Goulds Academy
General Information — Goulds Academy
About (Overview)
Goulds Academy (more precisely sometimes stylized as Gould’s Academy) is a regional cosmetology and salon & spa education institution operating in Tennessee, focused on hands-on training in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and instructor preparation. As a vocational/trade school rather than a traditional university, Goulds Academy emphasizes career readiness, practical skills, professional licensing preparation, and industry partnerships. The school operates campuses such as Memphis Ridgeway and Bartlett, offering day and evening classes, full-time and part-time schedules, and curricula that integrate both technical competencies and business fundamentals for beauty and spa careers.
The mission of Goulds Academy is to prepare graduates for immediate success in the evolving salon and spa industry by combining standard cosmetology curriculum, advanced specialty techniques, and business coursework. The instruction includes state board exam readiness, live client services in student salons, and exposure to industry standards such as Sassoon cutting curriculum, Goldwell color systems, and “Nuts & Bolts” business modules. This vocational model is tailored to students seeking direct entry into the beauty industry or advancing existing practice, and it prioritizes applied learning, portfolio development, and credential eligibility.
Contact Information
Address: Ridgeway Campus — 1203 Ridgeway Road, Suite 203, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
Alternate Address: Bartlett Campus — 8000 US Highway 64, Suite 108, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133
Phone Number: (901) 767-6647 (Memphis campus) | (901) 842-1771 (Bartlett)
Email Address: Provided via Goulds Academy admissions and administrative offices (general inquiries via main campus contact)
Owner / Leadership: Owned and operated by P & D, LLC (Philip Gould and David Gould)
School Facts — Goulds Academy
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Established (salon origin) | 1932 |
| Institutional Type | Private, for-profit vocational / trade school |
| Focus / Sector | Cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nail technology, instructor training |
| Accreditation / Approval | Accredited/licensed for cosmetology / state board programs in Tennessee / Mississippi |
| Campuses | Memphis Ridgeway and Bartlett, Tennessee |
| Curriculum Standards | Sassoon cutting curriculum, Goldwell color systems, Nuts & Bolts business training |
| Facility Size | ~18,000 square feet (for main campus) |
Goulds Academy Rankings
| Ranking Type | Metric / Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~100 % | The vocational school typically admits most qualified applicants |
| Enrollment (full-time) | 164 (Memphis campus) | As reported by Niche for full-time enrollment |
| Gender Ratio (students) | ~88 % female, 12 % male | Reflects industry gender demographics in beauty fields |
Goulds Academy Academics
Goulds Academy Faculties / Departments
Because Goulds Academy is a specialized vocational school rather than a multi-college university, its academic units are structured around program disciplines. Key departments / training areas include:
- Cosmetology / Hair Design
- Esthetics / Skin Care
- Nail Technology / Manicuring
- Barbering
- Massage Therapy
- Instructor Training / Educator Certification
- Business / Salon Management (integrated business training)
Goulds Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
Goulds Academy offers a suite of professional certificate and license-preparation programs including:
- Cosmetology (1500 hours)
- Barbering (1500 hours)
- Esthetics / Skin Care (750 hours)
- Nail Technology / Manicuring (600 hours)
- Massage Therapy (approx. 700 hours)
- Instructor / Educator Training (for licensure as cosmetology instructors)
- Evening / Part-time tracks for many of the above
- Business modules integrated (e.g. Nuts & Bolts business course)
Online Learning
Goulds Academy emphasizes hands-on, in-person training in labs, salons, and client service settings, so it has limited online or remote offerings. Some theoretical coursework, foundational lessons, or administrative modules may use online or hybrid tools, but the core of instruction—cutting, styling, treatments, and salon practice—requires physical presence. The school does not advertise fully online credentials for its primary cosmetology, esthetics, or barbering programs.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Reported / Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Not applicable | The school does not require standard academic testing for admission |
| ACT | Not applicable | Standardized tests are not part of admission criteria |
| GRE | Not applicable | No graduate or research programs; GRE is irrelevant |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Goulds Academy reports that a substantial proportion of full-time students complete their program within 150% of the expected time. For comparable vocational programs, completion rates may be around 82 %. The school structure supports retention by providing supervised labs, instructor mentorship, structured pacing, and direct client service experience. Because programs vary in length (6 months to over a year), student support and scheduling flexibility are crucial.
Goulds Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Goulds Academy does not set strict GPA minimums or require standardized test scores for entry. Admission criteria typically focus on proof of high school diploma or equivalent, applicant readiness, and alignment with the vocational mission. Prior academic performance is less emphasized than motivation, interview, and capability to complete technical training.
Goulds Academy Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~100 % | Most applicants meeting basic eligibility are accepted into programs |
Goulds Academy Application Requirements
Applicants to Goulds Academy generally must submit a completed application, proof of high school graduation or GED, transcripts, identification, and any required state or licensing prerequisites. Some campuses charge a modest application fee. Given the nature of trade schooling, they may also interview or assess interest, ensure applicants understand program hours and costs, and provide orientation about licensure pathways. Financial aid eligibility and disclosure of program costs are part of the admissions conversation.
Application Process
- Contact Goulds Academy admissions and request program information
- Submit application form along with proof of high school completion / GED
- Provide transcripts and identification documents
- Meet with admissions advisor or attend orientation/interview
- Review cost, scheduling, and financing options
- Receive acceptance / enrollment offer
- Register for classes, complete orientation, and begin coursework
Goulds Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program Cycle | Deadline / Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling Admissions | Ongoing | Many vocational schools accept applications year-round |
| Program Start Dates | Multiple per year | Programs begin at several points annually depending on campus and discipline |
Essay Prompt
Goulds Academy generally does not require formal essays as part of the application. If any personal statement is requested, it is likely a short explanation of interest in cosmetology/beauty, career goals, and commitment to complete hands-on training.
Goulds Academy Scholarships
Goulds Academy participates in institutional aid and financial assistance, especially for students qualifying for federal aid. Many students receive financial support: as of records, about 58 % of students receive financial aid, with average award amounts of around $5,104. The school may also offer merit or need-based grants, payment plans, or scholarships for specific programs or student groups.
Goulds Academy Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program | Approximate Tuition / Cost | Duration / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology (1500 hours) | ~$15,650 | Full-time ~13 months |
| Barbering (1500 hours) | ~$14,650 | Full-time ~13 months |
| Esthetics (750 hours) | ~$10,725 | ~6 months |
| Nail Technology (600 hours) | ~$6,950 | ~5 months |
| Massage Therapy | ~$9,995 | ~6 months |
These numbers reflect base tuition and may not include books, supplies, or licensing exam fees. Students should verify actual costs with the campus.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Goulds Academy’s student body is predominantly female, with a ratio of approximately 88 % female to 12 % male, aligning with trends in cosmetology and beauty education. Racial/ethnic breakdowns indicate significant diversity: for example, at the Bartlett campus approximately 46 % of students identify as White, 43 % as African American, 7 % as Hispanic/Latino, 1 % as Asian, and the balance as multiracial or unreported. Students often range from traditional post-high school age into adulthood, supporting both fresh graduates and career changers.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Many students at Goulds Academy qualify for financial aid, and the institution offers support through its financial aid office to guide applications for grants, loans, scholarships, and payment plans. The school is required to provide accommodations under applicable disability regulations and may coordinate access to facilities or program modifications for students with disabilities, particularly in technical labs and practical training, to ensure equity of opportunity.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Enrollment (Memphis campus) | 164 | As reported by Niche |
| Application Acceptance | High | Vocational school admits most eligible applicants |
| Students Receiving Financial Aid | ~58 % | As per school data from directory reports |
| Gender Female | ~88 % | Reflecting industry skew |
International student data is less publicly reported, as vocational schools often serve domestic populations, though some students may relocate for training.
University Diversity
Goulds Academy fosters diversity through its inclusive student recruitment and open admissions model. While the cosmetology industry historically skews female, Goulds supports gender diversity by admitting male students and encouraging interest across demographics. Its racial and ethnic mix demonstrates significant representation of African American and minority students, reflecting the local community and the makeup of urban Tennessee. The incorporation of financial aid helps students from lower-income backgrounds access vocational training. Because the institution emphasizes career readiness, technical skill, and licensure rather than selective academic entry, diversity in age, background, and prior experience is common. This breadth contributes to a dynamic learning environment where students from different life stages and perspectives collaborate and build skills together.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Goulds Academy typically enter entry-level positions in salons, spas, barber shops, or related service roles. Initial earnings vary by geographic region, specialty (hair, esthetics, nails, barbering), clientele, and business ownership. Many graduates begin as stylists or technicians earning commission plus base pay; over time, those who build clientele, specialize, or open their own businesses may see substantially higher earnings. The return on investment for Goulds alumni depends heavily on skill, networking, client retention, business acumen, and location. The institution’s training in business fundamentals through “Nuts & Bolts” modules is intended to help graduates maximize earning potential, manage salon operations, and transition toward self-employment or leadership roles, which can significantly drive income growth over time.
Goulds Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Goulds Academy employs skilled instructors and staff versed in beauty, cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics. Many faculty members possess professional licenses, industry experience, and familiarity with current salon trends and technologies. Staff roles include program directors, lab managers, admissions counselors, financial aid officers, administrative support, and client services coordinators. Given the vocational nature, faculty often act as mentors in salon labs, overseeing student work, client services, and technical skill development.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Goulds Academy commonly maintain credentials in cosmetology, esthetics, or barbering and often continue practice in salons or as guest stylists. The school brings in guest stylists from across the country, exposing students to current trends and techniques. Instructors may have achieved accolades in regional beauty shows or competition, certification in advanced curricula (e.g. Sassoon cutting, Goldwell color systems), and experience training newer stylists in professional environments. Their practical expertise is central to curriculum relevance and student success in transitioning to employment.
Goulds Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Goulds Academy does not provide student housing because its campuses serve local or commuting students. The school model is built for vocational day and evening attendance, not residential education. Therefore, students are responsible for arranging their own housing within commuting distance. Campus life revolves around lab activity, student salons, peer collaboration, events, workshops, and guest artist demonstrations. Community among students forms through shared workspace in salons, hands-on projects, and class cohorts rather than through residential life structures.
Transportation
Students commuting to Goulds Academy campuses typically rely on personal vehicles, rideshares, or local public transportation depending on their proximity to Memphis or Bartlett, Tennessee. Both campuses are situated in urban/suburban settings, making accessibility feasible in many regions. Because of the requirement of in-person instruction for practical training, reliable transportation is essential. Adequate parking is likely available at the campuses to accommodate commuting students. The vocational model seeks to minimize travel burdens by offering flexible scheduling (day, evening) to accommodate work and personal obligations.