Harding Academy of Memphis

Harding Academy is a family affair for us! I went there, my brother went there, my husband went there, and my brother-in-law went there too. Now I am so blessed to have my children go there! Harding is such a special place and has such a sense of family. I am proud to call myself a graduate and for my children to one day call themselves graduates!
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni and parent who is experiencing great things for my children at Harding Academy. From the classroom to the theater stage to the ball field, Harding competes with integrity and awareness of a higher purpose than grades, awards and State Championships. There are many good public and private schools in our city; however, I challenge anyone to find a more well-grounded environment for learning and spiritual influence. There is a great momentum building at this amazing East Memphis campus as her impending new leadership promises a bright and forward-thingking future for the students of Harding. Your child will be loved, prayed for, and surrounded by great peers; I had a wonderful experience as a student and do not blink twice at the tuition cost, as I know my kids are receiving more than just an education: they are receiving a blessing of being part of an experience that will shape them as individuals, regardless of their career path. Harding offers a location, a legacy, and a love for Christ that is imbedded in its cirriculum and programs. Sending your child(ren) to Harding will be the best sacrifice you can make for them!

As a graduate of the Academy, I feel that Harding not only prepared me for college, but also for life. My teachers were experts in their subject, passionate, compassionate, and kind. I felt loved by them, and knew they had my best interest at heart. Every high school has its drama among the students, but at Harding I always felt that the teachers were striving to instill in us a sense of loving each other and of loving our community.

I am a teacher at Harding Academy and I can't imagine teaching anywhere else! I have found it to be a school that has high expectations for students in both academics and spiritual formation. I'm honored to be at a school where students are cared for deeply and are mentored continually. I'm proud that our students come back to us saying how prepared they are for their college courses and how they are serving in their campuses as spiritual leaders and servants of Christ. Students really do view their school as a family and I feel the same way!
—Submitted by a teacher

NOT CHRIST BASED - after 3yrs we did not renew our contract bacause of a potential move - they pressured every day after and manipulated my insecurities of not moving to sign "just in case". After weeks of pressure I signed and guess what - we moved! They asked us to then perform some questionable insurance tactics so they could collect a 1/2 yrs tuition and the other 1/2 from us. Our son never attended one day! We declined & they sued us within 3 months & filed a judgment even with a payment plan agreed upon by our attorneys. My lesson is that Harding Academy is a business and I should have listened to my husband and not let the school leaders prey on my vulnerability as a loving mother. These people who you think love your children are really run by money not love and NOT CHRIST!
—Submitted by a parent

Harding is a fantastic school. The faculty truly cares about the students. The academics are college prep level and the school does a great job providing safe social activities. I have no regrets in sending my two children to Harding. I also met my beautiful wife while I attended Harding over twenty years ago. Harding was great then and even better now.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Harding Academy for ALL of my schooling before college. It was an excellent place to grow and learn. I had teachers that would not let me skate by on talent, but pushed me to try my best. The English and Math teachers were fantastic. The music programs were always top competitors for West Tennessee. The mid-level administrators were excellent as well. I gave it 4 stars because as I later worked in selective college admissions, I noticed that most Harding Academy students were not pushed to apply and enroll at very selective universities. All students are well prepared to enter 4-year colleges. That being said, Harding Academy is an excellent choice for elementary, middle, or high school. If I lived in Memphis, my kids would definitely be attending my alma mater.

We have 2 children attending Harding Academy. I am a teacher, but I don't teach at Harding. I researched curriculum in the County Schools and all the private schools and found that Harding has the most consistent curriculum. They use Saxon Phonics and Math and Shirley English. The lesson that start in PreK(2,3,4) all build on what they will be doing the next year throughout 12th grade. This is not what public schools have. In five years we have not had a single incident where our children were not in a safe, loving, christian environment that had excellent discipline where children can learn and ask questions. Whatever they are doing works! They teach study and organizational skills that build year to year so they are prepared for hard work and expecting more from themselves. I would home school before putting my kids in public schools. Committed to Harding: A teacher/parent
—Submitted by a parent

Cherry Rd-Harding Academy is the best for preschoolers!! Lisa White the principle sets the bar very high for her staff, the kids and the level of customer service. We recently moved to NC and wish we had some place like that here to send our little guys now! The kids learn through fun, play, love and praise! So nice!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who are presently attending excellent universities after graduating from Harding Academy. Both have received academic scholarships. I thank Harding and its excellent teachers for helping my children in their accomplishments. They have also formed friendships which are continuing even though some of their friends are attending other colleges. Harding offers excellent opportunities for students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is known to be behind academically in comparison with other private schools in the area. It is comparable to the county school system as far as the curriculum goes.
—Submitted by a teacher

Harding Academy is a solid Christian school. The atmosphere is positive and it is very easy to make friends here. The diversity of the school reflects the real world and Harding prepares you for the real world. The teachers and students are all very caring and will love you with the love of the Lord.
—Submitted by a student

I was a student there during high school and could not disagree more with the negative comments people have left. Harding is a college prep school and every student is well prepared to enter college and most of us were well ahead of our peers from other schools when we did. The comment about social and maturity levels of the students should be completely ignored as that is the job of the parents. The students at Harding are no less prepared to enter the real world than they would be at any other school and I believe are more prepared than most to handle what was to come because of the strong moral environment that the school provides.
—Submitted by a student

Harding Academy is a great school both spiritually and academically and is really fun.
—Submitted by a student

My experience is with the secondary levels. This school is so behind academically. Weak on challenges or opportunities guided by teachers or admin. Counseling is non existant. Not college prepared and not ready for the real world when they graduate. Students are socially weak and lack maturity. I would not recommend this school or the the staff to educate my child.

I am very pleased with the overall school experience that my daughter has received at Harding. She has been a student since first grade, now in 7th grade and the transition period to middle school is very structured. All of the teachers and staff members, as well as upper classmate, truly care about children and making sure that they succeed in life. There are a lot of extracurricular activities that students can participate in to build their self esteem and help them to learn. I would recommend Harding to any parent who is looking for a Christian-based school for their children to become successful caring adults. A parent of 7th grade student
—Submitted by Merry Doss, a parent

One of the best schools in the country. My daughter has thrived there both academically and spiritually. Outstanding value for the money. Caring teachers and staff, excellent application of technology, good discipline and christian atmosphere make this school successful. AP classes provide a challenge for students that apply themselves. The sports program is broad and the music program is second to none. I have twenty years experience doing business with both the city and county schools in Memphis. When my daughter started middle school and was on her way to college, I did my homework and found that Harding was the best place for her. My daughter will graduate this year (2004-2005) near the top of her class.
—Submitted by Rick Pellicciotti, a parent

Academically excellent. Teachers & administration less than flexible when working with individual needs of students, such as extended illness.
—Submitted by a parent

Harding is an awesome school. There are many extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and many others. The President is very much in touch with the students and the parents. The teachers are great, and they help each child learn academically as well as spiritually. I attended Harding, and now all 4 of my daughters attend.
—Submitted by Amy Coleman, a parent