The Best Private Schools in Hermitage, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hermitage. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent
Montgomery Bell Academy is one of Tennessee's premier independent college preparatory schools for boys in grades 7-12. Located just 15 minutes from Hermitage in Nashville, MBA offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive athletic facilities, and comprehensive arts programs. The school emphasizes character development and leadership through its honor code and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, MBA consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
University School of Nashville
Independent
University School of Nashville is a highly regarded independent school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 12 miles from Hermitage, USN offers a progressive educational approach that balances academic rigor with creative expression and community engagement. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse extracurricular programs. USN is known for its inclusive community, experienced faculty, and strong college placement record.
Programs:
St. Matthew Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Nashville
St. Matthew Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and is located approximately 20 minutes from Hermitage. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programming, including specialized STEM instruction and comprehensive fine arts. With modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers, St. Matthew emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities and maintains strong parent involvement and community spirit.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hermitage, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Hermitage, Tennessee, and are there any located directly within the community?
While Hermitage itself is primarily served by the highly-regarded public schools of Metro Nashville Public Schools, most private schools are located in neighboring areas of Nashville. Top options that Hermitage families commonly consider include Montgomery Bell Academy (an all-boys college preparatory school in West Nashville), University School of Nashville (a co-ed pre-K-12 school near Vanderbilt), and St. Matthew Catholic School (a Pre-K-8 parochial school in East Nashville). The commute from Hermitage to these schools is a significant factor, typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. There are very few, if any, traditional private day schools physically located within the Hermitage postal code itself.
How does Tennessee's school choice legislation, like the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, impact private school affordability for Hermitage residents?
Tennessee's ESA program, currently available to eligible families in certain districts (with Nashville being a focus area), can significantly impact affordability for Hermitage residents. Qualified families can receive public funds deposited into an account to pay for approved private school tuition and other educational expenses. This makes schools like St. Matthew Catholic School or others in the participating zone more accessible. It is crucial to check the latest income and residency requirements directly with the Tennessee Department of Education, as the program's specifics and eligibility zones are subject to legislative change. This state-specific aid is a key financial consideration distinct from traditional tuition payment plans or merit scholarships offered by the schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Hermitage offer that complement the area's local industries and culture?
Private schools in the greater Nashville area leverage the city's vibrant economy. For example, Montgomery Bell Academy and University School of Nashville offer robust programs in music, audio engineering, and entrepreneurship that connect with Nashville's identities as "Music City" and a growing business hub. Many also have strong partnerships with local universities, healthcare institutions (like Vanderbilt), and tech companies for internships and research. St. Matthew Catholic School, while younger in grade range, often emphasizes community service programs tied to local Nashville charities. These connections provide experiential learning opportunities that are deeply integrated into the regional landscape, an advantage for Hermitage students willing to commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive Nashville-area private schools for a family moving to or planning in Hermitage?
The timeline for top private schools like MBA and USN is highly structured and begins very early. The process for entry in Fall typically starts with inquiries and campus visits in the preceding spring or summer (12-18 months in advance for high school). Application deadlines are often in January, with admissions testing, interviews, and student visits occurring in the winter. Notification dates are usually in March. For Hermitage families, it's essential to factor in the commute as part of the application and interview process. Given the competitiveness, applying to multiple schools is common. St. Matthew Catholic School may have a slightly different timeline, often with priority for parish members, so contacting their admissions office directly is advised.
For a family in Hermitage, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public zoned schools (like Hermitage Elementary) with a private school requiring a significant daily commute?
The decision often hinges on the balance between community, time, and educational philosophy. Hermitage's zoned public schools, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools, are well-regarded and offer the convenience of a short commute and neighborhood-based community. Choosing a private school in Nashville involves accepting a substantial daily drive, which impacts family time and extracurricular participation. The trade-off may include smaller class sizes, a specific religious or pedagogical approach (like single-gender or progressive education), or specialized academic tracks not available in the public setting. Families should honestly assess the value of the commute against the specific benefits of the private institution, considering each child's temperament and the family's overall schedule.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities