Sumner Academy

We transfered this year and absolutely love it. The curriculum is individualized to meet each of my 3 children's learning style. The teachers are very responsive and supportive. I wish I'd found it earlier.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attending Sumner Academy. Not only has it taught them to be prepared academically, it helped instill hard work and constant preparation. The school provides a safe environment for learning, where it is "cool" to be smart. It encourages good moral character and service to others. Both of my children have been prepared to earn AP credits at a private high school, and earn degrees at their respective universities. Sumner Academy provided a firm foundation for their success. It is evident that the success of my children is due to the guidance and love from the staff at Sumner Academy. A truly great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children graduate from Sumner Academy and have one that is still enrolled. My wife and I could not be more in love with this school, the culture is incredibly supportive and caring, the teachers are incredible, and the academic curriculum is outstanding. My career has forced us to move many times, so we have unfortunately had the opportunity to enroll our children at numerous schools. Sumner Academy is by far our favorite school for every member of our family. My daughter is now a senior and applying to colleges. Sumner Academy prepared her to excel in literally every AP course her high school offers. She is graduating near the top of her class and has already been accepted to Ivy level schools. The day after school let out this past summer, our 5th grader came into our bedroom and announced that he really missed school already. I assumed that he meant that he missed his classmates, but he corrected me saying, "I'll see them over the summer, I really miss my teachers. I want to start 5th grade right away, but with the same teachers I had this year." That about sums it up for me.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has attended Sumner Academy for 4 years after spending 3 years in public school. We were in what is considered a very good public school but honestly there is no comparison to the atmosphere at Sumner Academy. The teachers truly want to be here and it shows in everything they do. There is a great sense of "community" at this school. It's the best decision we ever made for our child and our only regret is that we didn't come sooner. We highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Several years ago I had the joy of attending my former Sumner Academy daughter's graduation for her second degree from MIT. What a wonderful surprise when also graduating that day was another Sumner Academy student! Both were girls graduating from a college where technical courses dominate. My daughter consistently says that two things prepared her for the high expectations of MIT. One is Sumner Academy and the other is high school basketball.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend this school for a total of 14 years. My son is graduating with a PhD in microbiology this May and my daughter is a junior in college. When they speak of "their" school and the teachers and classes that truly inspired them, they speak of Sumner Academy. Both of my children excelled in high school, one in AP and advanced classes in public school and the other at a highly academic private high school. Both entered college with multiple credits. I truly feel Sumner Academy set my children up for success.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of three children that have attended Sumner Academy, I could not be more pleased with the school. The Headmaster and teachers are dedicated, caring, and committed to helping children develop. Our oldest two have graduated and they have done extremely well in a top notch high school, excelling as well rounded students including academically - they have taken as many AP classes as they could fit into their schedule. As parents we all want the best for our children. We believe Sumner Academy helped us achieve that goal.
—Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this school. I have two children who have attended Sumner Academy since kindergarten and second grade. They have consistently performed well on standardized tests, and in math competitions. The teaching style is innovative and interactive. The teachers and administration are very caring and the school feels like a second family. My children are very happy and enjoy attending school here. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with elementary or middle school children.
—Submitted by a parent

Sumner has talented teachers whose genuine passion for teaching their subject matter is just as evident as their love for the students. My son began Sumner in 5th grade, & it has been academically the best decision we have made. He has always been well above grade level and for the first time has been challenged. Not only that, my child (who has always loved math & science) has developed a love for subject matter I never dreamed possible, like English, Literature, & Social Studies. The teachers' enthusiasm spreads to the students, who then are prepared to learn material at a greater depth. Teachers are easily reached via e-mail, & they often respond to questions, needs, & concerns within 1-2 of hours of receipt. They care about the students as individuals & build a strong rapport with them. My son, who is shy, has been able to shine & thrive. Though the teachers have high expectations & and are consistent with their follow-through they are also compassionate in the way they teach students to live up to them. It's an ideal combination. Sumner is not focused on test scores or teaching to the test. The teachers do a phenomenal job teaching, & the test scores turn out great.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of children in this school for over 10 years combined, this truly is a great school. I recommend it to everyone I come in contact with. Small class size promotes both a positive learning environment, along with a sense of "family" atmosphere. The administration is able to call parents by name when approached because of this. The education is also top notch, and students really get out of their education what they are willing to put into it. There are many intelligent kids at Sumner Academy, and the school embraces all of the students whether they are at the top of the class or not. The education the kids receive is designed to fit and exceed today's standards for learning. This school does an excellent job at teaching kids to sometimes think outside the box in order to be able to achieve a better level of understanding what they are being taught. I really cannot say enough great things about our experiences at this school. The school enrolls any age up to 8th grade, but I would definitely recommend checking it out before your child gets to middle school, to get their core curriculum, and study habits starting in the lower grades too. It's PK-8. ++++++++
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience with Sumner Academy has been awesome. The teachers are excellent. Class size allows for individual learning and fun activities. The leadership is open and helpful. Most of all, the atmosphere encourages and instills a love of learning. Could not be happier with Sumner Academy!
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible school and atmosphere. As far as academics, the math courses my son took as a 5th grader last year were the same ones I had in 8th grade honors at my public school in 1989. The teachers and staff at that school are absolutely the most involved and caring educators I have ever run across. Never a day goes by when I am not super envious of the boys and girls who get to attend Sumner academy. I would've pulled teeth for the same opportunity to go to such an incredible school. Proud parent of an SA 6th grader, Jason Legg.
—Submitted by a parent

Upon my son's graduation we moved him to a public school due to lack of funds. After re-evaluating his freshman year of high school, I am angrier than I have ever been at what he was prepared for, which was absolutely nothing. We were convinced he was getting the best education in the area, with the small student-teacher ratio and Sumner Academy's reputation in the community. He studied so hard in middle school, made straight As, was assured that he'd be far ahead of his peers and able to take AP classes throughout high school. This was not the case. He received an average education and an over-inflated ego as a result of attending this school, and his confidence has been severely deflated. This school is NOT WORTH THE TUITION. My husband and I also did not appreciate being solicited for donations at every opportunity. We are going to be paying tuition bills until we die, I'm afraid, and at what cost?
—Submitted by a parent

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