2023 Best Private Schools in Vanderbilt

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  69 reviews

Senior: USN has been a great school for me! I have gone there since kindergarten and I have been able to see my growth as not only a student but as an individual as well. Once in high school, students are given more freedom, and I truly appreciate that because it prepares you more for the real world. With freedom comes accountability and knowing how to juggle different activities I am involved in. USN is an academically challenging school as that is what the school's main focus is. While I would have loved to have a football team, I do feel like I am more prepared for college seeing how academically challenging USN is. Thanks, USN!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,081

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: Our son is a recent graduate of MBA, and we were thoroughly impressed, pleased and grateful! The school really understands boys and takes teaching and learning very seriously. Our son enjoyed the friends he made, and admires and respects his teachers. The faculty is top-notch and committed to the school and the boys. There are many ways for the students to explore various avenues of developing themselves as people - music, the arts, athletics, service. If you have a son who will be entering into middle school, you owe it to yourself to give MBA a long look!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 829

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: After being at Harpeth Hall for both middle and high school, I can confidently say that I really enjoy the small class sizes and close relationships with teachers. I never feel ignored or brushed aside in class, and teachers are almost always available if I have a question outside of class. The academics at Harpeth Hall are amazing and I am challenged every say in my classes. However, the school is not as strong socially as it is academically. It's not very diverse racially or economically, with the majority of students being white and upper/upper-middle class. I have seen some improvements in diversity since I started here, but I think there is still much to be done to make the school accessible and affordable for everyone.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 730

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I have gone to Ensworth since 5th grade. Being at a predominately white institution for my formative years, I felt like I was being deprived of a well-rounded school experience. That is not the case! I consider Ensworth my second home. The teachers and faculty are so caring and understanding and the plethora of opportunities I'm able to take advantage of because of my school never ceases to amaze me. It's tight knit community for sure, but people are generally welcoming and supportive. I'll never forget my first football game- the black and orange airhorns blown, cowbells rang, gatorade bottles filled with beads shaken. As a rising senior, I'm going to miss the community and the space here.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,202

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  206 reviews

Parent: Lipscomb Academy is an excellent learning environment for students! The academy is truly an exceptional place to learn and grow. One of the most impressive aspects of Lipscomb Academy is its commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. In addition to its academic offerings, Lipscomb Academy also provides a rich array of extracurricular activities and athletics programs. Whether a student is interested in music, drama, or sports, they are sure to find an outlet for their interests and passions. What sets Lipscomb Academy apart, however, is its strong sense of community. The faculty and staff are deeply invested in the success of each student, and they work tirelessly to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and take risks, all while feeling supported and valued.... Read 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,373

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Brentwood, TN•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  97 reviews

Alum: I graduated in the class of 2020! I loved everything about my time at Brentwood Academy. What I especially enjoyed was the relationships I had with each and every one of my teachers. All of the faculty and staff really care about each and every student. I do not think I would have done as well as I did in high school without the teachers at Brentwood Academy. They make school fun and interesting, but they are also so willing to help you if you are struggling; academically, mentally, and spiritually. I would recommend anyone who lives in the Nashville-Brentwood to check out Brentwood Academy. I am so grateful that I got to spend six years of my life there.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  78 reviews

Works Here: Franklin Road Academy is a wonderful place to work! It's a fantastic school for families wanting strong academic programs and a Christian mission. The small class sizes promote strong relationships among students and teachers. This is a place where the kids are both known and loved. It's wonderful having students from pre-k3 through grade 12 all on the same campus. The upper school students have opportunities to lead by example while the younger students grow and aspire to become the next leaders. Students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of activities to discover their passions. From robotics and musicals, to athletics and band/choir, students have lots of options for co-curriculars. The school also has beautiful facilities that were specifically designed to increase opportunities for collaboration and fellowship. I truly feel valued for my work every day and the members of the community provide support and encouragement. I love being a part of the FRAmily.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A

• Students 999

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  77 reviews

Alum: I absolutely loved attending CPA! As a recent alumni (class of 2020), I have felt so blessed by the relationships I have formed with the faculty, and the desire of my teachers to not only develop me academically; but as a woman. This school is such a special place, and I will carry the lessons they have instilled within me to my college.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,298

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  104 reviews

Alum: Davidson Academy was a good school. I have graduated recently and the school was definitely a great prep for college. However, in recent years things have really begun to go down the drain. Several teachers have been fired in recent years based on the personal bias from the board or administration. Speaking of administration it has changed hands multiple times just in the past 4 years. Most of the teachers at DA are great. There are many staples that really make the teaching staff. However, due to the firing of many other staples, the school has continuously hired teachers that are in no way capable. The relationships with students are beyond inappropriate and there is obvious bias, to clarify, I'm talking about the middle/high school. The elementary school is fantastic! The issues with the high school especially are too prevalent. As great as most of the teachers are, there are some that are absolutely terrible and the college resources are also bad unless you're going to UTK.... Read 104 reviews

• grade A

• Students 625

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  147 reviews

Senior: When I started my freshman year at Father Ryan, I only knew a handful of people as I did not attend a Catholic school prior to my enrollment. I knew a couple of seniors from my dance company and had a few other acquaintances. I wasn't too worried as I am outgoing and make friends easily. Freshman year was going well and then Covid hit and everything changed. It was challenging for me going from in person learning to online. Overall, Father Ryan did a good job handling a tough situation; however, I wish that more zoom classes had been offered instead of the majority of the work being self-taught. My teachers have positively impacted my years at Father Ryan as they have put in the time and effort to make sure their students get the most out of their classes. One of the most memorable experiences at Father Ryan has been my involvement in their dance program. Father Ryan has not only given me a wonderful education, but has helped me make lifelong friendships.... Read 147 reviews

• grade A

• Students 874

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  110 reviews

Junior: I have loved every minute of my experience at St. Cecilia! The staff and teachers are amazing and extremely helpful. Additionally, the school just went through a change in Administration which is much stricter than before. In my opinion, this was an excellent decision as many of the girls were not looking and acting to the SCA standards of excellence. Overall, I highly recommend St. Cecilia.... Read 110 reviews

• grade A

• Students 309

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Madison, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  134 reviews

Senior: Being a first year student as a senior was definitely a major change of pace for me and i was extremely nervous to change schools, although everyone here welcomed me with opened arms and this school truly feels like a family. It is amazing how all of the teachers are always willing and ready to help you whenever it is needed and they always check in. Overall my experience here has been amazing and I could not recommend this school enough!... Read 134 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 916

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Whites Creek, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: We love that our kids have the opportunity to be in this school. They are flourishing. Christ is central. Teachers go the extra miles. Administration is present and caring and wise. We love a school that recognizes that even when the road is rutted, the labor and bumps are worth it. We love that the mission statement is a living and breathing thing and that the school is heading toward that goal together...for the long-term joy and benefit and our kids and the Kingdom of Christ. Years ago we heard another dad refer to dropping his kids off at JECA as a sort of act of worship. We feel that. Our family is so profoundly grateful for the significant impact JECA (and especially the teachers) has played.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 201

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Antioch, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  70 reviews

Works Here: Since when did these things happen at school?! Never did in my past! 1. I witnessed freshmen hugging and crying with seniors over graduation 2. I witnessed seniors coming back to school the week after their last class just because they want to be here. 3. I saw at least 10 different students volunteering to clean bathrooms and do yard work for free! Just because they want to help. 4. No student actually uses their locker. Theft is basically a non-issue here. 5. When final bell rang I walked out to give high fives and say "congratulations!" And they look at me and nearly start crying because they don't want to leave for the summer. Lighthouse Christian School is truly a special school. High quality education, God-centered, diversity, and affordability. Best kept secret in Nashville friends. Holler at me and come check it out.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 448

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Brentwood, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.87 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: I have been an Currey Ingram parent for 12 years and could not be happier with the education my student has received. Not only in proper academics, but social skills and awareness, community service, time management, organization, responsibility, integrity , independence, physical fitness, teamwork, and so much more. My student with learning differences has not just survived school, but has excelled at Currey Ingram. She loves going to school every day! We are so excited to see how the skills she has learned at Currey Ingram serve her in college and beyond.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: I have had the best high school experience I could have asked for. With a graduating class of 40 students, we are a small school. However, the smallness of our school provides a family-like relationship between students and teachers. The smallness also allows for major college preparedness because of how teachers are able to focus on your specific needs to get you ready for college. I love all my teachers because I get to learn from them academically as well as spiritually. Whenever I am in need of academic or spiritual council, I know there are more than enough teachers readily awaiting to help me. I love my school, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in a school environment where teachers truly care about their students.... Read 49 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 693

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.92 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: We love Episcopal School of Nashville! Our 7th grader just started this year, having switched from a public school. Everyone is welcoming. The teachers are top notch, and he’s doing really well academically. There’s a real sense of community and an emphasis on character, responsibility, and critical thinking. The class sizes are small, so all the kids get a lot of one on one with the teachers, and the kids get to work collaboratively on projects ranging from science to math. The administration communicates well with the parents, and there’s a very active PA. They are still growing and are actively working to include more extracurriculars. I would highly recommend ESN!... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 155

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: Our family came to Saint Ann last year, when the public schools closed to in-person learning. We had never been in private school before, but we have completely fallen in love with Saint Ann. Our experience has been simply wonderful. The administration and teachers at Saint Ann truly care for and love their students. Because Saint Ann is a smaller school, your children (and your whole family) are known and cared for as individuals rather than just processed like cogs in a machine. Because teachers have smaller classes, they are able to give both extra help and extra challenge to students who need that. Our kids have flourished there academically. For example, our younger child, who was way behind in reading in public school, is now advanced in reading and reading for enjoyment every day! Most important to us, our kids love the school. It is a close-knit, happy place, and our kids are thriving academically and socially. Saint Ann School is a hidden gem!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 179

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4.86 out of 5  21 reviews

Parent: Our son has attended St. Paul for three years, and our experience has been nothing short of remarkable. While the academics are what initially brought us to the school, we have been blown away by the strong sense of community that reverberates at St. Paul. We had no ties to the school before coming but quickly felt like we had been part of this school for years. The teachers love their students. The emphasis on holistic development of your child is unparalleled, and the school goes out of its way to make every family feel important. The biggest blessing has been watching our son's confidence grow academically and spiritually.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Madison, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: My family has been going to Saint Joseph School for 3 years and I cannot imagine being anywhere else. SJS provides my children with a superior academic education and Christ-like spiritual guidance. The teachers are very knowledgeable, well trained, and experienced. Class sizes are small. Electives such as Spanish, Computers, Art, Music and STEM are provided starting in Kindergarten! I know when i drop my children off to school they will be challenged and cared for in a very special way.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: Saint Henry School continues to be such an incredibly positive community for my family. This is my 19th year as a parent here, and I continue to be amazed at the incredible effort the faculty and staff puts in to every aspect of SHS; combining exceptional faith-based learning, outstanding athletics and extra-curricular activities all into one very special place!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• Students 705

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Gateway Academy is dedicated to nurturing the growth of each individual. Students are allowed to have full control over their class, allowing them to take a deeper dive in topics they are interested in. Overall, this stimulates the students desire to attend school. The only downside to Gateway is that there are no group sports such as football. However, this never bothered me because I attended them with my other high school friends.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Students 30

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Akiva School is unique and stands out in so many wonderful ways. It is important in this day in age for children to feel a strong sense of community with social media, video games and society‘s message of do more in less time. Akiva provides a nurturing and uplifting community that each child feels they hold a special place. This breeds confidence, empowerment and fulfillment and you can see this on the kids smiling faces. They are happy to be there. Akiva is STEAM certified and the students are given the opportunity beginning in Kindergarten to take part in many STEAM projects including coding exercises. The curriculum keeps the students’ attention, the spark alive all the way through 6th grade which is their goal. The individualized attention ensures each child is challenged on the appropriate level. Our son is thriving in Kindergarten and we are looking forward to our younger son to experience Akiva soon as well. We are so happy being a part of the Akiva community!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 74

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  14 reviews

Niche User: Overbrook creates an environment where kids can thrive. They are academically challenged, yet have so much fun, form faith-based relationships, and grow in character. I've never seen another school like it! The Dominican sisters truly make the difference.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 288

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Nashville, TN•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: My twin girls have attended Covenant since Pre-K and will be graduating this year in 6th grade. I couldn't have dreamed of a happier and well-rounded PreK-6th environment for them! They are known there by the students and the teachers and feel loved! The parents are engaging and unpretentious. Parents are encouraged to be a part of their kid's morning in chapel or even at lunch! My girls have always loved when I've been able to show up and take part in their day. It seems to always make my day a little sweeter as well! Most importantly, you definitely feel the love of Jesus as soon as you walk through Covenant's doors! That's probably why my girls get up before me every day ready to go to school! I mean what kid does that? Our family will miss this school dearly next year and we will always be thankful for our years there!... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 204

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1