B.E.S.T. Academy stands out among Atlanta’s public schools due a couple of its distinctive features. It is an all-male student body composed of minorities and children hailing from economically disadvantaged situations. 

The school can now flex another noteworthy attribute, as it recently acquired a fresh music studio. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between B.E.S.T. Academy, the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and the Music Education Group.

“This music studio, in addition to what they were doing before, will allow the students to explore the many facets of the music making industry,” explained TiJuana Kelley, B.E.S.T. Academy’s Business Manager  “At B.E.S.T. Academy, we believe in developing the whole child. We understand and know that it’s more than the reading, writing, and arithmetic that’s going to help our young black boys be competitive in our society.”  

Since 1987, 100 Black Men of Atlanta has been a loyal partner with APS (Atlanta Public Schools) and has actively provided mentorship programs at B.E.S.T. Academy for over 15 years. The music pathway of development (POD) provides auspicious students with a pathway to connect with industry professionals, allowing students to discover opportunities that may have been previously unknown to them. 

At the new studio, students can utilize a dedicated space to enhance their skill-set and gain hands-on experience using professional-grade tools. Equipped with new Apple computers, multiple microphones, a touch-screen slate board, and a full-service podcast system, the studio provides a state-of-the-art environment. 

“Atlanta is definitely the hub of music and film, and I just thought it was time for us to put a program together that would teach these young people how to use the hardware, Pro Tools, Logic, and all of the software,” explained the Founder of the Music Education Group, Ric Ross.