The Best Private Schools in Clarksville, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarksville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School of Nashville
Independent
While located in Nashville, University School of Nashville serves families throughout Middle Tennessee, including Clarksville residents seeking exceptional private education. As one of the region's most prestigious independent schools, USN offers a challenging academic environment with extensive Advanced Placement options and innovative programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science research labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a diverse student body and commitment to experiential learning, USN consistently ranks among Tennessee's top private schools for academic achievement and college placement.
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Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent
Montgomery Bell Academy, located in Nashville, serves students from throughout Middle Tennessee including Clarksville families seeking all-boys college preparatory education. As Tennessee's oldest private school, MBA combines tradition with innovation through a rigorous academic program that includes extensive honors and advanced placement courses. The 47-acre campus features exceptional facilities including STEM labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. MBA emphasizes character development and leadership through its honor code and comprehensive extracurricular programs, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Clarksville Academy
Independent
Clarksville Academy is the city's premier independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Established in 1970, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes averaging 15 students. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers comprehensive athletic programs with numerous state championships. Clarksville Academy maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarksville, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available within Clarksville, TN, and do I need to consider schools in Nashville?
Within Clarksville city limits, Clarksville Academy is the primary independent, college-preparatory day school serving grades Pre-K through 12. For families willing to commute, highly-regarded schools like Montgomery Bell Academy (all-boys) and University School of Nashville (co-ed) in Nashville, about an hour's drive south, are common considerations. This means Clarksville parents often evaluate the trade-off between the convenience of a local option and the specialized programs, longer histories, and potentially broader extracurricular offerings of the Nashville metro schools. It's important to factor in daily commute logistics and transportation services offered.
How does tuition for private schools in the Clarksville, TN, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in Clarksville is generally below the average for major Tennessee metropolitan areas. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Clarksville Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 for lower school to $14,000 for upper school. This is notably lower than Nashville schools, where tuition can exceed $30,000. Tennessee offers the Education Savings Account (ESA) program for eligible students in certain districts, but Montgomery County (Clarksville) is not currently a participating district. However, most private schools, including Clarksville Academy, offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Clarksville-area private schools offer that leverage local military and agricultural communities?
Clarksville's identity, shaped by Fort Campbell and its agricultural surroundings, influences local private school programs. Clarksville Academy has a strong focus on college prep with a robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. Extracurricularly, schools may have dedicated clubs or support systems for students from military families, who often face transitions. While not specifically agricultural, science programs may incorporate regional biology and environmental studies. The Nashville schools, like University School of Nashville, offer urban-centric programs in global studies and the arts. The local context means private schools here are adept at serving a transient population and fostering a close-knit community feel.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in and around Clarksville, TN?
The timeline is critical, especially for competitive Nashville schools. For schools like Montgomery Bell Academy and University School of Nashville, the process begins a full year in advance, with applications due in January or February for the following fall. Clarksville Academy may have a more flexible rolling admissions policy but still encourages early application. Key steps for all include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications with transcripts and recommendations, and completing student assessments/interviews. For Clarksville families targeting Nashville schools, planning for the commute and potential waitlist decisions is an essential part of the process.
For a family living in Clarksville, what are the key factors in choosing between a local private school and the high-performing public schools in Montgomery County?
This is a central decision for Clarksville parents. Montgomery County Public Schools, like Rossview and Clarksville High, are highly rated in Tennessee. Choosing a local private school like Clarksville Academy often comes down to specific preferences: smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public), a singular college-prep focus from K-12, and a particular community environment. Public schools offer greater diversity, no tuition, and often exceptional athletic programs. The decision may hinge on whether a family values the tailored, consistent private school pathway enough to forego the tax-funded, comprehensive, and also high-achieving public system. Visiting both types is essential.
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