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Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families make. Our 2026 School Guide highlights leading schools, colleges, and educational institutions throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee, helping students and parents discover the best fit for every stage of learning.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, academic programs are designed around clear expectations, helping students understand where they’re headed and why. With more than 95 undergraduate programs, UTC balances choice with the structure and guidance students need to stay focused. Classes are relatively small, so professors can follow students’ work closely and respond when it matters.
UTC is part of the University of Tennessee System, which means our students benefit from the resources and reputation of a statewide public university, with the personalized support and attention of a mid-sized campus.
The university supports project-based learning and helps students secure internships and undergraduate research positions, depending on their interests and goals. About half of all UTC students graduate without debt, giving them more flexibility as they start their careers or continue their education.
Located in downtown Chattanooga and just two hours from Nashville, UTC offers direct access to opportunity in a city that makes it easier to connect learning with experience.
Tip: Did you know that UTC Housing is among the top-rated in the state? Students who apply early have more options when choosing where they’ll live on campus. Learn more and apply online at utc.edu/apply.
Tennessee Tech University
Students come to Tennessee Tech University to live bold, fearless, confident and kind lives. Providing majors for today’s top jobs, Tech produces career-ready graduates known for their creativity, tenacity and analytical approach. The university offers more than 265 programs of study in nine academic colleges, with bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
Tech faculty and staff are focused on putting students first and helping students express themselves through innovation and problem-solving. Most importantly, students can make a difference immediately with their ideas and passions, with a community of support to help along the way.
With hundreds of clubs and activities, Tech students design the future in virtual reality labs and build new technology, are members of professional organizations and honor societies, join fraternities and sororities and engage with a wide variety of faith-based and academic clubs.
Trailblazers, student tour guides who can share a view of the university from a genuine perspective, are ready to show you how you can Live Wings Up.
Schedule a campus visit with a Trailblazer to see Tech for yourself at tntech.edu/visit.
Brentwood Academy
Brentwood Academy is a coeducational, independent, college-preparatory school dedicated to nurturing and challenging each whole person, body, mind and spirit, to the glory of God.
Brentwood Academy faculty are committed to Christ and encourage students to become resilient, critical thinkers, thoughtful communicators, problem-solvers and Christ followers. Symbolized by a triangle with sides representing body, mind and spirit, Brentwood Academy’s Triangle Philosophy supports strong academics and challenging athletics built on a foundation of faith in the gospel.
Ready to experience Brentwood Academy for yourself?
Our admission team can’t wait to meet you. Join us for a campus tour to learn more about Brentwood Academy’s mission and ministry. You’ll see students engaged in learning, athletics, fine arts and student life across our beautiful campus. Tours are offered on weekdays, last about one hour and provide the opportunity to experience the BA community and ask questions along the way.
Visit BrentwoodAcademy.com/StartHere to schedule your tour.
Tip: Brentwood Academy serves students in grades 6–12, providing a seamless educational experience. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to explore athletics, fine arts, clubs, service opportunities and leadership experiences while building meaningful relationships that prepare them for college and a life of faith.
Currey Ingram Academy
At Currey Ingram Academy, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all education. As a private, coed, JK–12 day and boarding school for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD and executive function challenges, we are committed to helping every student achieve their fullest potential.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that when students feel understood, supported and empowered, anything is possible. Through evidence-based instruction, small class sizes, individualized learning plans and an unwavering focus on strengths, not just challenges, our students gain the tools they need to succeed not only in the classroom, but in life.
We offer more than just academics. With a wide range of athletics, arts, leadership and extracurricular opportunities, students build confidence, develop critical life skills and find their place in a close-knit and nurturing community.
From our 83-acre campus in Brentwood, Tennessee, to our global reach through boarding and professional outreach programs, Currey Ingram is redefining what’s possible for students who learn differently.
Families often tell us, “We wish we had found you sooner.” If your child is struggling in a traditional classroom or would benefit from smaller class sizes and more personalized support, Currey Ingram Academy can help.
Learn more at curreyingram.org.
Davidson Academy
At Davidson Academy, our mission is to prepare students for college, life and eternity. From preschool, beginning as young as six weeks old, through high school graduation, Davidson Academy offers a strong Christian foundation for lifelong learning and college preparation by nurturing spiritual, intellectual, physical and social growth in an interdenominational setting with 100% college placement.
Providing our students with a wide variety of exceptional opportunities in a safe environment, they are challenged to excel academically in the classroom, athletically on the field and creatively while performing on stage. Christ is at the center of everything we teach, and our teachers go above and beyond to ensure that each student learns in his or her own way.
Experience the Davidson Academy difference by joining us for a private campus tour. Contact Director of Admissions Lori Trew at 615-565-0219 or ltrew@davidsonacademy.com to set up your tour.
Tip: Our 65-acre campus has expanded its footprint to include a thriving preschool program serving children from six weeks old to prekindergarten. In addition, Davidson Academy has elevated the student experience through the introduction of a cutting-edge STEAM-focused curriculum, an outdoor classroom for high school students, elementary and middle school hall renovations and other upgrades.
These additions include a high-quality video board in the high school gym and on the football field, LED lights on the baseball and football fields, a new indoor softball facility and softball scoreboard, a revamped weight room and a new football practice field.
Ensworth
Ensworth empowers students to lead and shape the future through an intentional, whole-child approach that inspires intellectual curiosity, cultivates character and fosters the joy of learning.
Our students are challenged academically, encouraged to discover and develop their unique talents and supported by exceptional educators who know, value and believe in them. From the classroom to the stage, the playing field to the science lab, students pursue truth with curiosity, integrity and purpose.
In a joyful and deeply connected community, they grow into confident scholars, compassionate leaders and engaged citizens prepared for lives of purpose.
Tip: A truly exceptional education helps students discover not only what they know, but who they are becoming. At Ensworth, challenging academics are paired with caring teachers, authentic relationships and opportunities for every student to develop their unique talents, preparing graduates for lives of purpose, leadership and lifelong learning.
Father Ryan High School
For over a century, Father Ryan High School has prepared students to lead with purpose, compassion, Catholic values and excellence. As Nashville’s trusted coeducational, college-preparatory Catholic high school, Father Ryan knows, loves and inspires students to reach their full potential academically, spiritually and personally.
Father Ryan’s distinctive personalized learning approach includes four flexible levels of learning for learners of all abilities:
- More than 200 courses, including 28 AP classes
- The prestigious Hayes Scholars program for top students
- Dual Enrollment college-credit courses taught at Father Ryan by its faculty during the school day
- The most arts courses of any private Middle Tennessee high school
- Customized support for every student and more
Tip: Father Ryan transforms Nashville’s largest high school into intentional, welcoming communities of belonging through its nationally recognized House System and expansive faith and formation program for service-learning and leadership development.
Graduates join more than 15,000 alumni who carry the school’s mission to become meaningful changemakers in Nashville and around the world.
Harding Academy
Harding Academy is a coeducational, nonsectarian day school serving PreK through eighth grade. We believe a supportive community is the very mechanism that produces academic excellence. Here, students thrive in an environment where they are both deeply nurtured and academically challenged, building the confidence they need to excel.
By focusing on the foundational PreK through eighth-grade years, we honor the natural pace of childhood. Without the social pressures of high school, our students grow at their own pace, while our middle schoolers step up as mentors, buddies and campus leaders. This structure provides a safe space for students to take risks, stretch their limits and build resilience.
The ultimate proof of this supportive yet rigorous approach lies in our outcomes. Harding Academy delivers concrete results, with nearly all of our eighth graders accepted to their first- or second-choice high school, transitioning seamlessly into the region’s most challenging secondary schools.
This exceptional academic journey begins with deep classroom support, where K–5 students benefit from a dedicated Learning Effectiveness Teacher alongside their lead teacher. As they progress, students dive into advanced STEM concepts like robotics, programming and physics.
Beyond academics, our students develop through robust cocurriculars. The Harding Hawks athletic program offers a large variety of competitive sports with a strict “no-cut” policy, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to build physical confidence. Meanwhile, artistic creativity thrives through two annual musical theater productions and an award-winning visual arts program.
Guided by our community code, Harding Academy fosters a warm space where every child is known by name. We invite you to experience our community firsthand.
Visit hardingacademy.org or call 615-356-5510.
Harpeth Hall
At Harpeth Hall, we know how girls learn best. In the classroom, every aspect of the educational experience is designed with girls in mind. From power tools to microscopes, students learn through doing as teachers create hands-on experiences that elevate concepts beyond the textbook and make lessons memorable.
That spirit of active, immersive learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our four-time World Championship-qualifying robotics team is just one example of our girls’ desire to break barriers and build the future.
During the 2026–2027 school year, we celebrate the opening of our expansive Dettwiller STEM Center, which provides our girls with state-of-the-art laboratories and learning spaces to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Winterim, our signature three-week January program, inspires students to explore careers, develop new interests, travel the globe and create memories for a lifetime. Our capstone pathways, SEEK research and Public Purpose programs encourage students to think beyond familiar boundaries and engage with complex issues.
We value diversity of thought, encourage reflection and action and cultivate respect for others’ views, creating a vibrant academic environment. Here, we affirm that every girl is a leader and every leader is a girl.
In the arts, students experience creative expression without limits. Our girls shine on stage as actors, screenwriters and musicians. School publications feature original paintings, poetry and prose that showcase artistic endeavors. Our students know they can become what they dream, inspired by our New York Times-bestselling writers, nationally recognized music podcast host, Academy Award-winning actress and entrepreneur and Grammy-honored singer.
In athletics, girls at Harpeth Hall push themselves beyond their comfort zones and enjoy unforgettable experiences along the way. In the last five years, our teams have claimed state titles in cross country, lacrosse, riflery, rowing, soccer and track and field, and two recent alumnae are Olympic-medal-winning, world-record-setting swimmers.
These achievements are a testament to the strength and confidence that every student at Harpeth Hall develops, preparing them for a lifetime of health and well-being.
Tip: Harpeth Hall holds true to a simple but powerful idea: Girls deserve an excellent education full of purpose and possibilities. This school year, we celebrate 75 years on Harpeth Hall’s campus and a history of more than 160 years of girls’ education in Nashville.
To learn more about Harpeth Hall, where girls and young women learn to think critically, lead confidently and live honorably, visit HarpethHall.org.
Motlow State Community College
Motlow State Community College offers students a clear pathway to education, career training and community connection. With multiple campuses across the region and flexible scheduling options, Motlow supports students balancing work, family and new beginnings.
Career-focused programs are launching to meet today’s job market head-on. Cyber Defense and Mechatronics, including Robotics and Automation, prepare students for high-demand tech careers, while Distilled Spirits, the only program of its kind taught at an actual distillery, connects students to the region’s world-renowned food and beverage industry.
New offerings in Nursing and Surgical Technology at the Fayetteville campus are opening fresh pathways into healthcare. Students also benefit from athletic and cultural events that enhance campus life, encourage engagement and create a sense of belonging beyond the classroom.
Affordability remains central to Motlow’s mission, with financial aid and scholarship opportunities through the Motlow College Foundation helping reduce financial barriers.
Through academic support, workforce training and community-focused experiences, Motlow builds a strong foundation for launching your long-term educational and professional goals designed to secure future success.
Tip: Visit Motlow.edu to see the full list of programs and courses, as well as more information on how to enroll.
Rhodes College
Rhodes College is a nationally ranked liberal arts college that inspires profound transformation in our students. For more than 175 years, we have provided a world-class education that challenges our students to cultivate a lifelong passion for learning and make a difference around the world.
Our beautiful 123-acre Collegiate Gothic campus in the heart of the city is a close, tight-knit community that combines the best of the classroom and real-world experience. Students conduct high-impact research with partners like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and pursue internships at Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies at home and internationally.
We are consistently ranked one of America’s best colleges by The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review, Forbes and Money.
Tennessee residents who meet academic requirements can benefit from our Tennessee Advantage Scholarship of $31,000 per year. We also offer $1,000 Campus Visit Grants for students who visit Rhodes during their senior year.
St. Cecilia Academy
As Nashville’s oldest private school, St. Cecilia Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory school serving girls in grades 7 through 12. Since 1860, St. Cecilia has provided a premier education for young women who have used their feminine genius to influence and shape their communities and the world as confident leaders.
The school offers a rigorous, award-winning liberal arts academic program beginning in seventh grade that teaches students how to think critically and navigate our complex modern world. The St. Cecilia student has access to the arts, athletics, clubs, dance, debate, music, robotics, service, STEM, theater, travel and more.
The dedicated faculty knows students by name, providing individual attention and helping each student discover the woman God made her to be. St. Cecilia is unique, rooted in a vibrant Christ-centered environment marked by a nurturing community spirit.
We invite you to learn more about St. Cecilia Academy and visit our campus community.
Tip: Visit us and see what St. Cecilia Academy has to offer your daughter. Learn more at stcecilia.edu.
Admissions Preview Day: Hosted October 4 from 3–5 p.m., this event provides an overview of the school, a chance to meet faculty, staff, students and current parents and a tour of campus. Register at stcecilia.edu/admissions or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@stcecilia.edu.
Parent Tours: If you would like a personal tour of St. Cecilia Academy, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@stcecilia.edu.
Shadow Days: This experience provides prospective students with a glimpse of what it is like to attend St. Cecilia Academy. Email admissions@stcecilia.edu to schedule a Shadow Day.
Franklin Road Academy
Franklin Road Academy is a prekindergarten through grade 12 coeducational independent school offering a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community.
FRA provides a rigorous education within a collaborative learning setting, preparing students to attend the finest colleges and universities and become leaders of integrity and purpose.
In our Innovation Labs in lower school, middle school and upper school and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, students hone team-building, problem-solving, communication and leadership skills in dynamic spaces.
With one campus and one shared mission, FRA is able to thoughtfully connect every stage of learning.
To learn why a Franklin Road Academy education is a journey like no other, call the Admissions Office at 615-832-8845 or visit franklinroadacademy.com.
Tip: FRA’s entrepreneurial leadership program inspires students to think creatively, solve real-world problems and bring their ideas to life. Students learn how to develop innovative business concepts, launch real products and even form their own LLCs.
With hands-on experiences and guidance from mentors, they gain essential skills in leadership, collaboration and critical thinking, no matter where they begin.
Entrepreneurship is woven throughout all divisions. Lower school students host business expos and explore concepts like restaurant operations, while middle and upper school students engage in deeper career exploration and run real ventures.
Montgomery Bell Academy
At Montgomery Bell Academy, every boy is encouraged to chart his own course while developing the courage, integrity and resilience to lead and make meaningful contributions to society.
Founded in 1867, MBA is Tennessee’s oldest independent school for boys and serves more than 850 students in grades 7–12. Through a challenging college-preparatory curriculum and exceptional opportunities in athletics, the arts, leadership and service, students are known personally and encouraged to pursue excellence in every aspect of school life.
We seek young men who are curious, motivated and eager to contribute to a community that values character as much as achievement. MBA’s all-boys environment allows students to learn, lead and grow in ways specifically tailored to how boys thrive, encouraging intellectual risk-taking, authentic friendships and confident leadership.
The best way to experience the spirit of MBA is to visit campus, meet our students and faculty and see firsthand how an MBA education prepares boys to become thoughtful leaders and men of purpose.
To schedule a campus tour, visit montgomerybell.edu/welcometo-mba.
Nashville Christian School
At Nashville Christian School, we believe in shaping the future through faith, academics and community. From our Early Learning Village, welcoming children as young as six weeks, to our PreK–12 programs, NCS provides a nurturing environment where every child’s potential is celebrated.
At NCS, we lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development. As students progress, our dedicated faculty guides them through a challenging, faith-based curriculum that promotes academic excellence, character growth and meaningful relationships.
With a Christian, authentic and dynamic approach, NCS offers unique opportunities for every student to thrive in the classroom, on the field, on the stage and in service to others.
Join us in building a lasting legacy of excellence. Explore how NCS can be the best fit for your child’s educational journey.
Visit NashvilleChristian.org to learn more, schedule a tour or call 615-356-5600.
Tip: Experience NCS firsthand by registering for an Open House Day at Nashville Christian School. Throughout the year, we offer small-group tours where you can meet educators, explore our campus and experience a typical day with our students.
Contact Admissions at 615-356-5600 to schedule your visit.
Overbrook Catholic School
At Overbrook Catholic School, we pursue academic excellence in service of a higher calling. Guided by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, we educate preschool-3 through sixth-grade students to seek and embrace the Truth, fostering a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Through a joyful, Christ-centered community, we nurture the whole child, helping students discover and use their God-given gifts in service of others as they journey toward heaven.
Because Truth is at the center of an Overbrook Catholic education, students are challenged to grow intellectually, creatively, physically and spiritually through nationally recognized academics, hands-on learning at our working mini farm, the SOAR gifted program, athletics, fine arts, leadership and service opportunities.
Faith permeates daily life through prayer, weekly Mass, sacramental life and all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and accredited by Lumen, Overbrook Catholic forms students in wonder, wisdom and virtue.
Tip: Discover the Dominican Difference for yourself through a campus visit, shadow day or admissions event. Experience the joyful community, exceptional academics and Christ-centered formation that make Overbrook Catholic unique at overbrook.edu/admissions.
Saint Ann Catholic School
Your child will soar at Saint Ann Catholic School because we are an environment infused with the love of Christ, where your child’s uniqueness is encouraged as they pursue academic excellence, engage in service for others and thrive in their pursuit of peace and justice.
Saint Ann School serves approximately 218 students in grades PreK3 through eighth grade. The best way to understand the unique qualities of a Saint Ann School education is to experience it firsthand.
We suggest scheduling a personalized tour of our campus. During your school tour, we will provide all registration information. Following your tour, we are happy to schedule a shadow day for your student. This is a wonderful way for your child to experience life at Saint Ann School with his or her future classmates.
Visit saintannparish.com/school to learn more.
Saint Henry School
Saint Henry School is a welcoming community that encourages students to grow academically, spiritually and personally. Its dedicated teachers provide a supportive learning environment where students are challenged to do their best while developing strong values such as kindness, respect and responsibility.
The school offers a well-rounded education with opportunities in academics, athletics, arts and service, helping students build confidence and leadership skills.
Saint Henry School prepares students for future success by fostering a love of learning and a commitment to faith, character and excellence.
Visit sthenryschool.org to learn more.
Tip: “St. Henry’s is one of the best decisions we made for our daughter. Because of the academic standards she was held to, she developed an advanced knowledge base, work ethic and discipline that prepared her for the rigorous academic challenges in high school. We are proud to see her as humble, respectful and encouraging of others, character traits developed within the St. Henry’s family that have continued to live strong.”
—Online parent review, GreatSchools.org