Sumner Academy

i am the parent of 3. My oldest is in his senior year, and he has attended 3 private schools since kindergarten. Our younger two boys are about to start their fourth year at Sumner. Our experience has been excellent from an academic standpoint, and the boys are eager to attend school on most days of the year. Our sons have not experienced any out of the ordinary issues in regard to bullying thus far. Unfortunately bullying occurs in all schools to some degree. The teachers and administration have been very caring to our kids and have been eager to provide extra help with classwork when needed. I have observed some parent "cliques", but my response is not to respond in an adolescent manner. In regard to the playground equipment comment by another reviewer- I would rather the teachers of my children be paid appropriately than have the latest playground equipment, and I don't see any of the teaches driving $50,000 cars......
--Submitted by a parent

I attended this school from grades 5-8. I was bullied throughout those four years and nothing was done to remedy it. I had two teachers during that time who attempted to intervene but administration ignored them and me, and even ignored my parents - I assume it's because the parents of the children responsible for the bullying were rather wealthy and donated often while my family's income was average at best. A lecture was given to my grade about bullying but this only seemed to exacerbate the problem and I became even more of a target. This continued until graduation. The only reason I stayed at this awful school for so long was because my parents were convinced I was getting the best education possible. But after moving on to a very down-trodden, inner city public high school of about 3500 students, I realized was no further along than anybody else, and struggled in friendships because of the trauma I endured while at Sumner Academy. Please avoid enrolling your child in this school. A small, tightly knit group of mostly-wealthy, incredibly spoiled kids is NOT an ideal environment. The education is not top-notch and could leave your child emotionally stunted. Save your money.

After having two children enrolled in Sumner Academy, we found that our kids were no further ahead academically than they are in public school. Not worth the tuition. Found the parents very clicky and not open to new ideas. The school also has a very old, wooden play set that is out dated, with the high cost of tuition they could use the monney to impove the playground.
--Submitted by a parent

We enrolled our oldest child this past year at SA and couldn't be happier. He came from a local public school (the best one in Hendersonville) and to no fault of the teachers there (the curriculum), he was not challenged to his fullest extent. He now beams with excitment every day about his devoted teachers , exciting and engaging activities and curriculum and the small class sizes (less than 14). He loves school again. Tuition is in line with other Nashville private schools and is well worth it. At SA, middle school begins in 5th grade which is a huge bonus. While this was a very difficult decision for us to make, we are glad we made the switch.
--Submitted by a parent

Enrolling our children in SA was the most comfortable decision we have made concerning our childrens education. The level of education has been superior and we are excited to see our children reach goals thought unobtainable by most...and doing so happily and with ease. I only wish I had done is sooner! The results are worth every penny!
--Submitted by a parent

Sumner Academy is a great school that truly lives its motto of 'We Believe Every Child is Gifted'. The teachers and administration are exceptional. Class sizes are optimal for teacher creativity and hands-on learning. The curriculum is stimulating and challenging. Our children were allowed from an early age to work above grade level. Parental involvement is high, including chaperoning out-of-town field trips and volunteering in the classroom. We couldn't be more satisfied.
--Submitted by a parent

Some dedicated teachers? Yes. Worth the tuition? Absolutely not. After we've had three kids have go through Sumner Academy on the honor roll, we are learning that they are now lost at John Paul II High School in a number of subjects, particularly math. Ask yourself why the school has classes of 50-60 students in Kindergarten through first or second grade but by the time the seventh and eight grade rolls around, the class size dwindles to a dozen or so. Parents wise up after about five or six years of the non-sense. Spend your money eleswhere for a truly quality education. Stay away.
--Submitted by a parent

Sumner Academy provides the highest quality education where children come first. Students are individuals not numbers and given the confidence to prevail to their highest potential. They provide a teaching staff that is not only highly skilled but encouraging and supportive in every way. Sumner Academy offers a place for every student to excel and revel their true potential.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff at sumner academy can take an otherwise average student and transform them into an academic success, they discover strengths and weaknesses then build upon and strengthen them in a nurturing and loving environment. While my son has recieved an excellent academic education he has also gained the self esteem and positivity that comes from working and being guided by a staff that is dedicated to thier proffession. Sumner academy goes beyond being a learning institution its an extended family. As a single parent I have benifited as well by the knowledge that my son is in an environment that is providing more than an education, he has been giving the desire to set the bar higher in his life.He has the esteem and assurance you don't typically find in a 13 year old, I don't call them teachers I call them mentors. I have yet to find one person on staff that doesn't love what they do, and it shows in the students achievments. It has certainly shown thru my son.
--Submitted by jessie rivers

This is a school where the children learn in a safe and loving enviroment. The student teacher ratio makes it tops.
--Submitted by a parent