St. Bernard Academy Photo #1 - St. Bernard Academy is proud to celebrate 151 years in Nashville.

St. Bernard Academy

St. Bernard Academy enjoys a rich 150+ year history as a high-quality, Catholic, independent co-educational elementary school for Junior Kindergarten through 8th level students.
In 2017, St. Bernard was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
St. Bernard provides its students an excellent Catholic, academic education built on the foundation of self-discipline, compassion and a sense of responsibility for social justice in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked TN School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 385 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $14,970
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Bernard Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, Dyslexia, Mild Learning Differences, Receptive/Expressive Learning Disorder, Stuttering, and Articulation Impairment
Year Founded
1866
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2017

Student Body

Total Students
385 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
St. Bernard Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Plaid skirts, Navy Pants, Polos and Oxfords

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
15%
Admissions Director
Elizabeth Wilson

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Chess Club, Coding and Programming, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, Drama Club, Engineering, Forensics, National Junior Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Student Council Association, Yoga

Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Guitar Lessons, Musical, Piano Lessons, Violin Lessons

School Notes

Since 1866, SBA has focused on preparing children academically, emotionally, and spiritually to become the leaders of tomorrow. The experience and expertise of our teachers along with the challenging curriculum helps our students build a strong educational foundation. The nurturing small-class size, family-like environment allows the children to develop into motivated young adults prepared for their next steps in life. Service learning is integrated into the curriculum at every grade level helping to mold our students into caring and compassionate students.

The School
  • Catholic, Independent, Co-educational Elementary School Founded in 1866 by the Sisters of Mercy
  • Beautiful 3.2-acre campus centrally located in Nashville not far from Vanderbilt University
  • Enrollment: 385 students in levels Jr. kindergarten through eighth level
  • Student to teacher ratio: 11 to 1

The Program
  • Distinctive, academic program designed to challenge and empower students to reach their fullest potential
  • Special emphasis on basic skills, thinking skills, problem solving, and the effective use of language
  • Accelerated courses
  • Foreign language instruction in French and Spanish
  • Strong service-learning program incorporated into all class and activities
  • Computer use integrated into curriculum at all grade levels
  • Physical education classes two times a week for Junior Kindergarten through 8th Level
  • Competitive, optional, after-school interscholastic sports program for grades K-8, including crosscountry, football, volleyball, soccer, golf and basketball
  • Wide selection of extra-curricular mini-courses for Junior Kindergarten through 8th Level, including school publications, forensics, sports, the arts, and community service
  • Participation in Duke University TIP (Talent Identification Program)
  • Comprehensive after care program
  • Need-based financial aid program
The Faculty
  • 35 full-time classroom teachers
  • Average teaching experience of 15 years, with 9 of those years at SBA
  • Greater than 70% of faculty and staff members hold advanced degrees
  • Participate in frequent professional learning opportunities both on and off campus
  • Enthusiastic about teaching and concerned about the individual well-being and total developmental needs of each student
  • Strong, family-like network between students, teachers, and parents
The Parents
  • Well-educated, mainly employed in business and service professions (law, medicine, finance, technology, education)
  • Enthusiastic and actively engaged in supporting SBA
The Resources
  • School library/media center containing over 18,300 volumes, periodicals, and a full selection of audio-visual and resource materials with PC and Mac Computers
  • Two mobile laptop carts, mobile iPad cart
  • Classroom libraries located in each classroom
  • Smart Board in every classroom
  • Large, fully-equipped science labLarge gym with seating for 500
  • Visual Arts Studio
  • Multi-purpose Fine Arts Center

Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Bernard Academy cost?
St. Bernard Academy's tuition is approximately $14,970 for private students.
What sports does St. Bernard Academy offer?
St. Bernard Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Bernard Academy's ranking?
St. Bernard Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Bernard Academy?
The application deadline for St. Bernard Academy is Jan. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is St. Bernard Academy located?
St. Bernard Academy is located in the Hillsboro West End neighborhood of Nashville, TN.

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked TN School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 385 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $14,970
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Nashville, TN is $17,149 for elementary schools and $22,714 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Nashville, TN is 65% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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