The Best Private Schools in Cunningham, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cunningham. 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
University School of Nashville is a prestigious independent school located approximately 40 miles from Cunningham in the heart of Nashville. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, USN offers an exceptional college preparatory program with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. The school features a diverse curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, renowned arts programs, and competitive athletics. The urban campus provides unique learning opportunities through partnerships with Vanderbilt University and other Nashville institutions. While a commute from Cunningham, it serves families throughout Middle Tennessee.
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Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent
Montgomery Bell Academy is an esteemed all-boys college preparatory school serving students in grades 7-12, located approximately 45 miles from Cunningham in Nashville. With a rich history dating to 1867, MBA provides a rigorous academic environment complemented by extensive athletic, artistic, and leadership opportunities. The school offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement curriculum, competitive sports programs, and emphasizes character development and community service. The 47-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. MBA draws students from throughout Middle Tennessee, including the Cunningham area.
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Clarksville Academy
Independent
Clarksville Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Cunningham, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. The 60-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cunningham, Tennessee
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Cunningham, TN, given that top schools like Montgomery Bell Academy are in Nashville?
While Cunningham itself is a small community without its own private schools, families typically look to nearby Clarksville and Nashville. The most accessible and popular option is Clarksville Academy, a Pre-K through 12th grade college-preparatory school about a 30-minute drive away. For families willing to commute 45-60 minutes to Nashville, prestigious options like University School of Nashville and Montgomery Bell Academy become possibilities, though these involve significant daily travel. Many Cunningham families also consider parochial schools in Clarksville, such as St. Mary's Catholic School, as part of their private education search.
How does Tennessee's Education Savings Account (ESA) program impact tuition affordability for Cunningham private school families?
Tennessee's ESA program can significantly aid eligible families in Cunningham. For the 2024-2025 school year, the program provides approximately $9,000 in state funds per student for tuition and other educational expenses at participating private schools. This can cover a substantial portion of tuition at schools like Clarksville Academy. Eligibility is primarily based on household income, residency in certain counties (Montgomery County, where Cunningham is located, is included), and other factors. It's crucial to confirm that your chosen school participates and to apply during the state's designated window, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools accessible from Cunningham that leverage Middle Tennessee's resources?
Schools in this region often have programs tied to local military, agricultural, and university resources. Clarksville Academy, benefiting from proximity to Fort Campbell, has strong JROTC and student support programs for military families. Many Nashville-area schools, like University School of Nashville, offer exceptional partnerships with Vanderbilt University, the Frist Art Museum, and the Nashville music industry for internships and advanced studies. Furthermore, several schools have robust agriscience and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs that align with the rural character of communities like Cunningham, offering hands-on learning not always available in urban settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key admission requirements for private schools like Clarksville Academy that serve the Cunningham area?
The timeline for schools like Clarksville Academy is critical due to limited seats. The application process for the following academic year typically opens in September, with priority deadlines in January or February. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and completing a student assessment and family interview. For Cunningham families, it's important to plan for transportation logistics as part of the application consideration. Many schools host open houses in the fall, and attending these early is highly recommended. Rolling admissions may continue after priority deadlines, but popular grades fill quickly.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Cunningham compare to the local public schools in Montgomery County?
The most notable difference is scale. Montgomery County public schools, which Cunningham students would attend, are large, with high schools like Montgomery Central having over 1,200 students. In contrast, Clarksville Academy has a total student body of around 600 across all grades, leading to much smaller average class sizes (often 15-18 students). This fosters a close-knit community feel, which many Cunningham families seek. However, the public schools offer a wider array of specific elective courses and massive-scale athletic programs. The choice often comes down to prioritizing individualized attention and a specific educational philosophy versus the breadth of programs and the convenience of a tuition-free, local school.
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