Nerd Academy Announces Decision Regarding ESA Participation for 2026–2027 School Year

Odessa, Texas — Nerd Academy has received multiple inquiries from parents and community members regarding whether the school will participate in the Texas Education Savings Account program next year.

After careful consideration, we have made the decision not to participate in the ESA program at this time.

This decision is rooted in two core principles: institutional independence and educational integrity.

Nerd Academy was founded as an alternative model, not as an extension of the traditional system. Our mission is literacy first. If a child cannot read fluently and confidently, nothing else matters. That focus requires flexibility. It requires the ability to slow down when mastery is not achieved. It requires freedom from pacing structures driven by external testing benchmarks.

While ESA funding may provide short-term financial assistance to some families, participation introduces regulatory variables that are still evolving. Government funding programs carry oversight, reporting requirements, and potential performance metrics that can change over time. As a young and growing institution, we are committed to protecting our autonomy and preserving the instructional model that defines us.

Additionally, we believe public schools, which serve the overwhelming majority of Texas students, must be fully and adequately funded. Nerd Academy exists as an independent solution to challenges related to overcrowding, literacy gaps, and system constraints. Accepting funds redirected from the public system does not align with our long-term position.

This decision is not a judgment on families who choose to pursue ESA options. Parents must make the best decision for their children. We respect that.

Our responsibility is to ensure that Nerd Academy remains mission-driven, literacy-focused, and structurally independent.

We will continue to:

• Prioritize early literacy and numeracy
• Maintain small class sizes
• Preserve curriculum pacing flexibility
• Operate free from external testing mandates that conflict with our instructional philosophy

For families who have questions about tuition, scholarships, or enrollment, we encourage direct conversations with our leadership team. Transparency remains a core value of our school.

Nerd Academy was built to be different. Protecting that difference matters.

For media inquiries or parent questions, please contact:

Abel Nunez
Co-Founder, Nerd Academy
thenerdacademy.com
(432) 271-6804

Odessa, TX – Backed by an 11-year career in the United States Air Force – including time as a certified military instructor at Lackland Air Force Base and NCOIC of Education and Training at Hickam – Abel Nunez is bringing a new kind of school to the Permian Basin.

It’s called Nerd Academy, and it’s not your typical private school.

Founded by Abel and his wife Raquel – a former nurse and homeschool educator – Nerd Academy is a grassroots rebellion against broken systems, low expectations, and one-size-fits-all teaching. The school serves K–5 students with a focus on early literacy, STEM, AI, and local relevance through PetroSTEAM.

“In the military, I taught real-world skills in high-pressure environments,” says Nunez. “You couldn’t afford for a lesson to go in one ear and out the other – it had to stick, because lives depended on it. That same urgency and clarity now shape how we teach our students.”

“At Nerd Academy we’re not training for combat readiness. We’re training for life readiness – by making education relevant to the world they’re growing up in and the world they’ll inherit. That’s why we introduce AI and prompt engineering in elementary school. That’s why we teach them about oil and gas – not just as vocabulary, but as the industry that powers their hometown and shapes the globe.”

“Our goal is to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders early – not just academically, but mentally, emotionally, and practically. We train hard during school hours so they aren’t buried in homework after. We don’t assign homework, because we believe kids still need time to be kids.”

Built for the Kids Who’ve Been Overlooked

Nerd Academy was created for families tired of watching their kids fall through the cracks – especially those labeled “behind,” “disruptive,” or “not GT material.” The school rejects those labels entirely.

Instead of separating students by perceived ability, Nerd Academy leaves the door open for every child to show what they’re capable of. Some will exceed grade-level expectations. Others will show talent or passion in areas outside the standard curriculum. In either case, the school builds personalized learning pathways – guided manually by instructors or supported by AI-powered platforms that adjust to student performance in real time.

Students aren’t locked into rigid lanes. They’re observed, supported, and challenged.

And they’re not judged by surface impressions. Nerd Academy trains its staff to stay vigilant against the halo effect and “what you see is all there is” bias – harmful mental shortcuts that often shape how children are labeled in traditional classrooms.

“We don’t hand out participation trophies,” Nunez adds. “We just believe every child deserves a shot to prove what they can do – without being boxed in by someone else’s assumptions.”
Progress is tracked through a custom-built four-part training folder system, adapted from the six-part evaluation process used in military instruction. It allows for precise monitoring of academic skills, project mastery, critical thinking, and growth over time.

Because at Nerd Academy, students aren’t just taught – they’re trained on relevant, real world skills.

Real-World Teaching. Real Results.

With a curriculum rooted in literacy-first instruction, hands-on learning, coding, engineering, and early exposure to oil and gas concepts, Nerd Academy helps young students see how education connects to the real world around them – and the future they want to build.

And while many schools rely on prepackaged curriculum, Nerd Academy designs its instruction from the ground up – using military-level training principles, personalized learning pathways, and culturally responsive teaching.

“This isn’t a test prep factory, and definitely not a rigid environment,” Nunez explains. “We’re training future coders, builders, and leaders. But before that, we’re restoring their confidence – and giving them the tools to read, reason, and rise.”

Open Enrollment Now Underway

Nerd Academy is currently enrolling K1 & K2–5 students for the 2025–2026 school year, with limited spots available. Tours can be scheduled by calling (432) 257-3030, and interested families are encouraged to apply early.

For more information or press inquiries, contact:
Abel Nunez
Co-Founder, Nerd Academy
(432) 257-3030

From the swaggering strut of “I’m a Pigeon” to the prehistoric bounce of “DODO MODE”, to the emotionally intelligent power moves of “Ask-a-Lotl (Yup, That’s Me!)”, this playlist isn’t your average baby bop collection. These are wiggle-worthy anthems with real bars, real rhythm, and real messages.

“Sometimes kids just need to move—and they need to feel seen while doing it,” says Abel Nunez, co-founder of Nerd Academy. “These songs aren’t just fun, some are little life lessons wrapped in beats. They teach emotional awareness, social skills, and confidence while giving kids the freedom to dance like no one’s watching—even when their teacher is.”

With production styles inspired by top hip hop artists, the tracks deliver professional-grade sound while staying 100% family friendly. Each song was created to be:

• Easy to dance to
• Catchy enough to remember after one listen
• Embedded with classroom values like kindness, curiosity, and self-respect
• And, most importantly—FUN.

Got a Wiggle Emergency?
Whether it’s a restless classroom, a homeschool slump, or a kid bouncing off the walls before dinner—this playlist is your new go-to.

Check out the full playlist on YouTube:
Nerd Academy Brain Break Playlist

About Nerd Academy
Nerd Academy is an independent parent-founded school committed to building the future of education with a foundation in literacy, AI, coding, PetroSTEAM, social-emotional learning, and storytelling. Located in Odessa, Texas, Nerd Academy is built by parents, for families, who believe that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.

PRESS INQUIRIES:
smartypants@thenerdacademy.com
www.TheNerdAcademy.com

ZENO Office Solutions, recently purchased by Brantly Fowler, has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge office technology and outstanding customer service to businesses throughout Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, Andrews as well as Lubbock and its surrounding areas. Their expertise in managed print services, document management, VoIP phone solutions, and IT services makes them a trusted partner for companies looking to enhance efficiency.

The partnership between Nerd Academy and ZENO Office Solutions began when Sales Executive Julie Rivas visited the school and was inspired by its innovative PetroSTEAM program—a unique educational initiative that introduces students to the fundamentals of the oil and gas industry, a key driver of the local economy. Recognizing the importance of this mission, Brantly Fowler, CEO/Owner at ZENO, was eager to support Nerd Academy’s efforts in preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

“Supporting education that equips students with real-world knowledge and skills—especially in industries that shape our community—is something we strongly believe in,” said Brantly Fowler, CEO/Owner at ZENO Office Solutions. “Nerd Academy’s PetroSTEAM program is a groundbreaking initiative, and we’re honored to contribute to their success. I am excited to see God work in this unique organization and pray that their efforts shape a lot of lives of the youth in our community.”

Julie Rivas echoed this enthusiasm, stating:

“From the moment I walked into Nerd Academy, I was amazed by their commitment to hands-on learning and industry-focused education. We knew right away that we wanted to help support their growth and impact.”

Nerd Academy expresses deep gratitude to ZENO Office Solutions for their generosity and commitment to supporting education. With this donation, the school will have the tools necessary to enhance classroom learning and administrative efficiency.

For more information about ZENO Office Solutions and their wide range of office technology services, visit www.zenotx.com.

About Nerd Academy
Nerd Academy is a forward-thinking educational institution that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Its PetroSTEAM program uniquely integrates oil and gas industry education into the curriculum, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge for future careers in the sector.

About ZENO Office Solutions
Founded in 1999, ZENO Office Solutions provides state-of-the-art office equipment, document management, managed print services, IT solutions, and VoIP systems. With a strong commitment to customer service, ZENO continues to help businesses optimize their workflows and enhance productivity.

Ebenezer Companies specializes in oilfield construction and safety training services, emphasizing safety and excellence in every project. Their services include:

• Compressor Station Construction – Delivering consistent quality for single or multiple compressor stations.
• Refinery & Plant Maintenance – Providing modifications, repairs, replacements, and shutdown services with a focus on industry standards.
• Battery Pad Design & Construction – Ensuring efficient and stable battery operations with minimal environmental disruption.
• Facilities Construction & Maintenance – Building and maintaining well-functioning worksites, including plant renovations, upgrades, and grassroots projects.

Their mission is to uphold integrity, quality, and value in every project, while contributing to the growth and safety of the oil and gas industry. Ebenezer Companies believes in giving back to the community and investing in the next generation. (ebenezercompanies.com)

At Nerd Academy, we integrate STEM, AI literacy, coding, and oil and gas industry education into our curriculum to prepare students for real-world careers. Tony Padilla’s generous financial support has been instrumental in providing hands-on learning experiences that empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead in the industry and beyond.

“I decided to support Nerd Academy because I see what they are doing with their PetroSTEAM program, and I believe it is important to educate the next generation to be leaders in the oil and gas industry, our cities, and our communities,” said Tony Padilla, Owner of Ebenezer Companies. “These kids are the future of our workforce and economy, and I’m proud to be part of their journey.”

Nerd Academy extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ebenezer Companies for their continued support. Partners like Tony Padilla make it possible for us to provide meaningful, industry-relevant education that prepares students for leadership roles in the oil and gas sector, city development, and their communities.

To learn more about Ebenezer Companies, visit: ebenezercompanies.com

As the first primary school in the nation to incorporate the oil and gas industry into its curriculum, Nerd Academy is bringing an innovative program called PetroSTEAM to local students. This one-of-a-kind initiative simplifies complex concepts like Drill String Design into fun, hands-on activities for children as young as first grade. The aim is to equip students with a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math while introducing them to the opportunities that drive the region’s economy.

“We believe education should be relevant to the community it serves,” said Abel Nunez, co-founder and President of Nerd Academy, Inc. “Growing up in the Permian Basin, it’s vital for our kids to understand the industries that power our local economy. PetroSTEAM is about more than teaching STEM—it’s about showing students how their talents can shape their future right here at home.”

Nunez brings a wealth of experience to his role, including 11 years in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Medical Unit Readiness Training instructor. “During my time in the Air Force, I was part of a cadre of instructors that trained over 10,000 Airmen a year to prepare for deployment,” he said. “That experience taught me how to break down complex ideas into lessons that resonate with a wide range of learners. At Nerd Academy, we’re using that same approach to make STEM exciting and accessible for young minds.”

A School Built With Purpose
Nerd Academy prioritizes more than academics. Each day begins with SEL lessons that promote leadership, individuality, and a strong antibullying culture. Students also get an hour of dedicated time to work on passion projects, fostering creativity and self-confidence.

For families considering enrollment, Nerd Academy offers a unique blend of structure and innovation. All school supplies and uniforms are provided, and tuition information can be found on the school’s website. The school currently has openings for 12 kindergarten students and aims to grow its student body from 8 to 30 for the spring semester.

A Call for Community Support
To enhance its program, Nerd Academy is seeking partnerships with local oil and gas companies. Donations, sponsorships, and scholarships are vital to equipping students with cutting-edge technology, such as iPads, computers, and a STEAM lab.

“We’re not just educating students—we’re investing in the future workforce of West Texas,” Nunez added. “We invite local businesses to join us in this mission by supporting our efforts to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs.”

Nerd Academy is located inside the Odessa Family YMCA, whose support has been instrumental in the school’s success since opening on October 1, 2024.

Learn More
For more information about enrollment, tuition, or partnership opportunities, visit www.TheNerdAcademy.com. Interested parents and community partners can also contact Abel Nunez at (432) 257-3030 or email smartypants@thenerdacademy.com.

When it came time for their daughters to start school, Abel and Raquel opted for private education. However, they soon became concerned about the culture their kids were exposed to, even in this environment.

“We pulled them out of private school a little over a year ago and started homeschooling,” Abel explained. “We were looking for a new private school, but all of them had waitlists that were two years out.”

This challenge sparked an idea: what if they opened their own private school? Abel and Raquel weren’t alone in this vision—fellow parents Natalia Ponce and Brittany Silvas, who shared similar concerns, joined them in taking the leap.

“It started with the four of us parents,” Abel said. “We wanted our kids to get a solid education while also learning real-world skills.”

Nerd Academy Board Members: Abel Nunez, Raquel Nunez, Natalia Garcia, Brittany Silvas

In October 2024, The Nerd Academy officially opened its doors. The school focuses on the fundamentals—reading, writing, and math—while offering a curriculum designed to reflect the modern world.

“One unique program we’ve developed is PetroSTEAM,” Abel shared. “It’s a STEAM-based curriculum with a focus on the oil and gas industry, which drives our local economy. We want students to understand how the world around them works.”

The Nerd Academy’s innovative approach also includes coding lessons for kids as young as six, social-emotional learning (SEL), and hands-on projects in urban development through its upcoming CitySTEAM program.

In addition to its academic rigor, the school enforces a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. “We understand how bullying can affect a child’s well-being and their ability to learn,” Raquel explained. “That’s why we focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels supported and valued.”

Currently, The Nerd Academy is accepting applications for Kindergarten through 4th grade. The school began with just seven students but is aiming to grow to 30 by the spring 2024-2025 semester.

“Our goal is to educate our students and to empower them with skills and confidence for life,” Abel said.

Empowering the Next Generation

Nerd Academy’s mission is to empower the next generation to understand their world, engage with it passionately, and lead with integrity and curiosity. This mission is reflected in every aspect of the school’s curriculum, which is designed to go beyond traditional educational methods by integrating a specialized focus on the energy sector and urban development into a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.

A Revolutionary Educational Model

The NERD Educational Model: Next-Gen Education Through Real-World Design is at the core of Nerd Academy’s approach. This model ensures that students are learning in the classroom and connecting their studies to real-world challenges and industries. The NERD Model is designed to be adaptable across various industries, making it a pioneering approach that prepares students for future careers in rapidly evolving fields.

PetroSTEAM and CitySTEAM: A Focus on Industry and Innovation

Nerd Academy will launch with two specialized curricula—PetroSTEAM and CitySTEAM—designed to give students a deep understanding of the industries that shape their local and global environments.

• PetroSTEAM focuses on the oil and gas industry, leveraging Odessa’s location in the heart of the Permian Basin. Students will explore the science and technology behind energy production, from drilling techniques to environmental sustainability, preparing them for future careers in one of the world’s most critical industries.
• CitySTEAM introduces students to urban development and infrastructure, teaching them about city planning, zoning laws, and the technology driving smart cities. This program aims to inspire the next generation of urban innovators who will shape the cities of tomorrow.

Teacher Openings for Grades 1-4

As Nerd Academy prepares to welcome its first cohort of students, it seeks passionate, innovative educators with experience teaching grades 1-4. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in integrating STEAM subjects into their curriculum and a commitment to fostering an environment of curiosity, integrity, and academic excellence.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Education

Nerd Academy is more than just a school—it’s a community committed to revolutionizing education in the Permian Basin and beyond. With a curriculum that goes beyond the basics to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world, Nerd Academy is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of education.

For more information about Nerd Academy and our educational model or to inquire about teaching opportunities, please visit www.TheNerdAcademy.com or contact us at (432) 271-6804.

About Nerd Academy

Nerd Academy is an innovative educational institution based in Odessa, TX. Founded to empower the next generation to understand their world, engage with it passionately, and lead with integrity and curiosity, Nerd Academy integrates real-world industry knowledge into a dynamic STEAM curriculum designed to prepare students for future success.

Odessa, TX – Monday, November 20, 2023 – Abel and Raquel Nunez are proud to announce the planned launch of Nerd Academy, a new private school set to open its doors in August 2024. Aimed at revolutionizing the learning experience for students in grades 1-4, Nerd Academy is committed to offering a unique STEM-focused curriculum with an emphasis on the oil and gas industry, a vital part of the local economy in Odessa and surrounding areas.

Educational Innovation Meets Local Industry

Understanding the significance of the oil and gas industry in Odessa, Nerd Academy’s curriculum is designed to align with STEM methodology, offering insights into various stages of oil production, from drilling and fracking to the role of pumpjacks and pipelines. The goal is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s impact on their daily lives and future career opportunities.

A Fresh Approach to Learning

Founded by Abel and Raquel Nunez, Nerd Academy is a response to the shortcomings observed in the private school sector. Disheartened by the prevalence of bullying and the lack of accountability in existing institutions, the founders envision a school where anti-bullying laws are stringently followed, creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

Parent-Friendly Fundraising

Another core principle of Nerd Academy is its innovative approach to fundraising. The school aims to alleviate the financial and time burden often placed on parents by traditional fundraising methods. Nerd Academy’s fundraising will be managed transparently by the school directors and a volunteer fundraising board, ensuring clarity and purpose in every initiative.

Looking Ahead

With plans to start with at least 30 students and hire two teachers, Nerd Academy is currently finalizing its location and aims to be operational by the summer of 2024. The Nunez’s are excited about this venture and are dedicated to providing a top-notch educational experience that is both meaningful and accessible.

For more information about Nerd Academy, or to speak with founders Abel and Raquel Nunez, please contact:

Contact Information

Abel and Raquel Nunez
(432) 227-0080
raquel@cmnerds.com
www.TheNerdAcademy.com