information Gathering – Students learn how to use ChatGPT and AI search tools to research topics, evaluate sources, and organize findings.

What Makes Us Different

We prepare students not just for what’s next, but for whatever comes their way. With adaptable skills and a resilient mindset, they’re ready to face challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing world.
Our teacher-led classrooms are supported by AI-powered tools that personalize learning to each student’s needs. This blend of human expertise and technology ensures every child is met at their level and challenged to grow.
We go beyond teaching to the test—we teach for life. Our approach prioritizes real-world skills and long-term growth over rote memorization, ensuring students are prepared for challenges far beyond the classroom.

We've Reimagined STEAM Education

At Nerd Academy, we’ve reimagined STEAM education to make it more relevant, engaging, and impactful. PetroSTEAM is our groundbreaking curriculum that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math with a focus on the energy industry—one of the most critical drivers of our local and global economy.

But PetroSTEAM is more than just oil and gas. It’s about helping students understand how energy powers the world, explore the industries shaping their communities, and discover where their own talents and passions align with real-world opportunities. Whether it’s engineering, automation, entrepreneurship, or environmental science, PetroSTEAM inspires students to think critically, innovate boldly, and dream big.

PetroSTEAM CURRICULUM