Charlie Friedman is the Founder and Executive Director of Nashville Classical Charter Schools, a network of 3 elementary and middle schools spread across two campuses in East and West Nashville. Since opening in 2013, Nashville Classical has been named a TN Reward School four times and featured in The Tennessean and Newsweek as well as in the books Reconnect and Building Better Citizens.

Prior to starting Nashville Classical, Charlie was a Fellow with Building Excellent Schools and a Program Director in Philadelphia. He started his career as a 7th Grade ELA Teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.

Charlie earned his Bachelors Degree in English from Yale University, graduating Cum Laude and with honors in his major. While teaching, he earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving distinction for his Thesis on the use of authentic texts in urban classrooms.