Montgomery Bell Academy

This school may boast many things, but the last thing that it is is culturally diverse. MBA prides itself on tradition, so expect that on every level (including poor treatment of its minorites). Anyone from the Nashville area has heard rumors about the school and racism. Well, these rumors are very much true. If you're a caucasion affluent family, then by all means, send your son there. Yet, if you're atypical due to ethnicity or socioeconomic status, you will never be treated as an equal. You will be reminded over and over again how different you truly are. There were two African - American graduates out of a class of 100+. The young black men do not stay at this school. If they deem you fortunate enough to accept you, you will not stay long (6 transferred at the end of this school year). No matter who you are or how great you are, you will never be equal. Unfair treatment is tolerated and almost encouraged by staff and peers on a daily basis. I am an educator who has seen child after child leave. If you think that you're different, you are not. Bottom line, do not send your black young men to MBA, it will be the absolute worst mistake you will ever make for your child.
--Submitted by a teacher

I am now a retired dentist and have achieved many of my life goals, but the accomplishment of which I am most proud is my graduation from MBA. The academics were demanding, the discipline was exacting and the sports was both body and character building. My attendance at the school engendered in me a strong sense of personal and social responsibity, and I will forever be grateful to my parents for sacrificing to send me there and to the teachers for developing my mind to excell. Submitted by an alumnus.

MBA is the top academic school in Nashville, no other school except the University School of Nashville is anywhere near it! They teach straight to the motto: "Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete," in that order. It is not for everyone, but for those it fits they come out to be fine, young men who make a difference in the world. There are so many different types of boys at MBA, it is guaranteed that there will be no paucity of friends for each boy. MBA gets a bad rap from those who do not like the school because they are beaten in athletics, those who had a hard time with the disciplinary system (which is stellar), or those who could not keep up with the tough academic standards.

Cool to be smart. All boys minimizes one major distraction. Yes sir respect for teachers/visitors. Requires grammar, latin, public speaking, after school sports (intramural or team), appropriiate dress including belt or sometimes blazer. Average ~500 AP exams@~4 with ~110 boys/grade. Opportunity everywhere you look: debate, foreigh xchange, teacher help...
--Submitted by a parent

One of the toughest academic schools I've ever heard of! It is great though, some people say that it doesn't help socially which is very false. Many mixers and dances! Very tough and respected.
--Submitted by a student

I am an alumnus of MBA and I can honestly say it helped me become one heck of a successful individual. I do understand that an all-boys school is not for every young man. I recently left the Navy as an officer and I am currently in Law School. The life-lessons and positive attitudes I learned there have served me everyday of my life. MBA was gracious with scholarship money to my family and I will repay them in full one day.

Great acedemics and activities, but does not help boys develop socialy. My other child goes to Ensworth, and it seems just as good, if not better. Both are excellent schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed with MBA. My son is an African American student who will be enrolling in his third year this fall. MBA has enhanced his character and taught responsibility. When I ask him how was school, he beams. His grades were better in a former public school, however, his understanding is much better. Honor, respect, discipline and hard work certainly is needed in our youth and MBA offers these fibers to be woven in the character he is taught at home. MBA is not a military school. However, there are rules as in life as well as consequences. I appreciate the school for what it stands for and what they produce: gentlemen, scholars and athletes.
--Submitted by a parent

Unbelievable education! Wonderful suggestion to start him in 8th grade so that he would be up to speed for 9th. It is a fantastic environment for boys. Parents are friendly and welcoming. School programs are top tier, athletics super, teachers excellent. There is a family feeling at MBA and a unique culture that I'm thrilled for my son to be a part of. He has learned to think, reason, express himself verbally and in writing. The discipline is structured but certainly not military like. They train and encourage the boys to be gentlemen first creating a well- rounded, thoughtful, educated young man that has honor and discipline-things that are lacking in most public high schools.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the best school in Nashville, and has been around for over 140 years, and its motto is fits the scool, Gentelmaan, Scholar, Athelte. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent