City School of Nashville is a progressive, inclusive private school just north of downtown, only minutes from North Nashville. For families in Germantown, Salemtown, and the neighborhoods along Jefferson Street, we're a close and familiar option.
We're student-centered by design, with small classes, project-based learning, and a campus that reaches out into the whole city. If you've been looking for a North Nashville private school where your child is known and free to be themselves, you're in the right place.
This page covers who we're, how close we sit to North Nashville, and how to come see us for yourself. When you're ready, we'd love to schedule a tour.
A Neighbor to North Nashville
North Nashville sits right at the edge of downtown, which puts City School just up the road. For families in Germantown, Salemtown, Buena Vista, and the surrounding blocks, we're one of the closest private schools in the city.
That closeness means less time in the car and more time for what matters. It also means your child learns in the heart of the city they already know, rather than heading out to the suburbs to find a school that fits.
Because we sit so close, dropping by for a tour or a shadow day is easy. We'd encourage any North Nashville family to come see the school in person before deciding.
What Makes City School Different
Here's a quick look at what North Nashville families tend to notice first:
- Small classes. An average of about ten students per class.
- Extended learning blocks. Longer classes that allow depth over breadth.
- Weekly fieldwork. Regular excursions that use Nashville as a classroom.
- Core Advisory. A trusted adult who knows each student well.
- Project-based learning. Real challenges with real-world relevance.
A Progressive, Inclusive Community
A progressive school treats education as preparation for life, not just for tests. Learning is active, hands-on, and shaped around the students in the room.
We describe our approach as rainbows on the inside, which means students are free to be exactly who they're inside a community that knows and supports them. Every family is welcomed and respected here, whatever their background.
You can read more about how we teach on our Our Approach page.
Learning From the Whole City
Plenty of schools now talk about project-based learning, and that's a good thing. What sets City School apart is how far we take learning out into the city itself.
We treat Nashville as an extension of the classroom, and we do it often. In a single year, our classes take dozens of excursions, from studying civics at the State Capitol to visiting museums, businesses, and cultural institutions across town.
For North Nashville students, that means the whole city becomes a place to learn, not just a single building. Our Academics Overview shows how it comes together across middle and high school.
A School That Grows With Your Child
City School serves grades 5 through 12, so a student can settle in during middle school and stay through graduation. That continuity matters, because families don't have to hunt for a new school at the usual break between middle and high school.
Middle schoolers build strong habits and confidence in a supportive setting, then step into a high school program with more independence, deeper projects, and real college and career planning. Because the community is small, teachers and advisors know your child across all of those years, not just for a single grade.
For a North Nashville family, that means one close, familiar school can carry your child from a curious fifth grader to a capable, self-directed graduate.
Is City School the Right Fit?
Being honest about fit helps families choose with confidence. City School is a natural home for students who are proactive and self-directed, who love asking questions, and who are ready to step into a hands-on day.
Our model asks something of students, too. Because so much learning happens out in the city, students need to be comfortable with movement, new places, and the occasional change of plan, which we preview and prepare for whenever we can.
Families looking for a highly structured, low-activity, or intervention-based program will likely find a better match elsewhere, and we're always glad to talk that through. Getting this right means the families who join us are a real fit.
In Their Own Words
As City School parent Kortney V. shared:
"The attentiveness of each of her teachers is admirable. I realized upon the first parent/teacher meeting, that they had gotten to know my daughter on a level that has taken other teachers years."
Making City School Accessible
City School of Nashville is socio-economically diverse by design. We work to make our education reachable for families from a range of financial backgrounds.
Need-based financial aid is available and assessed through a secure third-party partner. You can learn more on our Tuition and Financial Aid page, or just contact us and we'll help you find a path that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is City School located relative to North Nashville?
City School sits at the edge of downtown near Germantown, just south of North Nashville and only minutes away.
What grades does City School serve?
We serve grades 5 through 12, spanning middle school (grades 5 to 8) and high school (grades 9 to 12).
How large are classes?
Classes average about ten students, which allows for personalized attention and strong relationships.
Is City School a special-education school?
No. We're a small, supportive, personalized school where students who learn and think in their own way are known and supported. We aren't a special-education or clinical program.
How can I visit?
The best way to know is to come see us. You can schedule a tour or contact us with any questions.
Come See Us From North Nashville
If you want a North Nashville private school where your child is known, challenged, and free to be themselves, we'd love to meet your family. Schedule a tour today and see the City School difference in action.