GET READY TO ROCK: SCHOOL OF ROCK VALRICO CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING ON AUGUST 6
Live Music, Community Fun, and Hands-On Experiences at Valrico's Performance-Based Music School
VALRICO, FL (July 27, 2026) — School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, announces the grand opening of School of Rock Valrico. The free, family-friendly event will take place on Thursday, August 6, starting at 1:00 p.m. at 3244 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Suite 104, Valrico, Florida.
The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico Chamber of Commerce, live performances by School of Rock students, refreshments, and tours of the school.
School of Rock Valrico is owned by Angela and Dave Ward, a husband-and-wife team opening their first School of Rock location. The Wards' journey began when their son, then seven years old, started taking lessons at School of Rock Germantown, TN. He joined the Rookies program and quickly advanced to Rock 101, where he found not just musical skills but a love of playing with others. The Wards' experience reflects what School of Rock's 2025 Social Impact Study found across more than 1,400 families: 84.8% of parents reported progress in their child's confidence, expressing ideas, awareness of nonverbal communication, initiating conversations, or participating in group discussions since starting at School of Rock.*
Angela spent 20 years as an elementary school teacher before opening School of Rock Valrico, while Dave has built his career in sales. Music runs in the family: Angela's father played drums in a local band that performed weekly at bars and restaurants, and Angela herself played drums growing up. The Wards' son received his first drum set at age two and hasn't put the sticks down since. Dave, an avid music lover, is a regular concertgoer.
"When we saw the difference School of Rock made in our son’s life, we knew we wanted to bring a school like it closer to home for kids just like him," said Angela Ward, co-owner of School of Rock Valrico. "Music is empowering, and the community and connection School of Rock builds is life-changing. We want to give that same experience back to the families in our community."
"Angela and Dave know exactly what School of Rock can do for a family because they've lived it," said Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock. "Watching their son grow from a quiet child into a confident musician is the kind of transformation this program is built for, and now they're bringing that same opportunity to Valrico families. That kind of personal investment is exactly what makes for a great School of Rock owner."
School of Rock Valrico offers music programs for all skill levels and age groups, from kids as young as five years old to adults. Students receive weekly one-on-one instruction on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals, and participate in group rehearsals that culminate in live performances at real venues. School of Rock's patented performance-based model builds musical skills while fostering life skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork.
For more information about School of Rock Valrico, visit www.schoolofrock.com/locations/valrico.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
WHEN
Thursday, August 6, 2026
1:00 p.m.
WHERE
School of Rock Valrico
3244 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Suite 104
Valrico, FL 33596
*Independent survey administered from 4/26-5/7/2025. Data is self-reported experience of 1,443 parents of School of Rock students under age 18. Informational purposes only. Learn more at schoolofrock.com/signup.
About School of Rock
School of Rock helps aspiring musicians master skills, unleash creativity, and develop the tools they need to thrive in life. Founded as a single school in Philadelphia, PA., in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 650 schools open or in development across 23 global markets and has grown its student count from 4,000 in 2009 to over 80,000 today. School of Rock offers a wide variety of music lessons, including guitar, singing, and piano. The company also sells musical instruments and music gear through its GearSelect program.
School of Rock was awarded US Patent 10,891,872 in 2021 for its innovative music education method. School of Rock is a proud supporter of Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS), and the Play Without Limits Project, a Youth Enrichment Brands initiative that provides youth activity scholarships to kids in need. School of Rock also has garnered the following industry awards in recent years: 2026 Global Franchise Grand Champion; 2026 Regional Champion – U.S.A. by Global Franchise Awards; 2026 and 2025 Best Children's Service & Education Franchise by Global Franchise Awards; seven consecutive years as Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 Top Children's Music Enrichment Brand and ranked #1 in the Children's Enrichment Category in 2025 and 2026; International Franchise Association's 2025 and 2024 Franchisee of the Year Awards; 2025 Franchise Business Review Top Franchise; 2024 Franchise Business Review Most Innovative Franchise; 2024 Top Recession-Proof Franchise by Franchise Business Review; 2024 Culture100 List by Franchise Business Review; 2024 Silver Award for Employee Satisfaction by Franchising@Work; 2024 Award Finalist by Franchising@Work; and 2021 Franchise Innovation Award for Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools.
