University School of Nashville
General Information
About
The University School of Nashville is an independent, co‑educational K‑12 day school in Nashville, Tennessee, established in 1975 as the successor to the Peabody Demonstration School. Its mission emphasizes modeling “the best educational practices” in an environment that reflects the cultural and ethnic composition of the Nashville metropolitan area, and fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential. The school serves approximately 1,075 students across grades K‑12, drawn from dozens of zip codes in Middle Tennessee and representing more than 50 countries of origin among their families. The school’s two campuses—one in Midtown Nashville (Edgehill) and a larger River Campus along the Cumberland River—provide a dynamic learning environment combining rigorous academics, arts, athletics, and environmental/outdoor education. The institution prides itself on small classes, a student‑centered approach, robust opportunities for independent studies, and an inclusive community that encourages creative expression, love of learning, and pursuit of excellence.
Contact Information
Address (Edgehill Campus): 2000 Edgehill Ave., Nashville, Tennessee 37212
Address (River Campus): 1200 County Hospital Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37218
Phone Number: 615‑321‑8000
Email Address: info@usn.org
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1975 (as University School of Nashville) – successor to Peabody Demonstration School founded 1915. |
| Motto / Mission | “Models the best educational practices… fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic and athletic potential.” |
| Type | Independent, all‑gender, non‑sectarian day school (K‑12) |
| Enrollment | Approx. 1,075 students K‑12 |
| Student of Color % | Approximately 36% of students identify as students of color |
University School of Nashville Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Private High Schools in Tennessee (Niche) | #2 of 135 |
| Best College Prep Private High Schools TN | #2 of 107 |
| Best Private K‑12 Schools in Tennessee (Niche) | #2 of 104 |
University School of Nashville Academics
University School of Nashville Faculties / Departments
At University School of Nashville, the academic structure is organized into key school divisions and departmental units rather than traditional university faculties. These include:
- Lower School (Grades K‑4)
- Middle School (Grades 5‑8)
- High School (Grades 9‑12)
Within those divisions, academic departments or curricular domains include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Modern & Classical Languages, Visual & Performing Arts, Technology & Innovation, Athletics & Physical Education, Independent Study/Research, and Enrichment/Electives.
University School of Nashville Courses and Programs / Majors
Although the school is K‑12 and does not have majors in the university sense, it offers a broad array of advanced courses and programs including:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus AB/BC, Environmental Science, Statistics, Physics, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History, Chinese Language & Culture, French Language & Culture, Latin, Spanish Language & Culture.
- Independent Study opportunities (high school students design their own research or project‑based courses)
- Elective and enrichment programs across arts, athletics, technology, outdoor education, and extracurricular clubs
Online Learning
University School of Nashville emphasizes in‑person learning within its K‑12 day‑school model and does not prominently publish a fully online degree or program structure. However, given modern educational trends, there may be hybrid or digital components (such as electives, independent study modules, or remote learning support) especially when circumstances require. Prospective families should inquire directly about whether the school currently offers online or blended learning options, how those might integrate with the campus experience, and how students are supported in a digital environment.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Score (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| SAT | Approx. 1390 (average for upper school) |
| ACT | Approx. 31 (average for upper school) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
For the high school portion of University School of Nashville, the graduation rate is reported by some sources as 100%, reflecting the fact that students enrolled in the graduating cohort complete the program. Because the school serves grades K‑12, retention (year‑to‑year continuity) is strong but less frequently published as a distinct figure. The school’s small class sizes, consistent academic culture, and continuous progression from entry grades through high school suggest high retention and student persistence throughout the K‑12 experience.
University School of Nashville Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
While specific published GPA ranges for entry to University School of Nashville are not publicly detailed (common for independent K‑12 institutions), the average SAT score for upper school students is about 1390 and the average ACT score about 31, which indicates a high level of academic achievement among the admitted student body. Prospective applicants are recommended to demonstrate strong prior academic performance, readiness for rigorous coursework, and alignment with the school’s mission of intellectual, artistic, and athletic development.
University School of Nashville Acceptance Rate
| Admission Statistic | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly specified (private K‑12 school) |
University School of Nashville does not publicly publish a formal acceptance rate analogous to higher education institutions; it operates on a rolling admissions cycle for many grades and places significant emphasis on fit, student readiness, and family engagement.
University School of Nashville Application Requirements
Applicants to University School of Nashville are expected to submit relevant prior school transcripts or academic history, provide teacher recommendations (where applicable), complete an admissions assessment or screening (such as the ISEE for certain grades), and participate in an interview or admissions visit. In addition, families and prospective students are often asked to attend an information session or campus tour, engage with faculty and current students, and submit a family questionnaire or parent‑student questionnaire that addresses the student’s interests, motivations, and alignment with the school’s community values. The application process emphasizes both academic readiness and thoughtful engagement with the school’s mission of inclusive community, creativity, and student‑centered learning.
Application Process
- Submit online preliminary application by the specified deadline
- Schedule and complete student assessment (ISEE or equivalent for certain grades) and interview or visit
- Attend campus tour or information session for families
- Submit full application materials: transcripts, recommendations, family questionnaires
- Admissions committee reviews the application, assessment/interview, and fit with the school mission
- Admissions decision issued and enrollment contract completed
University School of Nashville Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Online Application Deadline | December 7 (for many grades) |
| Prospective Families Financial Aid App Due | January 4 (for many grades) |
| Admissions Assessment (ISEE) for Grades 5‑12 | January 31 |
| Final Application Materials Deadline | February 1 |
Essay Prompt
University School of Nashville may request applicants (especially in upper grades) to submit a personal reflection or essay prompt that invites them to describe their academic interests, creative pursuits, leadership or service experiences, and their aspirations within a vibrant K‑12 independent school community. The prompt encourages students to articulate how they will contribute to and benefit from a student‑centered, inclusive community that values integrity, creative expression, and a love of learning.
University School of Nashville Scholarships
The school offers need‑based financial aid to qualified families in accordance with its mission to support inclusion and diversity. According to published data, approximately 21% of students receive financial aid and the average award is around $21,690. Families interested in scholarships or aid should engage with the admissions/financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the documentation required (such as family financial statements, tax information, and parent questionnaires).
University School of Nashville Tuition and Fees
| Grade Range | Tuition Estimate (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| K‑12 highest grade tuition | ~$34,718 per year |
| Average financial aid award | ~$21,690 |
Note: These are approximate figures and tuition may vary by grade level and year; additional costs (such as technology fees, athletics, extracurriculars, supplies) may apply and families are advised to verify current year rates.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body of University School of Nashville spans grades K‑12 (approximately ages 5‑18) and is co‑educational (both boys and girls). Approximately 36% of students identify as students of color, and the community represents over 50 countries of origin among the families. While precise gender percentages and age breakdowns are not publicly detailed, the school serves a diverse K‑12 population with a broad range of ages and backgrounds.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
University School of Nashville maintains a financial aid program that provides need‑based scholarships to enable families from various economic backgrounds to enroll. Approximately 21% of students receive financial aid. Data specific to the proportion of students with disabilities (special education services, accommodations) are not widely published, though like many independent schools, USN likely provides support services in collaboration with families and professionals to each student’s educational needs.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approx. 1,075 students K‑12 |
| Countries Represented | More than 50 countries of origin among families |
| Average High School Class Size | Approx. 14 students per class |
University Diversity
Diversity is a hallmark of the University School of Nashville experience. The school explicitly states a commitment to an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic makeup of the Nashville region and beyond. With students drawn from over 50 countries of origin and roughly one in three students identifying as students of color, the community brings varied perspectives, experiences, and voices into daily school life. This diversity enriches classroom discussions, arts and athletics programs, and supports meaningful connections across cultural lines. The inclusive mission fosters belonging, mutual respect, and active citizenship, which align with the school’s guiding principles of intellectual integrity, creative expression and community engagement. Students are encouraged to collaborate, explore global viewpoints, engage in service, and develop empathy and leadership in a diverse setting. The presence of wide geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural representation ensures that students at USN engage with a community that is pluralistic and dynamic, preparing them for a multicultural, interconnected world.
Average Earnings
As a K‑12 school rather than a higher‑education institution, the University School of Nashville does not publish standard post‑graduation earnings data. However, the strong academic credentials, rigorous coursework (including independent study and AP offerings), and broad extracurricular opportunities position graduates well for selective colleges and subsequent professional pathways. Students who matriculate from USN are typically prepared for leadership, innovation and success in university and beyond. Families consistently cite the school’s culture of excellence, student‑centered learning, and inclusive community as key contributors to strong outcomes. While exact average earnings post‑college are unavailable, the environment and resources at USN help cultivate skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and global readiness—which are valuable for career success in an evolving labor market.
University School of Nashville Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The University School of Nashville employs a robust and highly qualified faculty and staff across its Lower, Middle and High School divisions. The reported student‑teacher ratio is approximately 9:1, enabling close student‑faculty interaction, individualized attention, and meaningful teacher‑student relationships. Faculty members hold advanced degrees, engage in ongoing professional development, and bring strong academic and pedagogical expertise to the classroom. The school values the teacher as mentor, advisor and coach in a student‑centered learning model that emphasizes inquiry, collaboration and individual growth.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at University School of Nashville include educators with master’s and doctoral credentials from established institutions; for example, high school English teachers hold M.A. and Ph.D. degrees and engage in designing independent study curricula, leading research‑based courses, and mentoring student projects. The academic program highlights ~30 student‑designed independent studies each semester in the high school division, evidencing faculty involvement in creating customized educational experiences. Teachers also lead co‑curricular programs, clubs, arts and athletic teams, and support students in leadership and service. The collective achievements of faculty contribute to USN being regularly recognized for academic excellence by external evaluators, and the school takes pride in its teaching corps as a core strength of the institution.
University School of Nashville Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Because University School of Nashville is a day school serving grades K‑12, it does not provide on‑campus residential housing. Students commute daily to either the Edgehill Campus in Midtown Nashville (7 acres, multiple buildings, outdoor field spaces) or the River Campus (81–88 acres along the Cumberland River) which is dedicated to athletics, outdoor classrooms, wetlands education and extensive extracurricular programming. The absence of boarding means families are responsible for transportation arrangements, but student life is vibrant: students participate in arts, athletics, clubs, service, outdoor education, independent study, and a strong advisory/social‑emotional program that fosters community. Costs related to housing are not applicable; instead, families should consider tuition, activity/athletic fees, transportation or parking costs, and other day‑school ancillary expenses.
Transportation
University School of Nashville’s campuses are located in Nashville, Tennessee, with the Edgehill location in Midtown and the River Campus in North Nashville along the Cumberland River. These locations are accessible by car and benefit from urban infrastructure; families typically drive or carpool. Some independent schools may provide shuttle or bus options, though specific publicly detailed information about school‑provided transportation is not widely published. On campus, students move between buildings, fields and outdoor classroom spaces; at the River Campus, boardwalks through wetlands, outdoor teaching spaces, playing fields and tennis courts facilitate on‑campus mobility and immersive learning experiences. For families evaluating commuting logistics, traffic patterns in Nashville, available parking, carpool arrangements, and proximity to home should be considered.