Who We Are
At City School, You Are Seen, Supported, and Challenged.
City School of Nashville reimagines education through personalized, project-based learning that builds critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills. With small classes, emphasis on social-emotional development, and the city as our classroom, we empower students to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Most of today's schools are stuck in a 19th-century curricular and instruction model. Despite a culture and economy focused on innovation, conventional schooling isn't helping young people develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century.
At City School of Nashville, we ignite passions, foster accountability, and build the skills that transform goals into achievements.
Our Three Pillars
Core Advisory - "FIND YOUR WHY"
Students explore their gifts and purpose while practicing essential durable skills like empathy, conscientiousness, self-regulation, perseverance, and time management. Through meaningful relationships with advisors and peers, students develop self-awareness and set personal goals that guide their educational journey.
Project-Based Learning - "DEEPER LEARNING"
Our longer learning blocks allow students to dive deep into subjects through hands-on projects rather than passive lectures. This approach equips students with the curiosity, confidence, and collaboration skills to tackle complex problems and lead with purpose in any field.
Fieldwork - "CITY AS CLASSROOM"
It helps students immensely to tie in concepts most students may only read on paper to real-world scenarios and living, breathing people. That's why we intentionally and strategically take students into the community to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.
From museums to businesses, government institutions to green spaces, students gain practical experience navigating and contributing to the world around them. This deliberate approach transforms the city into an extension of our learning environment, making education more relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Our Core Values
Foster an inclusive community where diverse identities and perspectives are welcomed and celebrated
Encourage diversity of thought by challenging students to think independently and engage respectfully with different viewpoints
Apply knowledge with purpose by connecting academic learning to real-world challenges and opportunities
Challenge the norm by continuously rethinking traditional approaches to education
In Their Own Words
After being at the school for 5 years, I think my senior year was the most impactful when it came to my personal growth. I started City School in 7th grade, right after lockdown, and that first year was a challenge. I mean, going to a new school, where you don't know anybody and have been isolated for a year is scary for anybody. But what helped the most was finding those like-minded people who understood and shared my struggles. This year, I really learned how to find my voice and truly advocate for myself, thanks not only to the school, but my friends as well. I learned how to set boundaries with my friends, my family, and even my boss, as well as gaining the confidence to ask for help when I need it. I think that is what this school is best at: helping teach you how to use the resources around you in the classroom, the home, and even the city, to help you.
— Julian, Class of 2026
Coming into this school I didn't know what a "real school" was like, as I was homeschooled for many years. City School brought me more creativity and friendships than I could've ever imagined. It is truly a fun, open, wonderful, and loving school. Thank you to my teachers and friends who watched me grow and helped me along the process. You will forever be with me!
— Tully, Class of 2026
What Makes Us Different
INNOVATIVE SCHEDULE:
Extended learning blocks (80-135 min) allow for depth over breadth
SMALL BY DESIGN:
Average class size of 10 ensures personalized attention
PURPOSE-DRIVEN:
Students explore their "why" alongside academic content
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING:
Weekly fieldwork experiences connect classroom to community
RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED:
Every student is known, valued, and supported