The Best Private Schools in Old Hickory, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Old Hickory. 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 highly prestigious independent school serving the greater Nashville area, including Old Hickory. Founded in 1915, USN offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, with students consistently achieving top test scores and college placements. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, extensive arts spaces, and modern athletic facilities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development through a diverse range of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service programs.
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Lipscomb Academy
Lipscomb University
Lipscomb Academy is a private Christian school affiliated with Lipscomb University, serving families throughout the Nashville metropolitan area including Old Hickory. The academy offers comprehensive educational programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features modern facilities including STEM labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Lipscomb's curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment options with the university, and robust extracurricular programs. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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St. Matthew Catholic School
Diocese of Nashville
St. Matthew Catholic School serves families across the greater Nashville region, including those in Old Hickory seeking quality private education. Founded in 1965, the school provides education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects alongside religious education, with specialized programs in STEM, music, and foreign languages. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Old Hickory, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Old Hickory, TN, and what are their general educational approaches?
While Old Hickory itself is a residential community with limited on-site private schools, families typically look to nearby Nashville institutions. The most prominent options include University School of Nashville (USN), known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and progressive approach; Lipscomb Academy, which offers a Christian-based education integrated with a strong academic program from preschool through 12th grade; and St. Matthew Catholic School, providing a faith-based elementary education. Many Old Hickory residents also consider other Nashville-area schools like Montgomery Bell Academy or Harpeth Hall. The commute to these schools, primarily into Davidson County, is a key logistical consideration for Old Hickory parents.
How does Tennessee's Education Savings Account (ESA) program impact tuition affordability for Old Hickory families considering private schools?
Tennessee's ESA program, currently available to eligible families in certain counties (including Davidson County where many target schools are located), can significantly offset private school costs for qualifying Old Hickory residents. The program provides state funds that can be used for tuition, fees, and other approved expenses at participating private schools. It's crucial to check each school's participation status—Lipscomb Academy and St. Matthew Catholic School, for example, are participants, while policies at University School of Nashville may differ. Eligibility is based on income, residency, and prior public school enrollment, so Old Hickory families should review the latest state guidelines and apply well before enrollment deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Old Hickory that leverage Nashville's resources?
Private schools in the Nashville area accessible to Old Hickory families often feature programs deeply connected to the city's cultural and professional landscape. University School of Nashville emphasizes experiential learning with partnerships at Vanderbilt University and local museums. Lipscomb Academy leverages its university affiliation for advanced STEM initiatives and music programs tied to Nashville's music industry. St. Matthew Catholic School integrates community service projects throughout the Greater Nashville area. Many schools also offer specialized tracks in fields like biomedical sciences, entrepreneurship, and performing arts, utilizing Nashville's vibrant economy and institutions for internships and mentorships not typically found in smaller towns.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like USN or Lipscomb Academy for an Old Hickory family?
The timeline for top Nashville-area private schools is rigorous and often begins over a year in advance. For fall admission, applications for schools like University School of Nashville and Lipscomb Academy typically open in August or September, with deadlines between December and February for the following academic year. The process usually includes standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), school visits/interviews, teacher recommendations, and applicant assessments. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, Old Hickory families are advised to start research and campus visits in the spring or summer prior to applying. Many schools also have sibling and legacy priority, which can affect admission chances for new families from the Old Hickory area.
How do transportation logistics work for Old Hickory, TN, students attending private schools in Nashville, and are there organized options?
Transportation is a primary practical consideration. Most private schools in Nashville do not provide dedicated bus service to Old Hickory (located in Wilson/Davidson counties). Families typically rely on carpools, private nanny services, or personal commutes, which can range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on Nashville traffic. Some schools, like Lipscomb Academy, may offer regional bus routes for an additional fee, but these often serve closer suburbs. Many Old Hickory families coordinate with other local parents to form carpools. It's essential to factor this daily commute time and cost into your decision, and to inquire during school tours about any existing parent networks from the Old Hickory/Hendersonville area.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools Near Old Hickory, TN
For families in Old Hickory exploring educational options beyond the public system, the search for the right private school environment is a deeply personal journey. Many parents begin their research with a simple query for "secular private schools near me," seeking an institution that aligns with their values without a specific religious affiliation. In the Greater Nashville area, which includes our community in Old Hickory, this search reveals a landscape rich with choice, though it requires careful navigation to find the perfect fit. Understanding what "secular" means in this context is the first step. In private education, it typically refers to schools that are not governed by or integrated with a religious organization, and whose curriculum and community life are not shaped by religious doctrine. This opens the door to a focus on critical thinking, ethical development from a pluralistic perspective, and often, a diverse student body.
While Old Hickory itself is a charming residential community, the most prominent private school options are found in the surrounding Nashville metro area, each with its own character and commute considerations. A prime example often at the top of lists for families seeking a rigorous, non-sectarian education is the University School of Nashville. Originally founded as the Peabody Demonstration School, USN is a prestigious K-12 independent school known for its academic excellence, strong arts programs, and commitment to creating an inclusive environment. For Old Hickory parents, this means a potential daily drive into the Green Hills area, but for many, the school’s reputation and secular, progressive ethos make it a compelling choice. It’s important to note that "secular" does not mean devoid of values; schools like USN often emphasize community service, intellectual curiosity, and respect for all backgrounds.
Your search may also lead you to institutions like Lipscomb Academy, which is a highly respected private school but is affiliated with Lipscomb University and has a Christian foundation. This highlights a key point for Old Hickory families: carefully reviewing a school’s mission statement is essential. St. Matthew Catholic School in nearby Franklin is another excellent option, but clearly falls within the faith-based category. Therefore, when focusing specifically on secular private schools near me, the field narrows, but the quality remains exceptionally high. The commute is a significant local factor. Traffic patterns on I-40 and Briley Parkway will become part of your daily calculus, making school start times, carpool possibilities, and after-school care logistics critical topics during your tours and interviews.
Ultimately, the best approach is to move beyond the search engine and into the schools themselves. Schedule visits to the campuses of your top contenders. Observe the classroom interactions, ask administrators about their educational philosophy and how they foster community and character, and talk to current parents about their experiences. For Old Hickory residents, finding the right secular private school is about matching your child’s unique needs with an institution’s culture, all while balancing the practicalities of Nashville-area life. The investment of time on the front end to understand these nuances—defining "secular," understanding commutes, and seeing the schools in action—will pay dividends in finding a learning community where your child will truly thrive.
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