Ellis HartWhen looking at the best private schools in Nashville, you need a place that challenges students academically while actively supporting their personal growth.
The sad part is that a lot of parents are very busy with life and work. They just don’t have the time to spare researching and evaluating each private school in town.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We compared academic programs, daily campus culture, and overall tuition costs to help narrow things down to what works for you.
Here are the private schools in Nashville that we found that offer an environment where children can truly thrive!
How much do private school fees cost in Nashville?
Private school fees in Nashville cost $15,000 to over $34,000 annually, with elite independent high schools frequently exceeding the $30,000 mark.
| School Type | Average Annual Tuition Range |
| K-12 Independent Schools | $15,000 – $34,000+ |
| Top-Tier Private High Schools | $25,000 – $30,000+ |
| Smaller Religious Schools | Lower than average ($15,000 – $20,000) |
1. University School of Nashville
Website: https://www.usn.org/
Address: 2000 Edgehill Avenue
Contact: (615) 321-8000 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Built on the history of the Peabody Demonstration School, University School of Nashville (USN) leans into inquiry-based learning where kids actually get to drive their own research.
It can be tough to find a truly diverse, non-sectarian school in Middle Tennessee, so this campus really fills a gap.
When I toured the school last fall, the diversity of the kindergarten through 12th-grade (K-12) student body stood out right away. It genuinely reflects the city’s real cultural mix instead of feeling like a closed-off bubble.
Parents also love the two-campus setup. You get the main academic buildings, plus an 81-acre River Campus meant for sports and hands-on science in the protected wetlands.
But keeping the main campus right in Midtown means you’ll definitely hit heavy traffic during drop-offs. Plus, the premium tuition can be a big financial stretch if you aren’t using financial aid.
2. Episcopal School of Nashville
Website: https://www.esnashville.org/
Address: 1310 Ordway Place
Contact: (615) 928-8611 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you want a solid start for your little ones, you might want to look at the Episcopal School of Nashville (ESN) right in East Nashville.
Since they focus strictly on early education through the sixth grade, the teachers pour their energy into those critical early years.
This makes the school a great alternative to traditional preschools, building a close-knit urban community that welcomes diverse backgrounds.
For the younger kids, the curriculum leans into a play-based approach. As they grow, classes shift toward strong academic methods like Singapore Math, all balanced by a solid social-emotional learning (SEL) framework.
Keep in mind, though, that the school stops at sixth grade. You’ll eventually have to go through the middle school application process again.
Given its size, the campus is also pretty modest and entirely modular, so you won’t find the sprawling historic grounds that some older schools offer.
3. Franklin Road Academy
Website: https://www.franklinroadacademy.com/
Address: 4700 Franklin Pike
Contact: (615) 832-8845 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lots of local families really want their kids to stay on one campus for their whole school journey. That’s exactly what Franklin Road Academy (FRA) offers.
As an inclusive Christian school, FRA offers a single pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade (Pre-K-12) setup on a sprawling 62-acre property near downtown.
When I chatted with some current parents recently, they couldn’t stop talking about the hands-on programs. Instead of just sitting in class, kids can launch their own businesses in the innovation labs or travel overseas for community projects.
Their academics are also incredibly strong. It’s backed by plenty of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and teachers who really know their stuff.
Parents, take note that the school’s faith-based approach includes daily chapel and student-led devotions. So, it might not be the right fit if you’re looking for a strictly secular environment.
Their steep tuition definitely remains a hurdle, even though they do offer need-based financial aid.
4. Montgomery Bell Academy
Website: https://www.montgomerybell.edu/
Address: 4001 Harding Road
Contact: (615) 298-5514
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Figuring out the best way young men learn takes a specific kind of focus. Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) builds its approach around challenging academics and staying active.
But it’s not all just textbooks and sports. The teachers make sure creative outlets like theater and visual arts get just as much spotlight as traditional classes.
On top of that, students often have the opportunity to travel overseas or to dive into real scientific research thanks to the school’s generous grant funding. These kinds of experiences really help them stand out when it comes time for college applications.
Just remember that since the campus is the only independent all-boys school in the area. This means the guys won’t have those everyday chances to socialize with girls.
Also, this is one of the most expensive schools in the entire region, so it definitely requires a major financial commitment.
5. Harding Academy
Website: https://www.hardingacademy.org/
Address: 170 Windsor Drive
Contact: (615) 356 5510
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Taking high schoolers out of the mix gives younger kids a chance to step up as leaders much sooner.
Since Harding Academy focuses strictly on pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (PreK-8), they really tailor the academics and daily vibe to how kids grow during these specific years.
The way they incorporate visual and performing arts into the day-to-day actually feels a lot like what you’d expect from a dedicated art school in Nashville. You’ll find fun traditions like community art shows and a highly specialized dance program.
Because of this solid foundation, students consistently score well above national averages and usually have no trouble getting into top local high schools.
But since the campus stops at eighth grade, you’ll eventually have to navigate the high school application process.
While private schools always come with a high price tag, paying premium tuition here also means you still have to budget for another prep school right after.
